Making things easier: Introducing HHA’s new Tenant Portal

At HHA, we’re always looking for ways to make managing your tenancy simpler and more convenient. That’s why we’re introducing our new Tenant Portal: a secure online service designed to give tenants quick access to important information and services, all in one place.

The Tenant Portal offers a straightforward way to manage key aspects of your tenancy online, at a time that suits you. We’re encouraging tenants to take advantage of the portal and its benefits, starting today.

The Tenant Portal is accessible via a secure link sent to you by email from [email protected], and can be saved on a phone, tablet, or computer for easy access. Once you sign in using the details provided in the email you receive from HHA, your account will link directly to our main system, giving you access to information specific to your tenancy.

Through the Tenant Portal, you can:

  • View contact details quickly and easily, including updating your mobile number and email address.
  • Check who is listed as living in the property and view documents, including your tenancy agreement.
  • Report repairs and maintenance issues online, including uploading photographs to help explain issues clearly.

This online process makes reporting repairs more convenient as you can do this at any time, and helps HHA respond efficiently by keeping a clear record of requests and updates.  Any emergency should be reported to HHA by calling the office.

The portal also brings important documents and dates together in one place. Compliance inspection certificates, alarm check records and other key paperwork will now be uploaded directly to your account. If an inspection is due, you’ll see it clearly in the portal, along with upcoming dates. Rent statements can also be viewed and saved whenever you need them.

A number of tenants have already been using the Tenant Portal as part of an initial rollout, and it will be available to all tenants in February.

If you have any questions on the new Tenant Portal, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at [email protected].

HHA and Tulloch Homes partnership to deliver 32 new MMR homes in Inverness

Partnership expands mid-market rental opportunities in the popular Slackbuie area

Leading developer of mid-market rent (MMR) homes, Highland Housing Alliance (HHA), and Tulloch Homes, part of the Springfield Group, have announced the next phase of their ongoing partnership, which will deliver 32 additional MMR homes in Inverness.

HHA will take handover of 32 homes at Tulloch Homes’ Fairview Heights development, expanding the range of tenures in the popular Slackbuie neighbourhood. The collection of homes will include a considered mix of 10 three-bedroom houses, four two-bedroom houses, and 18 two-bedroom flats, catering to a wide range of residents.

Scheduled for completion by September 2026, the development is set within a well-established community, offering residents easy access to local amenities and excellent transport links to Inverness city centre.

Both Tulloch and Highland Housing Alliance have been marking historic milestones this year, celebrating 120 years of housing delivery between them. Their strategic partnership delivers a diverse mix of housing tenures at flagship developments across the Highlands. Since its establishment in 2024, the collaboration has resulted in more than 100 MMR homes either completed or agreed at locations including Inverness, Conon Bridge, Aviemore, and Kirkhill.

The latest phase is supported by almost £7 million in funding from The Highland Council, the Scottish Government’s More Homes Grant, and the Inverness and Highlands City Region Deal.

Mid-market rent provides well-priced, long-term homes at rent levels typically between private-market rents and traditional social housing. This tenure supports individuals and families who may not qualify for social housing but face rising pressures in the private rented sector, offering them a secure and stable housing option within their community.

Gail Matheson, CEO of HHA, said: “Our partnership with Tulloch continues to increase the availability of high-quality MMR homes across the Highlands and, importantly, is helping to address the well-documented housing challenges in the region. It is critical for new housing developments to feature a range of tenures, ensuring homes are accessible to as many people as possible in local communities.

“These new homes at Slackbuie will provide long-term stability for individuals and families at a time when securing a suitable rented home can be challenging.”

Kieran Graham, managing director of Tulloch Homes, said: “Our partnership with HHA demonstrates the value of working collaboratively to deliver homes that are thoughtfully integrated within communities. Since its launch last year, this partnership has already made a meaningful difference, providing high-quality, energy efficient housing while supporting the broader ambitions for Inverness and the Highlands.

“Fairview Heights is a well-connected, established neighbourhood, and making these homes available as mid-market rent ensures the development truly meets the needs of local families while contributing to wider regional growth. Housing is a foundation for economic success and plays a fundamental role in realising the ambitions of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.”

Sustaining Highland Communities Through Housing: 20 Years of HHA

By Gail Matheson, Chief Executive, Highland Housing Alliance

This year marks 20 years since Highland Housing Alliance was established, and in that time, the housing landscape has changed significantly. In our early years, the challenges centred around securing land and planning. Now, the challenges have evolved: zoned land is harder to come by, the planning process is more complex, and higher building standards – while important – add both cost and time. Current economic uncertainty also makes securing funding more difficult than ever.

