Keeping your home safe

Water

You can cut off your water supply by turning the stop-tap clockwise. Check the stop-tap every six months to make sure you can turn it on and off.

Gas

The control valve is always at the side or above the meter. Turn the valve clockwise to turn it off - the valve is closed when the line of the handle is across the pipe. Also please ensure that you allow our contractors to gain access to your property to carry out the annual Gas check, which is carried out for your safety. If you smell gas contact Transco on 0800 111 999.

Electricity

The mains switch and fuses are in the electric meter cupboard.

Lost or stolen keys

Please contact us and they will arrange for a contractor to regain entry for you and change the locks if necessary. Unless there are exceptional circumstances you will be recharged for this. Domestic abuse is treated as an exceptional circumstance, so if you need to have a lock changed for this reason please contact your Senior Caseworker for advice and support.

Insurance

We recommend that all our residents have their own contents insurance as we DO NOT have insurance to cover your personal items.

Bogus callers

All all our employees and contractors carry an identity badge with their name and photo on them. Do not let anyone into your home whose identity you cannot check. Contact us if you are unsure.

Smart doorbells

We are frequently asked about the use of smart doorbells on Council properties. These devices, sometimes also called video or ring doorbells, have a camera so you can see who is calling, two-way audio so that you can talk and sometimes motion detection. Smart doorbells are proven to be a valuable crime reduction tool and can be used lawfully by residents as long as government guidance is properly followed.

Smart doorbells are not fitted by the Council or the police, because this would be 'directed surveillance' requiring Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) authority before it can take place. Some Police forces and Community Safety Partnerships have purchased smart doorbells which they supply free to residents to install themselves when they are victims of burglary to protect their premises against further or repeat burglary. 

Whilst permission is not needed to install a doorbell, permission is required if you plan to drill into your door or the frame. Permission will not be given for any changes to a fire door, such as flat entrance door opening onto common way, because this would compromise the fire rating and certification of the door.  Please contact our property services team via the making adaptations to your property link for approval and advice on suitable installation options before purchasing a smart doorbell.