LG 3M Rental Living By User Guide

Rental living by Home User Guide
Buckler’s Park

3M Rental Living By

Making you feel at home

This guide will help you get to know your new home inside and out – from the fixtures and fittings to the fences.

What to find in this section

• Introduction to QR codes
• Where is everything located?
• How to set up your house & apartment

How it works

https://qrco.de/beAsOU
Scan / click for HomeHub documents / information

Where can I find the important bits?

You can access the whole guide via QR codes, which you’ll find next to your fuse box and on the inside of the cupboard door under the kitchen sink. Scan the code using the camera on your phone and the relevant information will appear. If you need any help accessing this, just ask your property manager.

Stopcock – for turning off the water supply.
Find this under your kitchen sink.
Isolation valves – to turn off the water supply to some individual fittings.
Fuse box or consumer unit – for controlling the electrics. Find this in the under-stairs cupboard if you are in a house, and in the utility cupboard if you are in an apartment.
Electric Meters – housed outside in a enclosed unit at the front or side of your home and for certain apartment buildings, they may also be in the communal areas and if they are locked, speak to your property manager.

How to set upyour house

How the heating and hot water works
The heating and hot water in your house is controlled by an ASHP, which stands for Air Source Heat Pump. You do not have a traditional boiler, or gas running to your property. Your ASHP is located in the garden, and it is a Daikin Altherma 3M. The internal controls are located in the cupboard on the ground floor of your home.

What is an ASHP?
These work like an aircon unit in reverse, so you have a unit outdoors (about the size of a washing machine) to collect heat, and another indoors. You also have an indoor hot water storage tank.

How do air source heat pumps work?
Put simply: a heat pump works a lot like the technology in a fridge (or an aircon unit), that compresses and expands a refrigerant, to make one place warmer and another cooler.

The important thing to know is that heat pumps are powered with electricity and are very efficient. In fact, they can be more than five times as efficient when it comes to heat pump vs. a gas boiler. This means that you should save on energy bills, even taking into account the fact that gas is much cheaper than electricity. And because gas is a finite resource (and a fossil fuel), its price is likely to rise further. Meanwhile, electricity prices should be stable and ultimately go down as we get ever better at generating it from sun, wind and waves. Heat pumps can work in any UK temperature, taking heat from outdoors even when it’s cold.

Your house is fitted with a Daikin Thermostat which controls both the heating and hot water together. There is no need to change any settings on the actual ASHP located outside.
It is important you set your thermostat up to work for you and your family at the start of your tenancy. Please scan the QR code for a link to the operating manual which will guide you through the main steps. It is recommended that the temperature should be set no higher than 20°C in the first few weeks after moving in as the house is still settling as it is a new build.
Heat is still emanated through radiators as in a traditional system, and each radiator comes with its own thermostatic control valve so you can regulate the temperature on each one individually.
You will also have a hot water tank, also manufactured by Daikin which wil be in a utility cupboard, either on the ground or first floors. No settings need to be changed on this unit, and please do ensure it is kept clear of all personal belongings so nothing  accidentally touches it and potentially pushes any swiches or covers vents.

How to set up your apartment

Please note
There are no separate controls for the hot water, the whole system is cleverly designed on a heating priority system which will mean it will wait until your apartment is up to temperature before it switches over to hot water mode.
If there is a sudden drop in the tank temperature, it will automatically kick into boost mode, and the immersion may switch on temporarily to heat the tank up if it is taking too long.

Heating and hot water
Your home has been fitted with a Joule Modulair All-E Exhaust Air Heat Pump (EAHP). EAHP’s are low carbon heating systems that use the waste heat from the extract ventilation through a heat pump cycle to provide heating and hot water for your home. The EAHP is located within an internal storage cupboard.

How does an EAHP work?
Air is drawn into the EAHP from the internal extractor fans located
in the “wet room” area, typically kitchens and bathrooms.