The Highlands are in the grip of a housing challenge. There is significant demand, with The Highland Council estimating that £2.8 billion is needed to deliver the required 24,000 homes in the area. The cost of private rentals has also increased, alongside a decrease in the supply of rental properties.

Multiple factors have affected the availability of housing: a report by The Highland Council showed that there has been a surge in over-75s living in the area, indicating that the Highlands are being increasingly seen as a retirement destination rather than a place that can sustain its working-age residents.

Younger people in the Highlands are struggling to take the first steps on the housing ladder in an environment where housing is both prohibitively expensive and in short supply, which, in turn, means a growing number of people who live and work in the Highlands are being priced out.

The outlook in the Highlands is not wholly negative, however. Significant investment is due to come in the form of the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, announced in January 2023, which aims to boost economic development, renewable energy transition, and regional innovation in the Highlands through significant tax, customs and infrastructure incentives. The Freeport will see the creation of more than 11,000 jobs locally, many of whom will be specialist workers. The success of the Freeport could hang on the availability of homes for these workers.

HHA focuses on providing mid-market rental (MMR) homes, which are typically more affordable than private rents, but sit above social housing prices. For many people, particularly those who are in work but are not yet in a position to buy, MMR provides a vital solution, offering them a high-quality home in a location they want to be, and with the freedom to stay long term, or to move into home ownership should the opportunity arise.

HHA’s commitment to delivering high-quality homes to the people and places that need them has only become more important in the face of the area’s housing challenges. In the last 20 years, we have taken handover of over 500 high-quality homes across the Highlands, ensuring people are able to live and work in the communities they care about.

Our partnerships with organisations including the Scottish Government, Tulloch Homes and The Highland Council have delivered developments in communities across the Highlands, including at Inverness, Conon Bridge, Aviemore, and Kirkhill. HHA also has more than 100 MMR homes currently in the pipeline.

Many of these developments have incentives in place to ensure that people who are vitally important to the communities they serve – including teachers, social care staff, blue light workers and local authority employees – are prioritised in their applications, to ensure these essential workers can continue living in the places they are needed the most in the face of a housing challenge that may otherwise see them priced out or unable to secure quality housing.

In the last 20 years, the housing landscape has changed significantly, but HHA’s purpose remains the same. The challenges we face in the Highlands cannot be solved overnight, but by continuing to work with our partners to deliver high-quality homes in the communities that need them, HHA will continue to play its part in addressing the issues faced by communities across the region.

This piece was originally published on Scottish Housing News.

More than 90 much-needed new homes proposed in Ullapool

Highland Housing Alliance, The Highland Council, and Compass Building and Construction Services have set out plans for 95 new homes on land adjacent to Ullapool Golf Club.

The proposed mix includes one to four-bedroom properties, such as flats, bungalows, and family homes, with options for social rent, mid-market rent, and private sale. At least half of the properties are expected to be affordable homes, helping to meet demand identified in the local housing register.

Alongside housing, the proposals feature landscaped public open space, sustainable drainage systems, and a focus on biodiversity through native planting, habitat protection, and recreational paths. 

The site’s location offers easy access to the village centre, schools, shops, and other amenities, and the design seeks to blend with Ullapool’s unique setting on the shores of Loch Broom. The project builds on the success of the Glenfield development, completed in 2019, which delivered high-quality homes that were well-received by the local community. This development was also a collaborative effort between The Highland Council, HHA, and Compass.

The project team hosted the first community consultation on 7 August 2025 and were pleased to welcome more than 49 local people to share more information and gather their feedback. 

A second drop-in consultation event will be held on Thursday 28 August from 4–7pm at the MacPhail Centre, Ullapool. Residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders are encouraged to come along, view the proposals, ask questions, and share their views. 

Feedback from this process will help shape the plans before a formal planning application is submitted.

For more details and to view the proposals in full, click here.

New housing development completes in Balloch, Inverness

Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) has now taken handover of 12 semi-detached properties at the site. These two- and three-bedroom homes will be offered at mid-market rent (MMR), with rental rates positioned between social housing and open market rents. This tenure is designed to support those who may not qualify for social housing but are priced out of the private rental sector. 

