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Hints & Tips
The following hints and tips may help you to resolve (or contain) maintenance problems without the need to report the problem to ARIM at all. If nothing else, the questions should help you gather as much information as possible for you to share with your Property Manager when notifying them of the problem. This will help them diagnose the problem quickly and dispatch the relevant contractor to attend within appropriate timescales.
White Goods Not Working
Is there electricity supply going to the appliance?
- Have you checked the fuse box/trip switch?
- Have you checked the fuse in the plug for the appliance?
- Have you tried the appliance in another socket?
- Hob - is it gas or electric? is the appliance built in or free-standing? are their other rings on the hob that work? which one(s) is not working? are there alternative cooking facilities, e.g. microwave? what is the make and model number?
- Oven - is it gas or electric? is the appliance built in or free-standing? is it the grill or oven element or both that is not working? are there alternative cooking facilities, e.g. microwave? what is the make and model number?
- Fridge/Freezer/Fridge Freezer - is the appliance built in or free-standing? which part is not working? what is the make and model number?
- Washing Machine/Dryer/Washer Dryer - is the appliance built in or free-standing? which part is not working? what is the make and model number?
Blockages
- Note that clearing blocked waste outlets, traps and pipes to the kitchen sink, bath, washbasins, etc. is your responsibility as a tenant. If a contractor is dispatched, you will be recharged the cost of attending to any blockages if it is found to have been caused by your negligent actions, e.g. flushing of nappies, disposal of food waste.
- Toilets - is it the only toilet on the premises? have you attempted to flush it with a bucket of water? have you attempted to unblock it with a loo brush or a domestic cleaning/clearing agent, etc?
- Showers, baths or sinks - have you attempted to unblock it with a domestic cleaning/clearing agent, is there other means of washing available in the property?
- Drains - is damage being caused? is it causing a Health & Safety problem? is it preventing the use of the toilet (see 'toilets')?
No Heating
- Is the heating system gas or electric? If electric, have you checked the fuse box/trip switch?
- Do you still have hot water? If not, see 'No Hot Water'.
- Are all the radiators affected or is it only specific ones? If so, in which rooms?
- Do you have a token/card meter? Do you have credit?
- Is there a leak from any part of the heating system?
Gas Leaks
- Have you called the National Grid (formerly Transco) on 0800 111 999? They should attend to isolate the meter and make safe in the first instance.
- Does this result in a lack of heating? If so, see 'No Heating'.
- Does this result in a gas cooker or gas fire not working? If so, are there alternative cooking/heating facilities available?
No Hot Water
- Is it a gas boiler or economy 7 (electric)? If electric, are you able to get hot water from the boost button?
- Do you still have heating? If not, see 'No Heating'.
- Do you have other means of washing, e.g. electric shower?
- Do you have a token/card meter? Do you have credit?
Lack of Power Supply
- Is it a complete loss of supply or is only a certain area that is affected?
- Have you checked the fuse box/trip switch?
- Were you using an electrical appliance at the time the power supply was lost, e.g. kettle, toaster, iron?
- Have you checked with neighbouring properties or with the electricity supplier to determine whether there is a general power cut?
- Could you have been cut off by the electricity supplier due to unpaid bills or failure to pay for connection?
- Do you have a token/card meter? Do you have credit?
Total Lack of Water Supply
- Have you checked with the water supplier to determine whether works are being carried out in the area?
Leaks
- Where is the leak coming from?
- How bad is the leak? dripping? pouring? gushing?
- Is the leak causing damage?
- Is the leak penetrating an electrical fitting?
- Is the leak containable?
- Have you been able to isolate the leak by turning the water off at the stopcock or gate valve?
- If the leak is coming from a property above or adjacent, have you contacted the occupants? what is their flat number and contact details?
- For roof leaks only - what are the weather conditions? wet? windy? and/or dark?
Damage to Roofs
- Where is the damage to the roof?
- Is the damage hazardous? e.g. risk of slates falling on to a public highway?
- Do you have loft access?
Downpipes & Gutters
- Where on the building is the damaged downpipe/gutter?
- Is water entering the building causing major damage?
- Is there a loose part that is dangerous and cannot be made safe?
Broken Windows
- Was the damaged caused by you? If so, the cost of repair will be recharged to you.
- If the damage wasn't caused by you, have you notified the police and obtained a crime reference number?
- Is the damaged glass dangerous?
- Is the window on the ground floor? or any other place likely to make the property vulnerable to criminals?
Insecure Property
- What has caused the property to be insecure? e.g. damaged door as a result of a break-in? a ground floor window (or other vulnerable window) being jammed open? an inoperable lock?
- If as a result of a break in (or attempted break in), have you notified the police and obtained a crime reference number?
Lock Outs
- Have you lost your key or locked the key inside the property? Is so, you should call a local locksmith, at your own expense.