• The EAHP absorbs the heat from the air and transfers this heat to the water system in your property providing heating and hot water.
• The heated water from the EAHP is circulated around the heating circuit and indirectly passed through the hot water cylinder via a coil, just as it would be with a traditional boiler system.
• Hot water is stored within the hot water cylinder and is available for use in baths, showers and taps throughout the property.
• The heated water from the EAHP radiates through radiators and is then circulated back through the pump to be re-heated, just as it would be with a traditional boiler system

Your thermostat comes with the following default schedule.
Follow the next steps to adjust the programmed schedule.

Settings – Monday to Friday

| Time| °C
---|---|---
Period 1| 6:00 AM| 19 °C
Period 2| 8:00 AM| 16 °C
Period 3| 18:00 pm| 21 °C
Period 4| 22:30 pm| 16 °C

Saturday and Sunday

You do not need to change the settings on the actual Modulair unit in the utility cupboard, they will come pre set, but if there is an Error code on it, then please do initially follow the troubleshooting advice in the maunuals provided.

Kitchen appliances
Your kitchen is fitted out with BOSCH appliances.
Scan the QR code to access a manual for each one.

How the ventilation system works
Your home has something called a DMEV system, which is essentially a ventilation system that continuously runs in the background from moisture producing areas or ‘wet rooms’ such as kitchens and bathrooms to remove any humidity as well as odours. The fan unit is located in the loft, and this does not need to be adjusted at any time.

If you notice that one of the vents, which will be located in the ceilings throughout the home, has stopped sucking up air and you have done the usual troubleshooting on it, then please contact your property manager.

Solar panels
If your home comes with solar panels, you’ll find a few special electrical fittings on and near your fuse box. Firstly, you’ll spot an additional switch on the fuse box itself. There’ll also be an extra, separate isolation switch (red). This is very important, as it automatically switches off the solar panels in case of an emergency. Please familiarise yourself with it.

There will also be a cut off switch, which will look like this and again this should be used to isolate the panels incase of emergency. All switches will be clearly labelled, however if you are in any doubt you should contact your property manager.

Your solar panels will do their own thing in the background – but if you have any issues at all, just let your property manager know.
You’ll automatically benefit from the energy generated by the panels, no need to set up an additional or separate account with your energy supplier. There may be an additional meter in your home (known as a generation meter). Indicative image shown. You don’t need to read or do anything else with it, as it’s not part of your utility services provision.

How to change a spotlight bulb
The most common spotlight bulbs are GU10s or G9s. GU10s screw in, and G9s push into place. Spotlight bulbs look tricky to replace because the part you screw/push them into is flush with the ceiling – but it’s actually pretty simple in practice.

The bulb will need time to cool down, so switch off the light 5-10 minutes before removing it. We’d also recommend switching that lighting circuit off at the fuse box for extra safety.
If there’s enough space, place your fingers around the edge of the bulb to remove it. If not, apply light pressure, turn the bulb anticlockwise and it should pop it out of its socket (or pull straight down for a G9 bulb).

Take the new bulb, insert, turn it clockwise (or for a G9 bulb, line up the pins and push back into place) and check it’s securely in place before turning the switch back on.
Here’s a link to a handy demonstration:.
How to change different types of ceiling spotlight bulb –YouTube

What to find in this section

• Fire safety and emergencies
• Good housekeeping tips and tricks

Safety & home care

Fire safety & emergencies

Be prepared
Your safety is paramount, and there are smoke alarms fitted in your home. They are both hard-wired, as well as having battery back-up in case of power failure and it is important that you test the batteries at regular intervals by pressing the test button and replacing the batteries when they expire.
Please take time to look at the advice from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, which can be accessed via this link. Safety at Home | Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
We recommend that every resident makes a home escape plan, especially if you have elderly family members, children or pets living with you. Planning ahead can save valuable minutes in case of the need to evacuate quickly. We advise you to take a couple of minutes to read this advice and make an appropriate plan.
If you require additional fire alarms for the hearing impaired, these can be installed for free by the local authority. Please call 0800 917 9994 and request a home fire safety check.

In the event of a fire in your apartment
Your apartment block has a STAY PUT policy.

• This means that should you hear the communal fire alarms go off, and/or notice a fire in the common parts, you should remain in your flat and not attempt to make your way out of the building.
• Stay safe in your flat and immediately call the emergency services on 999.
• Please familiarise yourself with the specific Fire Policy which will be located in your utility cupboard and should you have any questions please do contact your property manager.

