For Hastoe properties fitted with Solid Fuel Heating Systems (SFHS) such as wood/coal burning open fires and stoves, there are important dos and don’ts to be followed to ensure the safety of tenants, leaseholders and others.
In case of faults
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. Rest assured, Hastoe do fit detectors in all properties with SFHS.
If the Carbon Monoxide alarm sounds or if you can smell fumes, then do please open doors and windows without delay and call us on 0300 123 2250 (or if out of hours 0345 266 652) for assistance.
If you suspect your SFHS has a fault then do please stop using it immediately and call us on the numbers above and our team will investigate and resolve the problem.
Appliance servicing
For your own, and your neighbours safety, you do need your heating appliances to be serviced every year.
Tenants:
Hastoe has a legal duty to make sure all our SFHS appliances are safe, and therefore have them serviced every year by properly qualified HETAS engineers. This service includes having the chimney swept and checking that the Carbon Monoxide detector is working properly. Our contractors will contact you to arrange for this free service to be done, which typically takes about an hour.
Please do remember that it is a condition of your tenancy that you must allow our contractors access to your home to carry out this work. Failure to provide access constitutes a breach of the conditions of your tenancy
Leaseholders and Shared Owners:
As a leaseholder or shared owner, it is your responsibility to have your SFHS appliances serviced regularly. Hastoe strongly recommend 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/
Providing access
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.
Installation of new/replacement/additional Solid Fuel Heating Systems
For Tenants:
Hastoe are solely responsible for fitting new, replacement, additional or alternative heating systems and will liaise with tenants accordingly.
Every household is affected by the recent dramatically increased costs for fossil fuels, and we are acutely aware that this may lead some to consider the installation of solid fuel appliances (including wood burners) in an effort to economise. We are obliged to remind tenants that such unauthorised works will constitute a breach of tenancy.
If you are struggling to pay your heating bills, we may be able to help you. Please contact one of our Welfare and Benefit Advisors by visiting our website https://www.hastoe.com/help-advice/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.
