Major housing maintenance problems and what to do

What to do if you smell gas

If you detect a gas smell:

• immediately turn off the gas at your meter
• open all doors and windows for ventilation
• avoid smoking or using naked flames
• do not operate electrical switches
• avoid using the door controlled entry system from your flat
• homeowners should call National Grid from outside the home with all details
• council housing tenants should call us at 01865 249811 from outside the home with details. We will then inform National Grid
• stay at the property until National Grid arrives. Note: Council tenants may be charged for any forced entry by National Grid if not present

Total electrics failure

In case of a total electricity failure:

• check if other properties are affected. If yes, contact your electricity supplier; if no, check your main fuse
• see if the trip switch is activated
• if an appliance caused the failure, unplug all appliances, reset the trip switch, then test each appliance individually
• if you can’t find the problem, call our contact centre at 01865 249811 for an electrician. Charges may apply if an appliance is at fault

Handling major water leaks

In the event of a major water leak:

• turn off the stop tap, usually under the sink, but also check the bathroom, hall, or under the stairs
• if the leak might affect electrical systems, turn off the power at the main fuse box
• use newspapers or towels to absorb any leaking water