In the event of a fire in your house

• If a fire breaks out in your home, alert everyone in your home and leave together.
• If it’s safe to do so, switch off all kitchen appliances and close as many doors as possible on your way out.
• Leave your home using the nearest available exit, and move well away.
• Once you’re a safe distance away, dial 999 and ask for the fire service, giving your full address. Stay on the line until the operator has confirmed all necessary details.

DONOT re-enter the building
DO NOT put yourself at risk or cause delay
DO NOT stop for personal belongings
DO NOT stay and try to put out the fire yourself

If there’s smoke, stay low to the ground as you exit.

Preventing fires
Keep your home and family safe by following these golden rules:

• In the kitchen: take extra care when cooking with oil, which can easily burst into flames if it overheats. Turn saucepan handles inwards so children can’t reach them and knock them off the hob
• Electrical sockets: Ensure you don’t overload sockets with multiple extensions and adaptors
• Fuse box/consumer unit: Don’t store anything next to or on top of it
• Candles: The safest thing is not to use them at all. If you do, put them in a fireproof holder, always blow them out when you’re leaving the room and keep them well away from children, pets, curtains and other fabrics
• Keep all escape routes clutter-free, including staircases & hallways.

What to do in other emergency situations
Make sure you know where to find the following:

• Electrical fuse box
• Water stopcock
• Gas supply valve

Power failure
If it’s safe, check to see if your neighbours still have electricity.
If their power’s also off, then it’s most likely a power cut affecting the whole area. The UK power network will be able to confirm this on 0800 028 0247.
If the issue appears to be affecting your home only, check your fuse box. You’ll find this in the cupboard under the stairs, or in your utility room if you have one.
Scan the QR code to take you to the Electrical Reset Troubleshooting Guide.

Loss of water and leaks
If you experience a loss of water, call your water company or check their website to find out if there are any local outages or works that might affect your supply. If there aren’t any outages in your area, contact your property manager.

If you have a water leak from an appliance or pipework:
Turn off the water using the stopcock located under the sink.

Once you’ve done this, contact your property manager who’ll send a plumber out to help. Please don’t ignore a leak – no matter how minor. We don’t want your damage deposit to be affected in any way, so it’s best to report any problems immediately. If you’re not sure what to do in the short-term or need any help following a leak, please contact your property manager.

Water hygiene
If you’re away for a week or more, one of the first things to do when you’re back is run hot water from every tap and shower in your home for 5 minutes. That’s because, when the water hasn’t been run for a while, there’s a chance that Legionella bacteria will develop in the water sat in the pipes. It’s a small risk, but always better to be safe!

Windows
The windows installed to your new home are UPVC with window restrictors to upper floors. White on the inside and grey on the outside.
Locking is by several cams (espagnolettes) located around the perimeter of the window casement. When the window is shut, with the handle in the closed position, the cams are engaged in ‘keeps’ fitted around the window frame.

To unlock the windows: Turn the key if your window is locked with keys, then push the key and button in, lift the handle and push the window open. On first floor windows, the window will only open as far as the width restrictor allows.
To release the restrictor, open the window to just before the furthest away it will go from you. The slide your finger under the catch, and with a little force, it should pop up slightly and at that point push the window out fully and it will open.
To tilt the window as shown in the 3rd picture, to clean externally, you need to push on the shiny metal discs which are located and the top and bottom of the window. Start with the top one first and slide the window across to the left as you do it, and then push the bottom one to fully move it all the way across.

To lock the windows: Grip the handle, pull the window in and turn the handle down. Turn the key to lock.

Maintenance
Clean the frames and glass every 3 months using mild, non-scouring cleaning agents and a soft cloth. DO NOT use any tools with sharp edges i.e. knife, metal scrapers, steel wool or scouring pads etc. Use a lubricating spray such as PTFE on moving parts. Vacuum the rebate to remove dust and dirt to avoid the drainage holes becoming blocked.
Please note that windows on the ground floor have locks and keys, but all windows above ground level are not lockable.

