YORK’S INDEPENDENT FAMILY-RUN SALES & LETTINGS AGENT

Spot a Problem? Don’t Wait!

Quick Maintenance Guide for Tenants

Even small issues can get worse if ignored. Report them to your housing team so they can be fixed quickly.

Emergency? Know What to Do

Issue Emergency? What to do Who to call

Gas Leak

 Yes Open windows, leave property 0800 111 999

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

 Yes Turn off appliances, ventilate, leave 0800 111 999 → Quantum

Fire

 Yes Evacuate 999

Major Leak / Flood

 Urgent Turn off water, minimise damage Quantum

No Hot Water / Heating

 No Check boiler & thermostat Quantum

No Power

 Depends Check fuse box, appliances Power supplier → Quantum

Blocked Toilet

 Yes Don’t flush again Quantum

Blocked Sink / Shower

 No Try drain cleaner or boiling water Quantum

Blocked External Drains
Urgent if overflowing
 Report immediately. Charges may apply if wipes or inappropriate items are found. Quantum

Emergency problems must be reported straight away.

If You Smell Gas

  • Do not smoke or use open flames.
  • Do not use electrical switches (on or off) – they could cause a spark.
  • Open windows and doors to ventilate the property.
  • Turn off the gas at the meter (if safe to do so).
  • Evacuate the building and contact the National Grid from a telephone outside your home on Freephone telephone: 0800 111 999.
  • The National Grid also provides safety and emergency guidance.
  • Then contact Quantum to report the issue.

If you Suspect a Fire or Electrical Fault

  • If there is an active fire:
    Get out, stay out, and call 999.
  • If you see smoke from an appliance or hear buzzing from sockets:
    Turn off the power at the mains (fuse box) if safe.
    Do not touch or attempt to repair any faulty electrical items.
  • Contact us immediately after ensuring your safety.

Major Leak or Flooding

  • Turn off the water supply at the stopcock (often under the kitchen sink).
  • Place buckets/towels to minimise water damage.
  • If the leak is affecting electrical appliances or sockets, turn off power at the fuse box.
  • Contact Quantum immediately. For out-of-hours support, use the emergency contact details in your tenancy agreement.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) – Know the Signs

  • Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be fatal. It’s produced when fuel-burning appliances (like boilers, gas cookers, or heaters) aren’t working correctly or are poorly ventilated.
  • Signs of a CO Leak:
    Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or confusion
    Flu-like symptoms that improve when you go outside
    Difficulty breathing or chest pain
    Your CO alarm is beeping or going off
    Sooty or yellow-brown stains around a gas appliance
    Pilot lights that frequently blow out or burn yellow instead of blue
  • What to Do If You Suspect a CO Leak:
    Open all windows and doors to ventilate the area.
    Turn off the suspected appliance (if safe to do so).
    Evacuate the property immediately.
    Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
    Contact Quantum to report the issue.
    Do not ignore a beeping CO alarm.
    If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect a leak, treat it as an emergency.

Out of Hours Emergencies

  • We recommend you let us know about any issue as soon as possible — even if it seems small. That dripping tap might become a flood by Saturday night!
  • If it’s out of hours and you genuinely can’t wait, you may contact a trusted emergency contractor directly:

Emergency Contacts:

  • Emergency Plumber: Alwyn Glover
    01904 431555 |  office@alwynglover.com
  • Emergency Electrician: Judge Electrical
    01904 414035 | info@judgeelectrical.co.uk
Important: These contractors charge emergency rates. Unless it’s a genuine emergency, your landlord may not cover the cost. Always try Quantum first during office hours.

Quick Fix Tips
(Non-Emergency):

  • No Heating/Hot Water: Check boiler pressure & thermostat, reset if safe.
  • Radiators Cold: Bleed radiators, check valves & boiler.
  • Blocked Sink: Boiling water, plunger, drain cleaner; avoid fat/food down drains.
  • Smoke Alarm Beeping: Replace battery or report if mains-powered.
  • Fridge/Freezer: Check plug, thermostat, defrost if needed.

 

Never Try to Fix:

Gas appliances, boilers, electrical wiring, mains smoke alarms, water heaters, structural issues. Always report these.

Need Help?

When in doubt, contact our friendly maintenance team—they’re here to help!
Call us: 01904 631631
(Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00, Sat 9:00–14:00)

Submit a maintenance report