Delivered by local contractor IBI Joiners Ltd, the development is part of a joint initiative between HHA and The Highland Council to expand access to affordable housing across the region. The site offers a mix of homes for MMR and low-cost home ownership, supporting the Council’s commitment to meeting diverse housing needs. 

The development was funded by a Scottish Government grant totalling £7,363,000, with the remainder funded by The Highland Council, Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, and Highland Housing Alliance.  

The Highland Council will provide 33 properties for Council Rent, comprising four two-bedroom wheelchair accessible bungalows, 13 family homes ranging in size from two to four bedrooms, and 16 one- and two-bedroom cottage flats. The eight flats on the ground floor have all been designed to be wheelchair accessible. A further four semi-detached three-bedroom family properties are offered for sale via the Scottish Government’s LIFT Low Cost Home Ownership Scheme, administered on the Council’s behalf by Highland Residential. 

Located within the popular and established Balloch community, the development enjoys excellent access to local amenities, including a leisure centre, schools, and public transport, making it a well-connected and desirable location for individuals and families alike. 

All homes have been built to a high specification, with open plan living and dining areas, modern fixtures and fittings, and bright, attractive interiors. Each home benefits from private garden space, and the wider development features thoughtfully landscaped communal green areas that enhance the sense of place and community. 

The first residents will begin moving into their homes from 26 June.

 

Gail Matheson, chief executive at HHA, said: “The delivery of these new homes in Balloch marks an important milestone in our mission to provide more accessible, high-quality housing across the Highlands. Our strong and long-standing partnership with The Highland Council plays a key role in making this possible, helping us to deliver a diverse range of housing that reflects the needs of different age groups, income levels, and family situations across the region.” 

Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, chair of The Highland Council’s Housing and Property Committee, said: “I am delighted that The Highland Council, working in partnership with Highland Housing Alliance and Highland-based builders and contractors, has successfully delivered the first phase of this much-anticipated housing development in Balloch. The new properties are located in a sought-after area of Inverness and provide a welcome addition to the Council’s commitments to provide sustainable and energy-efficient affordable social rental homes. 

“Equally, the diverse range of property types and sizes included within the development makes these homes suitable for those with additional accessibility needs, in addition to families and individuals.  

“The Highland Council, as part of its commitment to meeting the Highland housing challenge, will continue to work collaboratively alongside partners to build a portfolio of housing stock to enable people to have viable options available to them.” 

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Housing of the right type in the right place, can have a transformational impact. The delivery of these high-quality, energy-efficient, affordable homes will support people to stay in the communities they grew up in, as well as help local businesses to retain and attract employees.   

“The Scottish Government is pleased to have supported this development with more than £5 million in grant funding, and we will continue to work with partners to increase the delivery of more affordable homes. This is all part of our work to deliver 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032, with at least 70% for social rent and at least 10% in our rural and island communities.” 

Blog: Barbecue Safety

Nothing says summer quite like a barbecue: whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a small gathering, barbecuing can be a great way to enjoy the warmer weather. But with open flames and high temperatures, it’s important to follow safety guidance, especially in shared spaces.

Choose the right spot
Always place your barbecue on a flat, stable surface away from fences, sheds, trees and buildings. Never barbecue on balconies and avoid using grills near open windows or under canopies. For those in flats or developments with communal areas, be sure to check if barbecues are allowed.

Keep it supervised
Never leave a lit barbecue unattended. A small flare-up can quickly become a dangerous situation. Make sure children and pets are kept at a safe distance, too.

Use the right equipment
Charcoal barbecues should be lit with firelighters or barbecue starter fuel, never petrol or paraffin. For gas barbecues, check gas connections before use and turn off the gas cylinder when you’re finished.

Dispose of coals carefully
Once it has cooled completely, wrap the used charcoal in foil and dispose of it in your general waste bin – never in recycling or garden waste. Avoid disposing of hot coals in bins, as this is a common cause of fires.

Be considerate to neighbours
Use dry charcoal and clean grills to minimise smoke. If you’re playing music while you cook, keep the volume reasonable and stick to daylight hours, especially in close-knit communities.

Keep water nearby
Just in case, always have a bucket of water, sand or a fire extinguisher to hand when using a barbecue.

Blog: Garden Care in the Summer

As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, now is the perfect time to give your garden and lawn some much-needed attention after the winter months. Whether you’re a keen gardener or just looking to keep your outdoor space neat and welcoming, here are some simple ways to prepare your garden for spring.

