To report a gas heating or hot water repair contact the contractor for your area:

Sheltered housing
020 8367 4401

Brent and Harrow
0800 980 4796

Brunswick Park and Stepney Green
020 8367 4401

Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea
0800 328 7304

All other areas
0800 542 1275

Emergency Gas Leaks - Transco
0800 111 999

Click here to see our response times.

Take care with gas

When you move into your home, you should be shown how to use the gas heating system or get some written instructions.

We will service your gas appliance annually. It's really important that we do this to ensure that it's safe for you to use. Did you know that every year about 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained?

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?

When gas doesn't burn properly, excess carbon monoxide is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't even smell it. But carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a matter of hours. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include drowsiness, weakness, headaches, nausea and pains in the chest.

The law

It is a criminal offence if we don't carry out an annual gas safety inspection to make sure that your gas fittings and flues are checked for safety.

The annual gas safety inspection

We'll arrange an inspection, free of charge and we'll contact you beforehand to make an appointment to visit you at home. Please don't ignore the request for access.

What does the inspection cover?

It covers any flues, pipe-work and appliances that PCHA own. Our contractors are CORGI registered and are fully qualified to carry out these inspections. The inspection doesn't apply to any gas appliance that you own such as cookers. You are responsible for ensuring the safety of your own gas appliances and we recommend that you have them checked regularly.

What do we expect from you?

Most importantly, we need you to let our contractors in so that they can carry out the inspection. It would also be helpful if your appliances are easy to get at and free from any obstruction.

What can I expect from the contractors?

• To keep the appointment
• To show you their ID
• To be polite
• To tidy up any mess afterwards
• They will ask you to sign a job sheet once they've finished
• They will leave you with a copy of the safety certificate

What if I am out when they call?

Our contractors will leave a calling card, and they'll write to you with another appointment. If this isn't convenient, please phone them to arrange another.

What happens if I don't respond?

Our solicitors will write to you giving you one more chance to let our contractors in to do the inspection. But if there is still no response we may:

• Serve a notice because you've breached the terms of your tenancy agreement, and we may seek possession of your home through the court;
• Apply for an injunction, which is legal action to gain access to your home;
• In an emergency, force entry to your home;
• Ask the court that you pay our legal costs, which could be up to £700.

We hope that court action will never be necessary but sometimes we have to do this because the health and safety of you and others may be at risk.

Making sure your home stays safe

• Don't' use a gas appliance if you think it isn't working properly (some signs to look out for are yellow or orange flames, soot or stains around the appliance and pilot lights which frequently blow out);
• Never cover the appliance or block sources of ventilation;
• Don't try a do-it-yourself repair or installation on any gas installation or fitting - this could be dangerous and is probably breaking the law.

If you smell gas or fumes…

• Turn the gas off
• Open windows and doors
• Extinguish naked flames
• Don't use electrical switches
• Call Transco on their emergency freephone number 0800 111 999

If you have any queries about gas safety inspections, you can contact PCHA's Gas, Mechanical & Electrical Services Department on 020 8150 4483, or email m&edept@ghg.org.uk

Energy efficiency

Here are some simple energy efficient measures recommended by the Energy Saving Trust. You can find out more information at www.est.org.uk or phone 0800 512 012 for advice on home energy saving.

• Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £30 a year.
• Is your water too hot? Your cylinder thermostat shouldn't need to be set higher than 60ºC/140ºF.
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Don't leave appliances on standby or on charge unnecessarily.
• If you're not filling up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher, use the half-load or economy programme.
• Only boil as much water as you need.
• Fix any leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off.
• Replace your light bulbs with energy saving recommended ones.