Cleaning, Repairs and Gardening

 

Looking after your home

Our homes need looking after just as much as we do, to keep them healthy and safe.

Whether your home is new or old, regular maintenance and keeping on top of small repairs will help keep your home in good condition and can help to avoid problems occurring that are more expensive to fix in the future.

 

Historic England - Maintenance Checklists and Tips

Historic England provide information and resources on maintaining and repairing your home, including a Maintenance Checklist, and essential tips for maintaining and repairing older homes.

Visit the Historic England website at www.historicengland.org.uk

 

Support to maintain your property

There is help available with maintaining property for homeowners who would like to continue to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Check out the Connect to Support House, garden and pet care pages for more information about the services and support that can help you to maintain your home.

 

Shelter

Shelter provide information about problems that can arise during repairs, including access to the property, damage, redecoration, and alternative accommodation.

Visit Home - Shelter England for more information about Problems during repair work, including:

• Landlord access to carry out repairs
• Disturbance and inconvenience
• Use of services and landlord occupation
• Harassment and cutting off services
• Damage and poor standard of work
• Redecoration after repairs
• Displacement and alternative accommodation
• Withholding rent payments

 

Citizens Advice - Repairs in rented housing

If you live in rented accommodation, you and your landlord will have different responsibilities for repairs and maintenance within your home.

Citizens Advice provide information for tenants on Repairs in rented housing

Visit the Citizens Advice website at citizensadvice.org.uk

 

Your landlord's responsibilities

Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to:

• the property’s structure and exterior
• basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
• heating and hot water
• gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
• electrical wiring
• any damage they cause by attempting repairs

Your landlord is usually responsible for repairing common areas, for example, staircases in blocks of flats. Check your tenancy agreement if you’re unsure.

You cannot be forced to do repairs that are your landlord’s responsibility.

You should only carry out repairs if the tenancy agreement says you can.

If you are responsible for causing damage to another tenant’s property, for example, if water leaks into another flat from an overflowing bath, you are responsible for paying for the repairs. You are also responsible for paying to put right any damage caused by your family and friends.

 

If repairs are not done by your landlord

Contact your local council for help. They must take action if they think your home has serious health and safety hazards.

Boston Borough Council

East Lindsey District Council

South Holland District Council

City of Lincoln Council

North Kesteven District Council

South Kesteven District Council

West Lindsey District Council

 

If you live in social housing and you have an issue with your home or your landlord, there are ways to make things right.

To get an issue sorted, you can:

1. Report it to your landlord
2. Complain to your landlord
3. Escalate to the Housing Ombudsman

You can take these steps for lots of issues, including:

• mould or damp
• poor insulation
• broken doors or windows
• leaking pipes
• other repairs
• anti-social behaviour
• access problems
• poor service from a landlord

Visit socialhousingcomplaints.campaign.gov.uk for more information about social housing issues and to find out how to make a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

 

How can I find out who my landlord is?

Your landlord will be named on the tenancy agreement. This might be the name of your local authority or council, or it could be the name of a housing association.

The Government service, request a repair to a council property, lets tenants search for their council using their home’s postcode. 

 

Repairs and home improvements

You will need to pay for repairs and maintenance, no matter what share you own.

Some costs might be covered by the building warranty, or by the landlord if your home has an ‘initial repair period’. Check the ‘key information document’ for the home to see if it has an initial repair period. The landlord will give you a copy of this document before you reserve your home.

Gov.uk provides information about repairs and home improvements in shared ownership homes, including:

• Home improvements, decorating and structural changes
• External and structural repairs
• ‘Initial repair periods’

Visit Gov.uk for more information about buying, improving and selling shared ownership homes.

 

Keep your child safe

Household cleaning products: Take Action Today, Put Them Away

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) Take Action Today campaign aims to raise awareness of childhood poisoning from cleaning products and other poisons found around the home.

• Most accidental poisoning happens to children younger than five years old, with children aged one to three years being most at risk
• On average 15 under fives are admitted to hospital each day due to suspected poisoning
• Children from the poorest families are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital due to an accident, including accidental poisoning

How can accidents with household cleaning products be prevented?

• Closely supervise children in and around the home
• Keep household chemicals out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard. Remember this also applies to the garage and shed
• Always store household cleaning chemicals in their original containers
• Replace lids and put all products away immediately after use
• Dispose of unwanted household cleaning products safely
• Store household cleaning products in a different place from food and medicine
• Use household cleaning products according to label directions
• Mixing household products can cause dangerous gases to form

Find out more about how to keep your child around household cleaning products and general home safety at rospa.com and Take Action Today!

 

Cleaning your home

Keeping your home clean and tidy can benefit your health, wellbeing and mood. You will be less likely to pick up illnesses from germs, and allergy and asthma symptoms can benefit too.