Tidy up and clear debris
Winter can leave your garden looking a little worse for wear, with fallen leaves, broken branches, and other debris scattered across your lawn and flowerbeds. Start by raking leaves, removing dead plants, and clearing any clutter to give your outdoor space a fresh start. This also helps prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.

Lawn care: a fresh start
Your lawn may look a little tired after the colder months, but a few simple steps can bring it back to life. Begin by raking away any dead grass and moss, then aerate the soil to improve drainage and encourage healthy root growth. If your lawn has bare patches, now is a great time to reseed. A light feed with a suitable lawn fertiliser will also help encourage strong, green growth.

Prune and trim
Pruning is essential to keep shrubs and trees healthy and looking their best. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and shape hedges for a tidy appearance. Early spring is also the right time to prune roses and certain perennials, encouraging new growth and better flowering in the months ahead.

Refresh your flowerbeds
If you have flowerbeds or pots, give them a little boost by turning over the soil and adding compost or fertiliser. This replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure, helping plants to thrive. Spring is a great time to plant hardy perennials, herbs, and early flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips if you didn’t plant them in autumn.

Plan for colour and interest
Consider adding some spring-flowering plants to brighten up your garden. Primroses, pansies, and crocuses bring an instant pop of colour, while evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest. If space is limited, hanging baskets and window boxes can be a great way to add greenery.

Think about wildlife
Encouraging birds and bees into your garden not only helps the environment but can also make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Bird feeders, bee-friendly plants, and a small water source like a shallow dish can attract beneficial wildlife.

By taking a little time now to prepare your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space throughout the warmer months. Whether you have a large garden or just a small patch of green, these simple steps will help make the most of your home’s outdoor space this spring.

HHA and Tulloch partnership delivers more MMR homes to Inverness

Leading developer of mid-market rent (MMR) homes across the Highlands, HHA, has strengthened its partnership with Tulloch Homes, part of the Springfield Group, in a deal that will create 10 new rental opportunities in Inverness. 

A collection of two- and three-bedroom homes at Tulloch Homes’ vibrant new Parks View development will be handed over to HHA on completion in 2026 and will be available at MMR. These homes offer tenants access to high-quality, affordably priced rental accommodation that is typically below private market rent levels.

Ideally located between the sought-after communities of Inshes and Milton of Leys, the wider Parks View development features 155 sustainable homes set within landscaped green spaces. 

The strategic partnership between HHA and Tulloch Homes is delivering a mix of housing tenures at flagship developments across the Highlands. Established in 2024, the partnership has resulted in more than 100 MMR homes either completed or agreed at locations in Inverness, Conon Bridge, Aviemore and Kirkhill. 

The latest deal has been supported with funding from the Scottish Government, The Highland Council and The Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.   

Gail Matheson, CEO, HHA, said: “Access to affordable, high-quality housing remains a challenge in the Highlands, and partnerships like this are essential in helping to meet demand. By working with Tulloch, we can provide homes that offer long-term stability for individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation.

“This new collection of MMR homes provides local people, including essential key workers, with greater choice to live and work in the area. By helping retain vital skills in the region, we’re supporting both economic growth and the long-term wellbeing of our communities.”

Kieran Graham, managing director of Tulloch Homes, said: “With the Highlands set for significant economic growth driven by the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and ambitious infrastructure projects, the demand for quality housing will only but continue to grow. 

“Tulloch has been part of Highland communities for over 100 years, and while the landscape has evolved, our commitment to deliver high-quality homes that meet the real needs of local people has remained steady. However, it is not just about building more homes, it’s about delivering a mix of tenures that are accessible to everyone. Our partnership with HHA is a great example of how collaboration can realise this.”

Blog: Spring into the garden

As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, now is the perfect time to give your garden and lawn some much-needed attention after the winter months. Whether you’re a keen gardener or just looking to keep your outdoor space neat and welcoming, here are some simple ways to prepare your garden for spring.

Tidy up and clear debris
Winter can leave your garden looking a little worse for wear, with fallen leaves, broken branches, and other debris scattered across your lawn and flowerbeds. Start by raking leaves, removing dead plants, and clearing any clutter to give your outdoor space a fresh start. This also helps prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.

Lawn care: a fresh start
Your lawn may look a little tired after the colder months, but a few simple steps can bring it back to life. Begin by raking away any dead grass and moss, then aerate the soil to improve drainage and encourage healthy root growth. If your lawn has bare patches, now is a great time to reseed. A light feed with a suitable lawn fertiliser will also help encourage strong, green growth.

