Is your Hastoe property fitted with a solid fuel heating system (SFHS) such as a wood/coal-burning open fire or stove? If so, here are some important reminders to ensure the safety of yourself and your neighbours, whether you’re a tenant, a leaseholder or a shared owner.
If you suspect a fault
Faulty SFHS appliances can give off poisonous carbon monoxide. This gas cannot be seen or smelt, but can build up and kill in just a few hours. Hastoe is responsible for fitting and replacing carbon monoxide detectors in all properties with SFHS.
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or if you can smell fumes, then please open doors and windows without delay and call us on 0300 123 2250 for assistance.
If you suspect your SFHS has a fault, then please stop using it immediately and call us on the number above. Our team will investigate and resolve the problem.
Servicing SFHS appliances – advice for tenants
For your own, and your neighbours’ safety, your heating appliances need to be serviced every year.
Wood-burning stoves
If your property has a wood-burning stove, we are responsible for servicing it. Our contractors will contact you to arrange for this free service to be done.
Make sure your SFHS appliance and associated items (timer, thermostat, flue access boxes, carbon monoxide detector etc.) can be easily reached. They should not be obstructed by furniture or other items.
Open fires and chimneys
If you have a chimney that is used for an open fire (burning wood or coal), it is now your responsibility as a tenant to arrange to have your chimney swept at least once a year. If you use your fire more regularly, you must have your chimney swept more often.
This is because Hastoe already provides you with an adequate alternative form of heating, for which we are responsible.
You must arrange to have this work done by a properly qualified HETAS or equivalent engineer. This service should also include checking your carbon monoxide detector is in working order. For SFHS safety advice and a list of registered engineers, visit the HETAS website https://www.hetas.co.uk/
If your carbon monoxide alarm is not working, please report this via MyHastoe or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 2250, and we will arrange to have it replaced.
If you would like your open fireplace infilled and the chimney capped, please contact us via MyHastoe or our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 2250 and we can arrange this for you.
Servicing SFHS appliances – advice for leaseholders and shared owners
As a leaseholder or shared owner, it is your responsibility to have your SFHS appliances serviced regularly. Hastoe strongly recommends that your appliances are serviced and checked every 12 months by a HETAS-registered engineer. For SFHS safety advice and a list of registered engineers, visit the HETAS website https://www.hetas.co.uk/
Installation of new/replacement/additional solid fuel heating systems
Tenants
Hastoe is solely responsible for fitting new, replacement, additional or alternative heating systems.
If you are considering installing a solid fuel appliance, including a wood burner, to save money, please be reminded that such unauthorised works will constitute a breach of your tenancy.
If you are struggling to pay your heating bills, we may be able to offer help and advice. Please contact one of our Benefit and Welfare Advisors by talking to your Housing Officer or by visiting hastoe.com/money-advice
For leaseholders and shared owners
You may need permission to make alterations to your home. Please check your lease and obtain all appropriate permissions before making any arrangements for any works to be undertaken in your home. If you need further advice, please contact us on 0300 123 2250.
