There might be a time when you have an emergency outside of normal office hours. You will have a tenant’s pack with details of any service agreements which your landlord may have set up – check this for any telephone numbers and contacts which are already in place.
Before you call an emergency contractor, please call the Property Management team on 020 8687 8345.
Check out the property tips for tenants page and see if you can solve the problem yourself.
If you call an emergency contractor and it is subsequently not deemed to be an emergency, you will be liable for the costs incurred.
What constitutes as an emergency?
No heating
The out of hours emergency service should only be used if you are going to be left without heating for more than 24 hours.
Gas leaks
You should call the National Grid in the first instance on 0800 111 999.
No hot water
The out of hours emergency service should only be used if you are going to be left without hot water for more than 24 hours.
Lack of power
Considered an emergency if there is a total loss throughout the property and, only then, after first checking:
• The fuse board.
• Neighbouring properties.
• Or with the electricity supplier to determine whether there is a general power cut with electricity supplier or to determine whether the supply has been cut off due to unpaid bills or failure to pay for connection.
Total lack of water supply
Considered an emergency if there is total lack if water supply anywhere in the property. The water supplier should be contacted in the first instance to ensure that works are not being carried out in the area.
Plumbing leaks
Considered an emergency if it cannot be contained and is causing damage, especially if penetrating an electrical fitting. You should isolate the leak by turning the water off at the stopcock or gate valve until the contractor attends to identify the source and carry out the necessary repairs. If the leak is coming from a property above or adjacent, you should contact those occupants immediately.
Roof leaks
Considered an emergency if the leak is causing major damage or is penetrating an electrical fitting. In wet, windy or dark conditions, a contractor would be sent to make safe only. Only in safe conditions will a contractor attend to identify the source and carry out the necessary repairs.
Damage to roofs
Considered an emergency if hazardous, such as slates possibly falling on to a public highway.
Downpipes & gutters
Considered an emergency only if water is entering the building causing major damage or a loose part is dangerous and cannot be made safe.
Blockages
Clearing blocked waste outlets, traps and pipes to the kitchen sink, bath, wash basins, etc is the tenant’s responsibility. If a contractor is dispatched, tenants will be recharged the cost of attending to any blockages if it is found to have been caused by the tenant’s negligent action, e.g. flushing of nappies, disposal of food.
Toilets
Considered an emergency if the only toilet on the premises is blocked, and only then if attempts to flush with a bucket of water have failed.
Insecure property
If the property is insecure as a result of a break-in, e.g. damaged door, you should notify the police in the first instance and obtain a crime reference number. A ground floor window being jammed open or an inoperable lock would also be considered an emergency.
Lock outs
If we manage your property at Goodfellows and not the landlord directly then we will usually hold a key. Alternatively If as a result of losing a key or locking it inside the property, you could call a local locksmith although this will be more expensive and at your own expense. If we were to dispatch a contractor under these circumstances, the cost would be recharged to you. In the event that it is a defective lock and a locksmith has been called out and confirmed this is the case, the lock would be repaired/replaced at the landlords expense.
Dangerous walls & fences
Considered an emergency if in a dangerous condition, e.g. storm damage or accidental impact damage. These will be made safe in the first instance. Repairs and/or rebuilds will not be treated as an emergency.
What to do in an emergency
If you smell gas
- Open the doors and windows.
- Check to see if any gas has been left on unlit, or the pilot light has gone out. If so, turn the appliance off, and do not try to relight it.
- If you are uncertain whether the leak has been stopped, turn the main gas supply off at the meter and phone the gas emergency service immediately:
National Grid 0800 111 999
- Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.
- Do not use the door bell.
- Do not smoke, use matches or naked flames.
Fire
- In case of fire dial 999.
- Get everyone out and do not go back for any reason.
- Do not be tempted to go upstairs to collect pets or any valuables.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Warn your neighbours if any of them might be in danger.
If you live in a block of flats set off the communal fire alarm.
Bursting or major leaking pipe
- Turn the water off at the mains.
- If electrics are affected, turn off the electricity at the consumer unit (see helpful tips).
- Call your property manager immediately.
- If the leak is from another property ie a flat above try to contact the other property or if not at home try and call the block management company. Details should be on a communal notice board in the hallway.
Loss of electricity
- If neighbours are also affected, call your electricity company (check your electricity bill for the number).
- You can report the event to UK Power Networks. Once registered and reported they will keep you up to date on when power should be restored.
- Check your fuse box to see if a switch has tripped or a fuse blown (see helpful tips).
- If none of the above apply and the problem persists, call your property manager.