Good housekeeping tips & tricks

Cleaning care
Kitchen
Your kitchen comes from a company called Nobilia, which is a German brand of the highest specification. The cabinetry is hard wearing, but incorrect cleaning materials used could damage them so always make sure you use diluted cleaning products, without bleach and wipe down with soft cloths. Use clean water to wash down the fronts and wipe dry, do not allow them to sit wet for prolonged periods of time.

Floors
Your laminate floor isn’t suitable for washing ‘wet’ with a mop – you’ll need to use a dry mop or just a vacuum cleaner. If you spot a stain or mark, you can use a slightly damp cloth or special wipes designed to care for your floor. Please wipe up spills straight away.
To protect your floor:

• protect it by putting it on a rug or mat under any wheeled furniture like desk chairs (cosier underfoot, too)
• buy soft pads to stick to the bottom of furniture legs, to minimise the risk of scratches or other damage
• don’t drag furniture across the floor
• for particularly stubborn stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning products, never use scouring pads, wax or polish. Use a very small amount of acetone or nail polish remover instead

Windows
For cleaning purposes only, the first-floor windows can be ‘disengaged’ using the Easy Clean Hinge mechanism. By pressing the lug, you can slide the casement along the fitting making it possible to clean the external surface of the window from the safety of your room. This needs to be actioned on both top and bottom hinge. The window needs to be fully opened to do this and should be carried out using the strictest care possible.

As soon as the cleaning is completed, the restrictor should be re-engaged.

Lofts in houses
Please note that storing anything in the loft is strictly prohibited and any access should only be in case of an emergency. For further information on this, please do contact your property manager.
Please note: Apartments don’t have lofts, and storing anything in any communal cupboards or stores is also strictly forbidden.

Monthly home care check list

• Test your smoke alarm

• Top up the salt and rinse aid in the dishwasher

• Clean the filters in the kitchen extractor fan, especially after cooking oily or particularly pungent foods.

• Check all taps and toilets for any slow leaks or drips

• Check the filter on the washing machine in case it’s full of fluff, or anything’s become stuck. Pop an old towel underneath before opening the filter cap, to soak up residual water. Also check the rubber door-seal, as buttons, coins and other bits and bobs have a tendency to get stuck there (especially if you have young children who love ‘collecting’!)

• Gently hoover the air vents, as well as any bathroom extractor fans. A dry wipe-over is also fine.

• Take a good look up and down the outside of your home, and let your property manager know if you suspect blocked gutters or slipped roof tiles.

Condensation and mould
Condensation happens when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, like a wall, window, mirror, wallpaper or even clothing and fabrics. You’re most likely to spot it on windows, colder parts of exterior walls, around external doors and window openings, and where ceilings and floors meet with outer walls. It can also crop up in areas where there’s not much airflow – in cupboards or behind furniture placed against an exterior wall, for example.

Modern homes are built with great insulation, draught proofing on doors and sealed window units to minimise draughts and stop heat escaping from your home. Great for your heating bill – not so great for allowing water vapour to escape! This can increase the risk of condensation, which can lead to the growth of black mould if it keeps happening in the same spot.

While you can’t completely prevent condensation in your home,
there’s plenty you can do to reduce it:

• Put lids on saucepans while you’re cooking to minimise steam escaping (it saves energy too!)
• Dry laundry outside as often as you can. If you do need to dry clothing indoors, open the window in that room and close the door, so moisture escapes outside rather than circulating around your home
• Always have your bathroom extractor fan on or leave the bathroom window open when using the shower or bath, and keep the bathroom door closed with the fan on for at least half an hour afterwards
• Don’t worry if condensation appears on your windows. Just wipe them with a clean, dry cloth and open the window for a few minutes

If small patches of mould start to appear, treat it straight away to prevent it getting worse.

• Pick up a mould removal treatment from the supermarket and follow the instructions carefully. Baking soda or white vinegar diluted with water also works a treat
• Don’t brush or vacuum patches of mould, as this can increase the number of mould spores in the air
• To prevent mould coming back, follow our top tips for preventing condensation, above.

If you’ve tried to control the moisture in your home and you’re still battling mould, or there are any damp areas which you suspect are being caused by a leak, contact your property manager as soon as possible.

