b'Keeping you safe and warmDespite the challenges brought by theOur seven-strong Asset Delivery team is responsible for pandemic, were still working hard tomaintaining our 2,266 properties. In response to the pandemic, the team has had to make provide good-quality, affordable homessignificant changes to its five-year home improvement for current and future residents.programme (also known as planned maintenance). Head of Asset Delivery Bob Hopkins devised a Covid-safe solution: We recognised that it wasnt safe to have our operatives working inside residents properties for extended periods during a pandemic, so we suspended our kitchen and bathroom replacement programme. Weve focused instead on replacing windows, doors and roofing, all of which involve working outside. For one project in Welwyn Garden City, for example, we installed secure, energy-efficient windows (argon-filled double glazing) in more than 100 flats, reroofed several large housing blocks, topped up the insulation in the roof spaces and updated fire breaks in roof voids.When normal service can resume, we will switch back to interior works. Well be making up for lost time by replacing 82 bathrooms (including 12 level-access showers) and 81 kitchens. Residents whose 2020/21 planned refurbishment had to be deferred because of the pandemic will be our number-one priority.Strong compliance performance Rent In April your rent will go The Asset Delivery team has robust increase up by 1.5% (youll receive a letter from us about this).processes and procedures in place to make sure we achieve regulatoryPlanning to redecorate?compliance across a range of areas.Asset and Compliance Manager David Bonner said: DespiteIf youre living in one of our older properties, please dontCovid-19, we are 100% compliantuse a steamer to strip off old wallpaperyoull end up in terms of our gas testing and are making greatdamaging the plaster. Instead, score the paper with a knife, progress with electrical, fire, lifts and legionella testing.soak it with warm water (with a little washing-up liquid), leave it for 15 minutes, soak again and carefully scrape it off.Well let you know if were due to carry out tests inThere is a small budget available for patch plaster repairs your property. Please play your part by letting us in to(but not for filling minor holes or cracks).do the work.Are your contents insured?If theres a fire, flood or theft in your property and youAdvice dont have contents insurance, it may cost you a fortuneon tacklingto replace all your belongings. The National Housing Federations Home Contents Insurance Scheme couldmould help protect the things you love. If you have a mould, condensationFor more information, visit www.thistlemyhome.co.ukor damp problem in your home, or call My Home on 0345 450 7288.visit our website for advice onTop tip: When charging an electrical appliance,how to tackle it (type mould inuse the original charger that came with the appliance.the search bar). Never mix and match your chargersits a big fire risk.Residents First|Page 3'