Prune and trim
Pruning is essential to keep shrubs and trees healthy and looking their best. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and shape hedges for a tidy appearance. Early spring is also the right time to prune roses and certain perennials, encouraging new growth and better flowering in the months ahead.

Refresh your flowerbeds
If you have flowerbeds or pots, give them a little boost by turning over the soil and adding compost or fertiliser. This replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure, helping plants to thrive. Spring is a great time to plant hardy perennials, herbs, and early flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips if you didn’t plant them in autumn.

Plan for colour and interest
Consider adding some spring-flowering plants to brighten up your garden. Primroses, pansies, and crocuses bring an instant pop of colour, while evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest. If space is limited, hanging baskets and window boxes can be a great way to add greenery.

Think about wildlife
Encouraging birds and bees into your garden not only helps the environment but can also make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Bird feeders, bee-friendly plants, and a small water source like a shallow dish can attract beneficial wildlife.

By taking a little time now to prepare your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space throughout the warmer months. Whether you have a large garden or just a small patch of green, these simple steps will help make the most of your home’s outdoor space this spring.

Inverness primary pupils design Homes of the Future

As part of local developer HHA’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, pupils from Ness Castle Primary School have been tasked with designing the homes of tomorrow.

The not-for-profit developer invited over 200 students from the school to envision how homes might look in 2045 and beyond. The young designers were encouraged to incorporate key elements such as sustainability, accessibility, and community impact into their creative submissions.

A total of 203 entries were received, with some pupils opting to hand-draw their futuristic homes, while others used arts and crafts to bring their designs to life in truly imaginative ways. The HHA team judged the entries, awarding one winner from each year group.

Every winner received a £50 voucher and to further support the school, HHA donated £2,000 of funding for Ness Castle to purchase furniture and equipment to enhance their playground and outdoor space.

The winners included:

  • Primary 1 – Elenor McBride, who brilliantly incorporated sustainable power sources into her design, and Fahkr Gillani, who crafted an innovative home featuring bee houses. 
  • Primary 2 – Archie MacLeod, whose design included a roof garden and space for growing produce, and Kalina Zawadka, who built a home using recycled bricks. 
  • Primary 3 – Olivia Liston, who designed a stylish home complete with a disco ball and tree house, and Blake Pollock, who envisioned an accessible home made from natural materials. 
  • Primary 4 – Edward Rabey who integrated advanced futuristic technology, and Sophie Lyall, who designed a dog-themed house with eco-friendly features. 
  • Primary 5 – Olivia Rankin whose home embraced sustainability with elements like rainwater harvesting, and Harvey Taylor, who created a fun and nature-conscious living space. 
  • Primary 6 – Liam MacGregor, who designed a house resilient to environmental challenges such as flooding, and Naomi Madueke who focused on accessibility and community in her design. 
  • Primary 7 – Iris MacGregor, who incorporated native Scottish plants into a community-oriented home, and Kanishkna Rajkumar and Francesca Collery, who worked together to create a design inspired by the 20-minute neighbourhood concept, complete with recycling facilities and eco-conscious features. 

Gail Matheson, CEO at HHA, said: “The thoughtful and imaginative designs submitted by the pupils have truly impressed us. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve focused on sustainability and accessibility, carefully considering how their homes will interact with the natural environment.

“It was also fantastic to see so many fun and innovative features included in the designs from a dog-themed home to futuristic smart technology, which I’m sure we’d all love to have in our own homes.

“Our partnership with Ness Castle Primary School marks an exciting milestone for HHA as we celebrate our 20th anniversary throughout 2025. During this time, we have delivered more than 500 homes available at mid-market rent, providing high-quality rental opportunities for local people. Although a lot has changed in that 20-year period, our commitment to providing safe and comfortable housing has remained our number one priority.”

Craig Connon, Headteacher at Ness Castle Primary School, said: “The pupils have shown immense creativity and thoughtfulness in their designs, and we are grateful to HHA for providing such a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the world of design and sustainability.

“It is vital to expose future generations to real-world examples, particularly with housing being an issue that affects everyone. It may even inspire some of our pupils to go on to pursue careers as architects or interior designers, making this experience all the more valuable.”

HHA currently owns and manages 25 mid-market rental homes at The Maples development, located to the south of Inverness city centre near Ness Castle Primary School. MMR homes are typically lower than private rental costs and slightly higher than affordable housing rates, creating well-priced rent opportunities for both families and individuals.