 

Cleaning tips

• Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break up your cleaning into small, manageable tasks that you can more easily keep on top of.
• Focus on one room or one activity at a time. For example, you could clean a bedroom and change the bedding, or vacuum throughout the house.
• Clean from top to bottom so that any dust and dirt that falls doesn’t land on surfaces and floors you have already cleaned.
• You don’t need a different cleaning product for every job. Look for good all-purpose cleaners that can be used for different jobs and rooms.
• If you have mobility problems, or struggle to reach difficult places, consider buying long handle brushes and mops.
• Keep track of what you cleaned. Make a note of what you have cleaned and when. Focussing on what you have achieved rather than what you still have to do can help to keep you motivated.
• Cleaning little and often is better than taking on everything all at once. Having a good cleaning routine and cycle will help to stop dirt and grime building up and make your cleaning tasks easier.

If you feel you need help with keeping your home clean, there are a number of options that you can consider:

• Friends and Family. Often the people in your life will help you with chores and tasks you can’t do for yourself, but it’s important to ask for help when you need it. There may be something that you can do for them in return.
• Hire a cleaner. Getting a cleaner doesn’t have to be a long-term thing. You could have someone help you with some of the tasks you find harder, or for a one-off declutter or spring clean to get you started. Friends, family and neighbours are a great place to start if you’re looking for recommendations for a cleaner to hire. You can also find cleaners and cleaning services through local groups or the local paper, search the internet for local cleaning services, or look for professional cleaning services in your local area.
• Help at home. If you feel you need more support, the Connect to Support Help at Home pages have information about services that can support you with housework.

 

Thinking about getting a cleaner

If you are thinking about getting a cleaner there are a number of things you can consider to make sure you find the right person for you.

• Think about the important tasks for you. You might not need a cleaner to do everything; think about the tasks and chores that you would benefit from most.
• Talk to any potential cleaners about the tasks you would like them to do, and arrange a walk through of your home with them. This will help them provide a more accurate quote of what the work will cost you.
• Ask for references. It is important to make sure the person you choose is trustworthy and reputable. If you have children or young people in your home, you can ask if they have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Find out more about DBS checks

• Be sure to find out what is included in the price. Will your cleaner be using their own cleaning supplies and equipment, or do they expect you to have purchased it for them?
• Get a clear quotation and breakdown of the work they will provide for you. Some cleaners charge by the hour, other charge a flat rate for the tasks. Be sure you know what you are paying for and what to expect.

 

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire – Cleaning & Specialised Cleaning

If you live in Lincoln or South Lincolnshire, Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire’s Cleaning & Specialised Cleaning services are able to assist with a variety of cleaning, ranging from light domestic tasks to specialised deep cleaning services, including:

• Kitchen and bathroom cleaning
• Vacuuming
• Dusting and polishing
• Changing bedding
• Home laundry and ironing
• Specialised Deep Cleaning

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk for more information about Cleaning Services.

 

Gas leaks

If you suspect that the smell in your home is coming from a gas leak, immediately vacate the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service 24 hours a day on 0800 111 999.

 

Strange smells

Strange smells in your home can come from numerous sources, including appliances, furniture, carpets, fabrics, or issues like mould or mildew.

Occasionally, sewer gas, natural gas leaks or animals that have died between walls, in attics or under decks may cause odours.

If you are living with a lingering odour or a bad smell in your home, you will need to find out what is causing it to get rid of it completely. Most house smells can be dealt with using basic household items, but some (such as natural gas leaks) may require additional assistance.

While some house odours can indicate problems, most of them can be easily eliminated with regular cleaning.

Simple solutions like baking soda and vinegar or household cleaning products that help break up and eliminate residue and build-up can help eliminate bad smells and keep your home clean and healthy.

 

Damp and musty smells

Damp and mould growing in your home can be a risk to anyone, but older people, children and young people under 14 years of age can be more vulnerable.

If you notice the signs of damp and mould growth in your home, act immediately.

Check out the Good Home Lincs Common Hazards pages for more information on dealing with Damp and Mould in your home.

 

Pet urine and faeces (pet waste) can make your home smell bad, attract pests and make you unwell if you come into direct contact with it.

Good pet hygiene (cleaning up after your pets, regularly cleaning out pet enclosures and disposing of pet waste correctly) is usually enough, but if you or someone in your home is struggling to look after their pets there are services that can help.

Check out the Connect to Support pages on House, Garden and Pet Care for more information about the services that are available to assist you to care for your pets.

Sometimes, finding it difficult to look after pets can be a sign that someone might also be finding it difficult to look after them self.

The Connect to Support website has more information about Looking after yourself and the services available to support you.

 

Thinking about getting a window cleaner

If you are thinking about getting a window cleaner, there are a number of things you can consider to make sure you find the right person for you.

