As part of our maintenance program, we installed FD30 fire doors in the ground floor bin and landlord service stores. Each door features intumescent fire seals on the frame, a fire-rated transom panel, a fire-rated D handle, three hinges, kick and push plates, and a combination lock. These solid-core doors replace hollow-core doors and will help contain the spread of flames and smoke in case of a fire.
Category Archives: Maintenance
Landlords, your Gas Safety duties
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it is important to understand the laws regarding gas safety. As a tenant, you must always have a landlord legally responsible for the safety of the gas appliances in your flat. When was the last time you saw your landlord’s gas safety record? If your gas appliances, including your boiler, have not been safety-checked within the last year, there could be a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
From 1st October 2022, a CO alarm is required to be fitted in every habitable room of a rental property containing gas appliances (excluding appliances used for cooking purposes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland). The landlord is required to carry out checks and tests to ensure that carbon monoxide alarms in the rental property are working the day any new tenancy begins. From 1st January 2013, properties without inspection hatches for flues in voids are considered ‘At Risk’.
Remember, as a landlord, you have a legal responsibility for the gas safety of your tenants and a moral obligation to everyone living at Malting Mead, including neighbours in adjoining flats. Find out whether your property is Gas-Safe now.
Fire safety in your Flat
The risk of spread of fire is considerable in blocks of flats due to their density. Prevention and making a Fire Escape Plan is key to your safety. Ensure you know what to do in an emergency. As part of your safety plan, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test weekly.
Fire Action Notices are displayed on the noticeboards. Do not store or leave items on the stairs, landings or passageways, which are escape routes. No petrol or other inflammable material be stored in flats or any part of the development. The covered common areas are smoke-free by law.
Hertfordshire Fire Service provides a Home Fire Safety self-check or request a Home Fire Safety Visit.
Trees at Malting Mead
After a survey conducted in September by our arboriculturist, two trees were removed from Malting Mead. The large cherry tree was in decline and had reached the end of its life expectancy of approximately 40 years. The smaller Whitebeam tree was no longer alive, as it did not come into blossom or leaf over the past year. Both trees have been replaced with different species.
Balconies – rain water drainage
Standing water on balconies causes problems over time. We ask leaseholders with balconies to ensure the drain hole is not covered and clear of leaves and other debris. Doing this helps clear standing water, that can ingress into the brick cavities, causing unnecessary and costly repairs.
External changes to the building
We remind all Leaseholders that before making any external changes to their flats, they must first contact P&R Management Services for permission to ensure that the works do not affect the structure or appearance of the building or the rights of other leaseholders.
Remember, you don’t own the bricks and mortar or the land on which your flat is built. Permission is required for, but not limited to; gas boiler flues, vents, pipes, waste outlets, cables, windows, balcony/patio doors, front doors, store cupboard doors, garage doors and anything else that could affect the outside fabric and appearance of the building. P&R will advise Leaseholders of any fees for their time to obtain permissions and project manage any works for and on behalf of Endymion Management Co. Ltd.
New and replacement boiler flue and ventilation grilles must be black or brown on brickwork and white on painted walls. Redundant flues or vents must be removed and blocked up. Adjoining surfaces must be made good and match existing finishes. Do not copy what has gone before
No external satellite dishes or aerials are permitted at Malting Mead.
Please refer to the FAQ section for detailed information on the approved style and specification for any replacement windows and balcony/patio doors.
Mould spots and condensation
Black mould spots on walls and ceilings, and moisture on the inside of windows, are commonly caused by condensation due to a lack of air circulation. This issue is often a ‘lifestyle problem’. Bathrooms, kitchens, and drying laundry are the primary sources of steam and moisture in a flat. The most effective solution is to open windows into the vent position. Mould spots can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated. For more information on steps to reduce condensation and black mould growths, click here. The external walls at Malting Mead have cavity wall insulation. You must get approval from the Management before fitting an airbrick or vent.
Private landlords – Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020
Private landlords are responsible for ensuring the safety of their tenants. However, some fail to do so, putting their tenants in danger as a result.
The latest Regulations require landlords to have the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at an interval of at least every 5 years. Landlords have to provide a copy of the electrical safety report to their tenants, and to their local authority if requested.
This means that all landlords now have to make sure the electrical installations in their rented properties are safe. The Regulations came into force on 1 June 2020 to improve safety in all residential premises and particularly in the private rented sector.
Wipes, cooking oil and fats…
DO NOT put wipes down the toilet, no matter what it says on the packaging, or pour cooking oil or fats down the sink. You need to dispose of along with your household waste in a strong black bin liner and put in the black lidded bin in your bin room. Thank you in helping us keep Malting Mead drains running clear! Read more here.
Car Park – line marking
A contractor has been appointed to carry out painting lines in the parking bays fronting Endymion Road and the garage area. The works is on Tuesday 14 or Wednesday 15 March (weather permitting). Please ensure your vehicles are not parked in the bays or garage area from 8am – click here for more information
LED Lighting
As part of our ongoing maintenance and improvements programme, we replaced the ageing exterior lighting at Malting Mead with bulkhead fittings using LED technology. The new IP65-rated, 4000k fittings provide significant energy savings and low maintenance compared to the old 28W 2D fittings. We installed Emergency lighting to the stairwells, with a green indicator light showing active. Residents will have an illuminated escape route in a power cut. The bin rooms and caretakers’ cupboards have movement sensors fitted and automatically come on when you enter and turn off soon after leaving. We also added one twin-switched socket power outlet to each caretaker cupboard in blocks 2, 3 and 4.
New exterior signage
We have replaced the mish-mash of old white on black & black on white exterior signs with newly designed & specified white aluminium panels by GDA. The flat numbers now correctly relate to each floor, making wayfinding more easily understood for visitors and deliveries. All the signage across Malting Mead now matches for font, colour, material and alignment for the first time, greatly improving the overall appearance.
Gas Safe Regulations (Flues in voids) with effect 1.1.2013
“Some properties, mainly flats and apartments, have boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or ceilings. The boiler flues that this information relates to are connected to room-sealed fan assisted boilers only. If you live in one of these homes then please read on for more information so you know what to do.”
http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/advice/flues_in_voids.aspx
If you are a tenant, it is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that the boiler is checked every year and the flue is able to be examined.
Welcome to Malting Mead 