Highland Housing Alliance seeks non-executive directors to shape housing in the highlands

hhahomeslogo

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on housing in the Highlands? Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) is recruiting up to five non-executive directors to join its board following a recent restructuring. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the work of a not-for-profit housing developer dedicated to delivering homes and regenerating communities across the region.

Who we are

Established in 2005, HHA has been at the forefront of providing Mid-Market Rent (MMR) homes. With over 470 MMR homes already delivered and 177 properties expected to be completed within the next year, our developments support local workforces and stimulate regional economies. Beyond housing, HHA has led transformational regeneration projects in Inverness, turning disused buildings into vibrant living spaces.

The role of non-executive directors

As a non-executive director, you will:

  • Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the executive team.
  • Oversee and review HHA’s policies, strategies, and financial controls.
  • Monitor performance against budgets and ensure robust risk management.
  • Act as an ambassador for HHA, representing the organisation in public.

This is a strategic, governance-focused role that involves up to two days per month, including attendance at four board meetings, an annual general meeting, and two development days.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking individuals with a passion for housing and experience in areas such as:

  • Financial management, accounting, or risk.
  • Housing development or property markets, particularly in the Highlands.

Candidates should also demonstrate skills in collaboration, constructive challenge, strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication. Previous non-executive experience is not required, as induction and training will be provided.

Why join us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape housing policy and contribute to Highland communities’ social and economic wellbeing. As a non-executive director, you will help ensure HHA’s continued success in delivering homes and landmark regeneration projects. Successful candidates will be provided with a salary of £7,500 per annum.

Apply now

If you are enthusiastic about housing and ready to bring your expertise to our board, we encourage you to apply. Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role to [email protected] by 7th March 2025. Shortlisting will take place the week of 10th March, with in-person interviews held in Inverness on 24th and 26th March, with the successful candidates starting on 1st April.

Please see below the documents which you will need to apply:

Person specifications

Role Description

Background Information

Blog: Seasonal safety from HHA

The festive season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. While decorating your home with lights, candles, and other festive touches is exciting, safety should always come first. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free Christmas.

Christmas trees

Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, safety starts with proper placement and care. Real trees should be fresh and watered regularly to prevent them from drying out, as dry trees can be highly flammable. Check that the needles are green and firmly attached to the branches. Artificial trees are a great option if they’re labelled as fire-resistant. Wherever your tree stands, ensure it’s positioned away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces and isn’t blocking any exits. When decorating, avoid overloading branches to keep the tree stable and secure.

Electrical decorations

Festive lights can bring warmth and cheer but handling them responsibly is essential. Before setting up your lights, inspect them for any signs of wear, such as frayed wires or broken bulbs, and replace anything that’s damaged. It’s also essential to avoid overloading electrical sockets; only use one extension lead per outlet to reduce the risk of overheating. Always turn off your lights when you leave the house or go to bed. Using a timer can make this easier. LED lights are an excellent choice as they consume less energy, produce less heat, and are generally safer.

Candle caution

Candles can create a cosy, festive atmosphere but require careful attention. Always place candles on stable surfaces, away from anything flammable, such as curtains or decorations. Never leave a lit candle unattended, especially when leaving the room or heading to bed. If you’re concerned about safety, consider using battery-operated LED candles. These alternatives provide a warm glow without the risks associated with open flames.

Decorating safely

When decorating your home, think about safety as well as style. Avoid placing too many decorations in one area, as this can create potential fire hazards or make pathways difficult to navigate. Use proper hooks or clips to hang items, rather than nails or staples, which could damage electrical wires. If you have children or pets, keep fragile or small decorations out of their reach to prevent accidents.

Heater and fireplace precautions

Fireplaces and heaters can be key to staying cosy during the festive season, but they also require caution. Ensure decorations or stockings are placed at a safe distance from heat sources to avoid accidental fires. If you plan to use a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and in good working condition before lighting it.

Smoke alarms and emergency preparedness

Your smoke alarms are essential to keeping your home safe during the holidays. Take a moment to test them before the season gets into full swing. If you find any issues, don’t hesitate to contact HHA for assistance. Having emergency contacts readily available, including the local fire service and HHA support numbers, is also a good idea. As a reminder, our emergency out-of-hours numbers are 01463 251132 or 01463 251131.

Staying safe doesn’t mean compromising on festive cheer. You can enjoy a magical Christmas with peace of mind by taking a few simple precautions. Everyone at HHA wishes you and your loved ones a joyful, safe and merry Christmas!