Top Tip
When you run a bath, put cold water in first – then add the hot. This will reduce steam by up to 90%!

Shrinkage & hairline cracks
A little ‘shrinkage’ is normal for every newly built home – and you may notice a few little cracks in the plaster on the walls and on woodwork. Keep an eye on them and if they increase significantly – or the crack becomes wide enough to fit a £1 coin into it – let your property manager know straight away.

Balcony Rules (Apartments only)
Your property manager will supply you with any specific rules that apply to the development, but we ask you to remain mindful when using your balcony/terrace of others around you and noise.
Balconies are in close proximity to other residents’ windows, therefore noise does easily travel. We also ask you to be careful when watering any plants on your balcony so that water does not escape downward to the balcony below. BBQs are strictly prohibited on balconies.

What to find in this section

• Electrical issues
• Plumbing issues

Troubleshooting

Electrical issues

Top Tip
Take the old lightbulb with you to the shops so you can make sure you’re buying the right size, shape and Wattage. Old lightbulbs can also be recycled – check the waste and recycling section of your local council’s website to find out where.

Even the newest homes experience the odd issue with plumbing or electrics. If this happens during your tenancy, we want to put it right as quickly and speedily as possible. Providing you feel comfortable and safe to make a few checks, this guide will help you give your property manager the information they need to send the right professional with the right parts and materials – first time.

All power has gone
Firstly, make your way to the fuse box and check if all switches are in the UP position. If any are down, flip it back up and see if that has resolved the issue. If it comes straight back down, there is an issue in that area of the house that controls that switch. The switches will be labelled to identify which circuit it relates to.

If there are no switches down and everything seems normal, it may be a power cut. Look outside and see if other neighbours have any lights on at all, and if night-time check if the street lamps are on. If your neighbours have power, then the issue is probably  isolated to your home.

Something keeps tripping my fuse box
If a particular switch on the fuse box keeps flipping down, you may be able to work out what’s tripping it with a few simple checks.

For lighting:

1. Turn off all the lights in your home
2. Head back to the fuse box and flick the relevant switch back up
3. One by one, turn all the lights back on in each room. If the fuse trips again, you’ll know it was the last light you turned on that’s causing the issue. Turn that light off again, reset the switch in the fuse box and you can still use all the other lights in your home until we send someone out to fix the problem.

For plug circuits:

1. Turn off all appliances, lamps and electrical items that are plugged in that room
2. Head back to the fuse box and flick the relevant switch back up
3. One by one, turn on every appliance again until you identify the culprit. Very often, this can be having too many appliances plugged into one socket • using more power than it can handle and tripping the supply

Lights are flickering
This can be caused by several things, but the most common is that the light bulb is about to fail. We recommend you get a new one and safely with all the lights turned off, change the bulb. If the problem continues it may be a sign of an electrical fault, so please do let your property manager know. If the lights have a dimmer switch, this can also be a sign that the dimmer is failing and again you should let your property manager know.

Plumbing issues

Error on the heating system
When it’s properly set up, your heating system should tick along nicely.
If an error code or signal pops up on the main control panel, your manual is here to help. You can access it in a single tap using the QR code.
Here you’ll find a list of error codes and signals, which are also pictured in the ‘How it works’ section of this guide. Sometimes, a quick reset is all that’s needed. If the problem appears more complex or errors keep recurring, please do contact your property manager – even if you’re able to manage the issue in the short-term.

Radiators not heating up properly
If you notice that your radiators are only hot at the top, the bottom or on one side, they most likely have air trapped in them and will need to be ‘bled’. This is easily done with a radiator key ( just a couple of £s in most hardware stores) and an old towel or cloth.
If you’ve never done this before, this step-by-step guide will help.
If you try this and see no improvement, please contact your property manager and let them know.

Heating timer not setting, or working as set
There is one thermostat that controls both the heating and water. First of all, check that it has and that the time is correct. Usually, if the heating doesn’t come on when you expect it to, it’s because a power cut has reset the system – or someone’s pressed the wrong button by accident.
This handy QR code will take you to a detailed instruction and set up manual so you can check everything’s set up correctly. If reprogramming your heating doesn’t do the trick, please get in touch with your property manager.