• Think about the important tasks for you. Do you want all your windows clean inside and out? On the other hand, do you just want the upper floor windows cleaning outside? You might not need a window cleaner to do everything; think about the tasks that you would benefit from most.
• Talk to any potential window cleaners about the tasks you would like them to do, and arrange a time to show them at your home. This will help them provide a more accurate quote of what the work will cost you.
• Ask for references. It is important to make sure the person you choose is trustworthy and reputable. If you have children or young people in your home, you can ask if they have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Find out more about DBS checks

• Be sure to find out what is included in the price. Will your window cleaner be using their own cleaning supplies, or do they expect you to have purchased it for them?
• Get a clear quotation and breakdown of the work they will provide for you. Some window cleaners charge by the hour, others charge a flat rate for the job. Be sure you know what you are paying for and what to expect.

 

Ladder safety

Never use a ladder when you are alone. Make sure you have someone with you who can hold the ladder and keep it steady.

If you use a ladder to clean your windows you should always:

• Make sure that you are using the right ladder for the job.
• Make sure that the stiles are not bent or damaged.
• Make sure that the feet are clear of mud or dirt and that they are not missing, worn or damaged.
• Make sure that the rungs are not bent, worn or missing.
• Make sure that any locking mechanisms are working properly and are fully engaged.
• Make sure that the stepladder platform is not split or buckled.
• Make sure the steps or treads on stepladders are clean, dry and that none of the fixings are loose.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive website for more information about the Safe use of ladders and stepladders.

 

Keeping the outside of your property in good condition

Keeping the outside of your property in good condition is an important part of keeping a healthy home and can help prevent damage, injury or problems in the future.    

An overgrown front garden can lead to pests, make it appear as if no one is living in the home, or increase the risks of someone tripping or falling.  

 

Tips for making gardens more accessible and low maintenance

• Keep washing lines within easy reach so you do not have to reach or bend unnecessarily.
• Keep paths and driveways clear of leaves and overgrown plants to help avoid trips or slips.
• Keep garden tools stored away or in a safe space in the garden.
• Keep pathways free of pots and ornaments to make sure you have enough space to move around easily.
• Keep on top of moss and algae that can get slippery when wet. Check your local garden centre to get the right product for the job.
• Spread salt or grit on icy pathways or drives, or try to avoid going outside in icy conditions.
• Use power tools that are fitted with a residual current device (RCD). This will shut off the power if there is an electrical fault or you accidentally cut through the cable.

Never use a ladder when you are alone. Make sure you have someone with you who can hold the ladder and keep it steady.

 

Homeowners

There is help available with maintaining gardens for homeowners who would like to continue to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Check out the Connect to Support House, garden and pet care pages for more information about the services and support that can help you to maintain your home.

 

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire’s Gardening Services can provide support with maintaining your garden, including:

• Mowing the lawn
• Weeding in beds and planters
• Pruning and cutting back of hedges and small bushes
• Planting and maintenance of bulbs, plants or vegetables

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk for more information about Gardening Services.

 

Garden Waste Services

Find out about garden waste collection services available from your local district or borough council below, or Find your Local Council.

Boston Borough Council

City of Lincoln Council

East Lindsey District Council

North Kesteven District Council

South Holland District Council

South Kesteven District Council

West Lindsey District Council

 

South Kesteven District Council

South Kesteven District Council's Street Scene team carry out grounds’ maintenance services and provide help with the upkeep of lawns and hedgerows for our most vulnerable tenants.

The scheme is principally aimed at tenants who, for reasons of age, a medical condition or ongoing poor health, are not able to look after their gardens, and who are not able to call on the help of local relatives or friends.

Contact South Kesteven District Council to find out who is eligible and how to apply for the Assisted Garden Maintenance Scheme.

 

City of Lincoln Council Housing

The City of Lincoln Council offers assisted help with maintaining your council house garden.

The service will cut your hedges and grass to ensure your garden is maintained. You can apply for this service if you are aged 65 or over or if you have a physical disability.

Contact the City of Lincoln Council to find out who is eligible and how to Apply for help with your garden.

 

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

The RHS website provides information about Gardening with a disability and signposts to services that are available to support.

Visit www.rhs.org.uk for more information about:

• Sources of help
• Tools and equipment
• Demonstration gardens
• Grants and funding

 

A handyperson is usually a charged-for service and the cost will vary dependent on the work being undertaken.

Handyperson services differ from place to place, but these are the sorts of jobs they can usually help with:

• Small repairs - putting up curtain rails, shelves and pictures
• Safety measures - fitting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
• Home security - door and window locks, door chains and door viewers
• Energy efficiency checks - installing draught excluders, radiator heat reflectors and energy efficient lightbulbs

 

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire – Handyperson Services

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire’s Handyperson Services can provide support with maintaining your home.

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk for more information about Handyperson services.

 

If you live in a house that is difficult to adapt, has a lot of levels or stairs, or is getting too big to maintain, it might be time to start thinking about moving home.

Moving home is a big decision with many considerations, especially if you are considering moving because you are finding your current home difficult to manage, but there is help and support available to help you make the right decision for you.

Planning ahead and knowing what options might be right for you in the future is always better than needing to make decisions under pressure.

Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Moving Home for more information about what to consider when thinking about moving home.