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Guides

Plain-English guides

Practical, jargon-free guides for homeowners, residents and landlords — drawing on what we do every day. For official documents, see our Resources library.

Guide

A homeowner's guide to fire doors

A fire door is a specially built doorset designed to hold back fire and smoke for a set time — usually 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). In flats and shared buildings they protect escape routes and buy time for people to get out safely.

When do you need one?

Fire doors are typically required on flat entrance doors, and on doors onto stairs and shared corridors in blocks of flats, as well as in many commercial and HMO settings. If you live in a flat, your front door is very likely a fire door.

Signs a fire door may not work

Fire doors should never be wedged or propped open. If you're unsure whether your door is compliant, a quick survey will tell you — book a fire door survey.

Guide

A landlord's guide to EICRs

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal inspection of a property's fixed wiring by a qualified electrician. It identifies anything dangerous or non-compliant and records whether the installation is satisfactory.

How often and who needs one?

In England, every privately rented home — including all HMOs — must have a satisfactory EICR at least every 5 years, by law. Owner-occupied homes are recommended around every 10 years, and commercial premises typically every 5 years.

Your duties as a landlord

We carry out the inspection, issue the report and complete any remedial works — book an EICR.

Guide

Damp & mould: what residents can do

Damp and mould are usually caused by excess moisture in the air with too little ventilation. Some simple habits help — but persistent damp often points to a building issue that needs fixing, and you should report it.

Everyday steps that help

When to report it

If mould keeps coming back, spreads, or there are signs of a leak or structural damp, report it to your landlord. Under Awaab's Law, social landlords must investigate and act on damp and mould within set timeframes. Lasting fixes often combine improved ventilation with insulation and any necessary repairs — which is exactly the kind of work we deliver.

Guide

Understanding retrofit funding

Several government schemes can help with the cost of energy-efficiency upgrades. Eligibility and availability change regularly, so it's always worth checking current criteria — but here's the quick picture.

Not sure what applies to your home or portfolio? Tell us about the property and we'll point you to the most likely routes. See our Resources for official scheme links.

Guide

Preparing for a survey

A survey lets us understand your property and recommend the right works. It's quick, non-disruptive, and there's nothing you need to buy beforehand.

What to expect

How to help it go smoothly

Book a survey

Still have a question?

Tell us about your property and we'll give you clear, practical advice.

Talk to our team