Gurgling or noisy Pipes
Your pipes shouldn’t bang or gurgle loudly – although a little noise is common when first run the water after being away for a while. If the pipes in your home do this frequently or for prolonged periods, please make a note of when it happens and where the noise appears to be coming from, and let your property manager know. It could be a sign of high pressure, or an issue with the main drain outside.

Raised toilet level
This generally points to a blockage in the waste pipe. First, take a bucket or vase, fill it with water and pour it down the toilet at the same time as flushing. After doing this two or three times, if you see no improvement, contact your property manager.

Toilet not flushing
If your toilet has a visible cistern, remove the lid and check that it’s got water in it all the way up to the ‘fill’ line. You may be able to see and clear a simple blockage, or dislodge a part that’s become stuck in a ‘down’ position – both of which will prevent water flowing in. If the water level is too low, you’re unable to identify the problem or you have a concealed/inaccessible cistern, please contact your property manager and we’ll send a plumber to look into it. In the meantime, you can ‘flush’ a toilet by emptying a bucket of water into the toilet bowl.

Sudden low water pressure
If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure when you turn on the tap, first contact your water company and ask if there are water works going on in the area – as this can temporarily affect your supply. If there aren’t, please contact your property manager, as this could indicate a leak in one of the main pipes coming into your home.

Blocked sink, shower or bath waste
If the water is draining away slowly from the waste plughole, then there will be a blockage. Most blockages are a build up of fats, oils, bits of food, hair or toiletry products and can be easily cleared with drain blocking cleaners or using pipe cleaners to shift the sludge. If you have tried this and the blockage isn’t clearing, contact your property manager.

Isolation valves
Some of the items plumbed into your home come with isolation valves. These are basically taps which you can use to stop the water supply to that particular fitting while you wait for a plumber – so you can stop an irritating dripping tap or a leak that’s causing damage, without turning off the supply to your whole home. The isolation valve to the garden tap is under the sink, which is pictured below.

What to find in this section

• Paint & wallpaper
• Picture hanging guide
• Curtains & blinds

Decorating your home

Paint & wallpaper

Top Tip
Pick up a tester pot just in case you need to touch up the inevitable scuff mark.

We’ve painted the interiors of all our homes with Dulux Trade super matt white (emulsion) and Dulux white (satinwood) to all wood work – a quality, hardwearing white emulsion which gives a bright, fresh feel and a blank canvas for your furniture.
If you’d like to add a splash of colour, feel free to repaint the walls in any shade you choose. All we ask is that you return them to their original colour when the time comes for you to move on (unless otherwise agreed by your property manager).

Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

• Only use emulsion that’s suitable for interior walls
• Please don’t re-paint the ceilings, woodwork (skirting boards, door trim etc), doors or fitted furniture – including kitchen cabinets.
• If you want to use wallpaper or wall stickers, please get the go-ahead from your property manager first
• Don’t use stickers or any other adhesive items on windows and doors
• Don’t risk blockages, or harm to the environment, by pouring unused paint down the sink or drain. Hang onto it for touch-ups, or take it to your local waste recycling centre where it’ll be disposed of correctly

Good to know
While we’re sure you’re a dab hand with a roller, we’ll need to make a deduction from your deposit for any patchy paintwork, or splodges and splatters on fittings and floors that need cleaning at the end of your tenancy.

Picture hanging guide

Top Tip
The best hooks to use are proper picture hooks that look like this

Your favourite photos and artwork have the ability to bring a home to life, so why shouldn’t you hang them on the wall!
This is often not permitted by Landlords because of the damage that can be done to walls, but surprisingly, the main offenders aren’t even real picture hooks – it’s the alternatives like plastic adhesive hooks that peel the paint off with them or small nails that leave not-so-small holes in the walls when removed.
The best hooks to use are proper picture hooks, they leave tiny holes which are easy to fill and decorate over, so you won’t risk deductions being made from your deposit for damaged walls.

Good to know
If you want to put up shelves, wall mounted TV or any other wall fixing, please first seek permission from your property manager.

