Housing Leeds Update – 10 November 2023

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | Bookmark and Share

Leeds City Council banner graphic

Dear resident

We hope you’re keeping safe and well this Autumn. As we feel the colder winter months approaching, please do look at the winter wellbeing advice later in this email. Please also keep an eye out for your rent statement that will be arriving with you soon.

Inside this edition…

  • Winter wellbeing advice
  • Helping prevent condensation and mould growth
  • Cost of living payment reminder
  • Worried about rent over Christmas?
  • Thinking of Christmas decorations, think fire safety
  • How to contact us

Stay well this winter

It’s important to look after your wellbeing now that the weather is colder. Winter wellbeing checklists are useful tools to help those 'at risk' of illness due to cold weather.  You can also visit the public health healthy living page for more general advice on staying well.


Preventing condensation and mould growth

As the winter months draw in and the cold weather hits us, we all need to take extra care in our homes to prevent condensation, and mould growth.

Please refresh yourself on the easy and practical measures that you can take by watching our short damp and mould video

Remember, condensation and mould is common in all homes. The best way to help prevent it is:

  • Remove moisture by opening vents, turning on extractors if you have them and open windows when cooking, bathing or drying clothes in doors
  • Keep heating on a low level to prevent cold surfaces
  • Wipe down condensation that forms on windows, walls and tiles
  • Treat any mould growth you notice straight away, with a mould spray or light detergent, to avoid health hazards and costly damage.

If you the problem gets worse, or you aren’t able to deal with mould growth yourself then please tell us.


Help with the cost of living

The DWP will make the second 2023 Cost of Living payment of £300 to eligible claimants between 31 October and 19 November. If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you will receive the payment automatically, you don’t need to contact the DWP about this. You qualify for the cost of living payment if you receive: 

  • Universal Credit 
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance 
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
  • Income Support 
  • Working Tax Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit 
  • Pension Credit 

To be eligible for the payment, you need to have been entitled to a payment for one of these benefits between 18 August and 17 September.  Remember, if you’ve received a message asking you to apply, be aware this might be a scam.  More information on the help and advice about the cost of living is available at Together Leeds.


Christmas rent worries?

We know Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so here’s some tips to help make money go further.  It’s important that your rent is prioritised and rent payments made to avoid starting the new year in rent arrears.  If you are struggling to pay your rent, please speak to your Housing OfficeDon’t be afraid to contact us and ask for help, there is lots of advice and support we can give. 

Here to help

Christmas decorations and fire safety

Xmas lights

As we move into the Christmas season, it’s lovely to see all the decorations and lights in homes across Leeds. Please consider the risk of fire hazards when you hang your decorations. From not overcrowding electrical outlets to using LED candles, please make sure you deck the halls sensibly.

Don't overcrowd electrical outlets - Plugging too many appliances into one socket can lead to overheating.  This can cause damage to your electrical system, and, in some cases, even cause a fire.

Never run cables under carpets - While it can be tempting to hide unsightly wires or cables by snaking them under the carpet, we would advise against this. The combination of damage to the cable and heat being less able to disperse, could break down the insulation, increasing risk of fire.

Keep candles away from decorations - When decorating your home for Christmas, keep candles away from anything that may catch fire. They smell and look beautiful, but candles should be kept away from the tree, decorations, and soft furnishings. Remember to put lighters and matches away after using them.

Swap candles for LED options - LED candles are a safer option to naked flame candles. They are also great if you have young children or pets at home.

Keep your tree away from fireplaces or heat vents - Set up your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents. or lights.


Contacting us:

To request a repair:

  • Call 0800 188 4000
  • Outside of office hours we will only take calls for emergency repairs.
  • Swarcliffe PFI areas please call 0345 366 4403
  • Little London, Beeston Hill & Holbeck PFI areas please call 03331 210 074

To make a rent payment: go to Housing Rent Payments or call 0300 456 0484. You can also call your local housing office to make a payment

For all general enquiries:  Call 0800 188 4000 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 10am to 5pm).  This number is free from a mobile and a landline.

For all ongoing tenancy matters please contact your local housing office

Keep up to date with services available at the Hubs


And finally…

Smartphones mean that gambling apps have become a casino in our pockets. They are hard to ignore, and we are always connected. Know the facts. Take Action. Visit gamblingunderstood.co.uk.

Gambling apps