Tenants Area
Looking after home
Within Property Services there is a Utilities team who are responsible for checking bills and making payments for gas, electric and water at some services. It is essential that they regularly receive meter readings for properties where Creative Support pay the bills to ensure we are not overpaying estimated bills and that you let them know of any issues you have.
If you pay your own bills, you should supply meter readings regularly to your supplier to ensure your bills are accurate.
The team are able to offer support to ensure that your utility bills are accurate. They can be contacted on 0161 236 0829 or email utilities@creativesupport.co.uk
Energy Efficiency / Utilities
Tips to help you save energy and money
Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. If you are going away during the winter and have gas heating (not electric) leave it on low setting to prevent freezing. If you have electric heaters, ensure you turn them off.
Turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby could save between 5% and 10% on your electric bill and considerably more if you can set a timer for the Immersion heater. Do not leave immersion heaters on constant as they use an incredible amount of electricity.
Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. If you are going away during the winter and have gas heating (not electric) leave it on low setting to prevent freezing. If you have electric heaters, ensure you turn them off.
Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. If you are going away during the winter and have gas heating (not electric) leave it on low setting to prevent freezing. If you have electric heaters, ensure you turn them off.
Turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby could save between 5% and 10% on your electric bill and considerably more if you can set a timer for the Immersion heater. Do not leave immersion heaters on constant as they use an incredible amount of electricity.
Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. If you are going away during the winter and have gas heating (not electric) leave it on low setting to prevent freezing. If you have electric heaters, ensure you turn them off.
Turning down your thermostat by just 1°C can save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bill. If you are going away during the winter and have gas heating (not electric) leave it on low setting to prevent freezing. If you have electric heaters, ensure you turn them off.
Keeping your home secure
Tips to help you secure your home
Keep all your windows and doors secure. Keep them closed and locked when you are out of the house.
Keep your keys safe. Do not give your key to someone else to look after or give anyone a spare copy.
If you have visitors do not leave them alone in your home. This could be a breach of your occupancy agreement. It could also affect your contents insurance if anything is broken or stolen.
Do not leave valuable items on show in front of windows where people might see them.
If a workman or external contractor visits make sure you ask to see their identification.
Beware of signing up to things from doorstep callers. Do not feel pressurised to sign anything they show you or to invite them into your home.
Beware of “bogus callers” especially if they are asking for money. Do not let them into your home.
Don’t forget to consider buying contents insurance.
Contents Insurance
Creative Support does not provide contents insurance for your personal belongings. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain your own contents insurance.
We recommend that you do this to ensure that your belongings are covered in the case of any accidents or incidents resulting in theft, loss or damage.
Tips for taking care of your home
Tips to help you take care of your home
Keep your house aired and do not block air bricks.
Don’t dry washing on radiators. Hang washing outside if possible or in the bathroom with a window slightly open.
Turn off lights and electrical items when not in use.
Always use an extractor fan in your bathroom or cooker hood in your kitchen.
Empty cooking fat in the bin when it has cooled down and not down the sink or toilet.
Make sure you know where to find the stopcock and fuse box.
Keep drains and gutters clear of leaves and rubbish.
Do not put anything except toilet paper down the toilet to avoid blockages.
Report any repairs needed without delay to your landlord.
How to prevent condensation in your home
Tips to help you prevent condensation in your home
Never block air bricks or vents in your walls, doors or windows. If you have a gas boiler in your home then the vents may provide oxygen so it is dangerous to block these vents off.
When cooking in the kitchen, keep the door closed but open a window to allow steam to escape. If you have no windows, the extractor fan should be left to run for a while.
Reduce the amount of moisture in the air by not drying clothes directly on radiators or storage heaters.
Do not allow kettles and pans to boil for longer than necessary. If you have an extractor fan then please use it.
Avoid using portable gas heaters as they produce high levels of water vapour.
EPCs and Gas Certificates
Keep your certificates safe
When you move into one of our properties, you will be given some essential documents: Energy Performance Certificates, Gas Safety Certificates.
You should keep these safe. When they are renewed by your landlord, you will be given new copies for your records. If there is no gas in the property, we will make sure we tell you. If you are not given these documents when you sign up, please let your Housing Officer know.
Recycling
Recycling saves energy and helps to take care of the Earth’s resources
We are all aware that we need to be kinder to the environment and reduce the impact of climate change to protect the planet for future generations.
You can play a big part in making the area that you live in a greener and more pleasant place to be.
Living a greener lifestyle often saves money too! Remember, saving energy = saving money.
Recycling saves energy and helps to take care of the Earth’s resources. It also reduces the amount landfill. Common things that can be recycled are paper, metal and glass.
To find out what you can recycle in your area visit your local council website or speak to a member of staff.