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Home maintenance

Tips and advice to help you maintain your home and avoid common problems.

Looking after your home

Looking after your home doesn't have to be complicated. Regular maintenance and a few simple checks can help prevent common problems, improve safety and keep your home in good condition. Taking action early can often stop small issues from becoming bigger repairs and help keep your home comfortable throughout the year.

Below you'll find practical advice, helpful guides and information to help you maintain your home and know when to contact us for support.

Everyday maintenance tips

Explore our top maintenance tips below to help keep your home in good condition throughout the year.

DIY and how to guides

Watch our simple step-by-step guides to help you fix common issues around your home, from unblocking sinks to finding your stopcock and checking your boiler. 

Prevent pests before they become a problem

Pests can sometimes become a problem in and around your home. To help prevent them:

  • Store food in sealed containers
  • Keep your home clean
  • Empty bins regularly
  • Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
  • Seal gaps where pests could enter

Pest treatment inside your home is usually your responsibility.

If the issue is linked to a structural defect or a communal area, contact us and we may be able to help.

Technician placing pest control bait traps inside a home.

Heating and boiler advice

Your boiler helps keep your home warm and provides hot water. Simple checks can often help resolve common issues before reporting a repair. 

How can I help my boiler work efficiently?

    To help keep your boiler running smoothly:

  • Keep the area around your boiler clear
  • Arrange your annual gas safety check when invited
  • Check your boiler pressure if you notice a problem
  • Report leaks, faults or unusual noises as soon as possible
How can I keep my heating bills down?

You can reduce energy use by:

  • Using your heating timer
  • Closing curtains at night
  • Keeping internal doors closed
  • Only heating rooms you use regularly
  • Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save around £90 a year on heating. 
Why are my radiators not getting hot?

Before reporting a repair, check:

  • Your heating is switched on
  • The thermostat is set correctly
  • The radiator valves are open
  • The boiler pressure is correct

If your radiator is cold at the top, it may need bleeding.

How can I reduce heat loss in my home?

    A few simple changes can help keep your home warmer:

  • Keep furniture away from radiators
  • Close windows when the heating is on
  • Use draught excluders where needed
  • Close curtains at night
  • Keep vents clear to allow air to circulate
How can I prevent condensation and damp?

To help reduce condensation:

  • Open windows when cooking or bathing
  • Use extractor fans where available
  • Wipe away condensation from windows
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators
  • Leave a small gap between furniture and external walls
  • Keep your home heated during colder weather

Damp, mould and condensation can affect your health and your home. Find out what to do if you're experiencing problems.

When should I report a heating or boiler problem?

Report a repair if:

  • You have no heating or hot water
  • Your boiler is leaking
  • You notice unusual noises or faults
  • You've carried out the basic checks and the issue remains
What should I check before reporting a boiler fault?

Try these simple checks first:

  • Is your gas or electricity supply working?
  • Is your thermostat switched on?
  • Is the timer set correctly?
  • Is the boiler pressure within the recommended range?

If the problem continues, report a repair.

Caring for the outdoor spaces we share

While you're responsible for maintaining your own garden, we look after many of the communal outdoor areas across our estates to help keep them safe, clean and tidy for everyone.

This may include:

  • Grass cutting
  • Hedge, shrub and tree maintenance
  • Weed control
  • Litter and leaf clearance
  • Communal paths and hard surfaces

The services provided may vary depending on where you live. If you're unsure what is included in your area, please contact us.

Watch our short video to find out more about how we look after communal areas. 

Watch our video

Having trouble with an issue?

If you're experiencing an issue in your home and haven't been able to fix it, let us know. We'll assess the problem and arrange any repairs that are needed. 

Report a repair Report via My Riverside