Curtains & blinds
Your property will come with pre-installed curtains or blinds to bedrooms and some ground floor windows.
Please do not remove any existing blinds, however if you wish to remove curtains, please make sure they are stored in a dust and damp free environment and re hang them at the end of the tenancy.
Should you wish to install curtains, there is a wooden batten above the window into which to secure your pole or track, rather than directly into the wall. Please note that additional window fittings will need to be removed upon check out unless there is a prior agreement made with your property manager.

Caring for your blinds
Blinds are easy to keep clean, regardless of their style. Hoovering them with your vacuum cleaner very gently will remove most surface dust. If there is a small splash or mark, usually just a wipe with a lightly damp cloth should remove it. However, if there are  any stubborn stains, please check each blind individually to see if it does require dry cleaning or if a general fabric cleaner can be used on them. If in doubt, please ask your property manager.

What to find in this section

• Front gardens
• Boundaries
• Rear gardens
• Wildlife
• Electric car charging
• Cycle storage/sheds
• Garden gates

Garden care

Top Tip
Make sure not to block/obstruct the hedgehog highways within your garden

Front gardens

Whether you’re a keen gardener or you don’t know your trowel from your dibber, this guide will help you make the most of your outside space – whether that’s for summer entertaining, playing with the kids or a moodboosting breath of fresh air when working from home. It’ll also help you ensure you meet all the basic garden care and maintenance responsibilities outlined in your tenancy agreement.

If you have a front garden, we ask that you follow these simple steps to keep it neat, tidy and a pleasure to come home to:

• cut the grass regularly during spring and summer, to keep it green and healthy. As long as it’s kept under three inches, it’ll thrive
• please sweep any stray pieces of bark or stone chippings off paths and driveways
• keep all front garden areas free from weeds and litter
• please trim shrubs and plants as specified in the plant guidance document, and keep them well watered in summer. These mustn’t be removed unless your property manager agrees to it
• we’ll look after any trees in your garden annually – we’ll let you know in advance when we’re sending a gardener around.

Boundaries

• If you spot any damage to the fencing / hedging / brickwork around your home, please let your property manager know as soon as possible
• Please don’t paint or stain any part of your boundary. We’ll re-treat wooden fencing and panelling regularly to keep it in good condition
• If you’d like to drill into or adapt a boundary fixture in any way, please ask your property manager first.

Rear gardens

• Cut the grass regularly during spring and summer, to keep it green and healthy. As long as it’s kept under three inches, it’ll thrive
• If you have a pet and they cause damage or discolouration to the lawn, it’s your responsibility to repair it before the end of your tenancy. The same goes for any damage caused by large toys or garden furniture
• Please trim shrubs and plants as specified in the plant guidance document, and keep them well watered in summer. These mustn’t be removed unless your property manager agrees to it
• We’ll look after any trees in your garden annually – we’ll let you know in advance when we’re sending a gardener around
• If you’d love to create a decorative border or vegetable patch, you have our blessing – as long as your flowerbed extends no more than 60cm from your garden boundary. If you’re interested in carrying out any other landscaping, please ask your property manager first.

Wildlife
Increasing biodiversity within our developments by encouraging wildlife is something that we are passionate about at Rental Living by Legal and General.
Your home might already have features that we have installed such as bird or bat boxes, a hedgehog highway or bug hotel. These form part of the property and should not be disturbed or removed.
We will be adding more wildlife encouragement features to our homes in the future so if your home does not already have any of these features and you would like it to, then let your property manager know.

Electric car charging
Depending on the layout of your home, you will either have a charger in your overcroft car parking space, on a pole on your standalone space or on the side of the wall outside your home. These are provided by Zaptec. Each resident will need to set up their own account with Zaptec, please scan the QR code for a link to the user manuals and should you have any questions, please do contact Zaptec directly on the contact details provided in the document.

Cycle storage/sheds
There will be a cycle store/shed located in your garden which will have space for 2 bikes. You will need to purchase an additional lock should you wish to have the store fully secure.

Garden gates
Your garden will have external access via a wooden gate, to your car parking space, or to an alleyway. This comes with a bolt lock, however we do also recommend you purchase an additional key or pin code lock for bolstered security.

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