Richmond

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS

Click on the links below for more information about each topic.

Annual residents' party:

Each summer a garden party is held for all residents.   This is a very popular occasion and provides the opportunity for residents to get to know one another and chat to the staff and members of the Board of Directors and to fellow residents who they may not see on a regular basis.   “Finger food”, wine and soft drinks are provided and there is music to enhance the occasion.     Games and appropriate snacks are also provided for the children who always seem to have a very good time.

Block postcodes:

Car wash area:

For those who like to keep their cars looking spick and span there is a car washing area in the forecourt of the Sheen Road garage block.   A hose is attached to a tap against the wall on the east side of the forecourt and a drain takes the used water away.   Residents are asked please to use only this area for washing their cars.    

Caretakers’ responsibilities and contact number:

The caretakers are responsible for undertaking minor repairs (e.g. leaking taps) in residents’ flats and around the estate and may be contacted in the first instance in case of an emergency such as flooding from a washing machine.   One or other of the caretakers is on duty at all times.   During office hours please telephone the office;  outside office hours, the contact number is: 07766 061525

Cleaning of communal areas:

The cleaning of the communal areas is carried out by a contracted firm.   Any problems should be reported to the Estate Office.

Complaints procedure:

Any complaints should be addressed to the Estate Manager in the first instance. If your grievance is not resolved satisfactorily or the matter requires the Board's attention, please send a letter to the Board with the envelope clearly marked 'confidential'.

Contact details:

Please ensure that the Estate office has details of whom to contact in case of an emergency.

Council Tax bands:

Most Courtlands flats are in Council Tax bands D & E.

Energy conservation:

Energy costs rank amongst the Estate's top 5 and affect directly service charges. There are a few simple measures which can help reduce energy costs:

• Turn off your radiators if you are out during the day or travelling.

• If your flat becomes too warm, turn down the radiators - don't open your windows!

• If possible, install thermostatic valves on all your radiators. Contact the Estate office for assistance.

Energy conservation is a every resident's responsibility.

Fire safety:

All blocks at Courtlands have regularly serviced automatic fire detection systems in the stairwells.

Fire safety begins at home and you should have smoke alarms fitted in your flat and tested regularly. Be aware of available escape routes. Do not store highly flammable products in your flat.

In the event of fire:

• Don't panic, stay calm. Follow your escape plan. Do not use the lifts.

• Get out as quickly as possible and if it is safe to do so.

• Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If a door is cool, open it slowly. Don’t open a hot door. Keep doors and windows closed, unless you must escape through them.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth; take short, shallow breaths.

• Call the Fire Brigade as soon as possible.

• Do not re-enter a burning building.

Garage use and safety:

If you have a garage and your car usage is not frequent, please endeavour to park your car in the garage. This will relieve the pressure on external parking spaces.

Please do not store highly flammable products in your garage. The emptying or refilling of petrol tanks in the garage areas is forbidden.

Gardens:

The gardens are the property of the Company which allows all residents to use them for their pleasure and enjoyment.   The Company does, however, request that this privilege is respected and that residents do not interfere with the work of the gardeners.

The care and maintenance of the gardens is contracted out, currently to a company who put in place a head gardener and small team to keep our estate looking beautiful.   Any problems or special requests should be addressed to the Estate office and they will be dealt with by the Gardens Committee of the Board.

Heating and hot water:

Heating is supplied to all blocks from 1^st October to 1st May and the cost is recovered in the maintenance charge.    Hot water is supplied to the 1930s blocks and again the cost is included in the maintenance charge.   If there are problems the office should be contacted  and if the problem arises out of hours and is serious the duty caretaker should be contacted.    

Noise:

Living in blocks of flats means that we all have to be as considerate as possible of our neighbours so please bear this in mind when playing music or having a party.   The terms of our leases state that neither music nor loud noise is allowed between the hours of midnight and 8 am.

Refuse collection:

Refuse collection is twice a week by Richmond Council and takes place (officially, though it can vary) on Tuesday and Fridays.   Please ensure that loose kitchen waste is securely wrapped and that the bin room doors are closed to ensure that foxes and squirrels do not get at the rubbish.   Also please do not try to put oversized material in the rubbish chutes as this will lead to blockage.   Residents are also encouraged to use the recycling bins nearby in Queens Road or in Sainsbury’s car park whenever possible.

Security:

Every effort has been made to make our flats as secure as possible so please do not make known the entrance codes, which are unique to each block, to anyone not living in that block;   please do not leave the outer door on the catch;  and, above all, please do not “buzz” anyone in unless you are satisfied of their identity and that they have a valid reason for entering  the building.

If you see anything suspicious, please contact the local Police.

TV, Satellite and DAB Radio reception:

Courtlands has a recently installed reception system for digital television and radio, Hotbird (Free to Air) and Sky (Subscription) channels.   Individual residents are not permitted to erect their own aerials and dishes anywhere on the outside of the buildings or in the roof spaces.   Any queries as to the nature of the signals available should be addressed to the office.

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