COMMUNAL AREAS

There are occasions when tenants identify repairs that are necessary but that are not to their own home.  This could include things like the communal lighting in a block of flats, or the communal drainpipes to a block of garages.  We encourage people to report these requests for repairs as soon as possible.

If tenants are aware that damage is being deliberately caused by an individual or groups of individuals we would welcome information that could lead to those people being charged with the costs, rather than the costs falling to the rent payers.

DEALING WITH CONDENSATION

All homes get condensation at sometime.  This is normal when moisture and steam is created, for example, at bath time or when a meal is being cooked.  It is quite normal to find bedroom windows misted up in the morning after a cold night.  There is nothing much that can be done to stop this.   Condensation is usually at its worst during the winter; this oftne results in black mould growing on wlals and other surfaces.

Causes of damp other than condensation can be rain or plumbing leaks and they usually leave a tide mark.  Condensation is usually found on North facing walls and in corners, in cupboards and under surfaces where there is little air movement.

If you are unsure what is causing the damp in your home, check pipes and overflows and under the sink to see if there are any leaks.  Look outside to see if there are any tiles missing from the roof or cracked gutters or rain water pipes.

Do' and Don'ts

• If you have an extractor fan use it when windows get steamed up.
• If you have a tumble-dryer other than a condensing dryer ensure it vents to the outside.
• Use lids on pans and don't let kettles and pans boil away longer than necessary.
• Hang washing outside to dry whenever you can.
• Keep you home well ventilated.
• Keep your home warm.
• don't completely draught proof your kitchen, bathroom and other rooms where condensation is already a problem - you could make it worse.
• Keep a small window or trickle ventilator open in each room to give ventilation (but make sure your home is secure).
• Keep the heating on but set it to provide a minimum background heating.  This will help avoid cold surfaces and prevent condensation.
  

TELEVISION AERIALS AND SATELLITE DISHES

We have rules about where television (TV) aerials or satellite dishes can be put up, for example on the side or back of the building.  So you must tell us where you want to put it.  In certain circumstances you will require planning permission to put the TV aerial or satellite dish up which you must apply and pay for yourself.

As a guide, you will need planning permission in the following circumstances:

• The dish will be facing onto a road.
• The dish over-hangs the public highway.
• The dish will be greater than 90cm in diameter (width across).
• The dish is to be fixed to a chimney stack and is greater than 45cm in diameter.
• The dish protrudes above the highest point of the roof or chimney stack.
• More than one dish will be attached to the property.

1. A radio or TV aerial on your roof is exampt once it does not exceed 6 metres in height about the roof. 
2. A satellite dish up to 90cm across and below the top of the roof is exempted development only to the rear and side of your home.
3. A dish to the front of your home may well require planning permission.

Digital Television Switchover Information


WATER METER POLICY

All users of water services have the right to request for a meter to be installed in their home whether they rent their property from the Council or not.

We do not recommend or support the installation of water meters in our properties for the following reasons:

• While we recognise that for some people there would be a reduction in costs, for a great deal more the cost would, in fact, increase.
• Health issues where frequent bathing or washing would result in an increased use of water and therefore the costs would increase.
• The supply of water could more easily be disconnected depending on the type of meter installed.
• Neither you nor any future tenant would have the option to have the meter removed after 12 months.

We cannot prevent you from installing a water meter should you wish to do so.  Should you choose to disregard this advice and request a meter, it is important that you consider the long-term implications as you may end up paying more for your water supply in time.  Furthermore, some water meters will operate on a pre-payment system which will cut off the water supply to your home if your pre-payment runs out.