Minor Repairs
Tenant’s responsibility for minor repairs typically means keeping the rental property in a clean and orderly condition and for making minor repairs, such as changing light bulbs and unclogging drains. Landlords are usually responsible for major repairs and maintenance.
As a tenant, it is important to understand your responsibilities in regards to minor repairs and maintenance issues in your rental property. Generally speaking, minor repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the tenant. These types of issues are usually small and straightforward enough for tenants to take care of themselves without needing to involve the landlord or property manager and on the whole, they are what we would call common sense issues. Minor repairs are generally defined as any repair or maintenance issue that can be carried out using basic tools, materials, and skills.
Tenants Responsibility
It is not the landlords responsibility to attend to every loose screw or sticking lock. Under minor repairs, tenants have a responsibility to undertake minor repairs themselves and whilst the list below is not exhaustive, it is expected that tenants can undertake such items without calling out the landlord.
We strive to provide an effective and efficient repair service on our properties ensuring works are carried out in a timely and professional manner, but we cannot fulfil every issue. As landlords we are legally responsible for the upkeep of the structure and structural elements of the building, the exterior, plumbing and heating and electrical system.
But tenants must take responsibility for the care of the property, both inside and by agreeing to rent one of our properties, agree to undertake repairs to items which are best described as common sense issues.
Tenants are responsible for reporting any repairs which we will need to attend to by us.
Tenants Repair Responsibility Include
- Minor repairs, oiling locks, door keys, handles etc
- Maintenance of appliances and fittings which have been installed by the tenants
- Washing machine plumbing, fittings and leaks caused by blockages
- Sealing around baths, sinks, and showers.
- Bleeding and venting radiators.
- Painting and decorating.
- Replacing lost or damaged keys and locks that have been damaged.
- Replacing electric plugs, fuses and bulbs.
- Upkeep of gardens and yards.
- Replacement of smoke alarm batteries.
This list is neither exclsusive nore exhaustive and determination of the repair, whether it is our responsibility or yours will ultimately be decided by us.
Rechargeable Repairs
Rechargeable repairs are repair costs that you are responsible for paying. These will normally occur when the repair needed is a direct result of your actions. In certain circumstances you may be charged for a repair. A good example of this is calling us out to an electrical issue which has been caused by a tenants own faulty appliance.
If there is evidence of intentional or accidental damage, malicious damage, misues or neglect, then tenants must pay for the cost of the repair. Ordinarily this will occur before any works are carried out.
We understand that you might want to make improvements or upgrades to your home, but you’ll need to ask our permission first and you must not do any work without permission. If you do work without our permission, you could be charged for any work we have to carry out to repair or remove home improvements that don’t meet our approval.
Gutters, Drain-Pipes and Drains
Tenants are responsible for the cleaning and general care of gutters, drains and rainwater goods, this is clearly stated in the model Tenancy Agreement signed at the outset of the tenancy and is standard practice for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. If damage is caused to the property due to blocked guttering or rainwater goods, the tenant will be held responsible for the full cost of repairs.
Smoking and Tab Ends
We are a none smoking property provider, which means that we do not permit smoking in or around our properties. However, we are aware that this rule is not always adhered to and often at the end of tenancies we have to deal with the mess that is discarded tab ends. Tab ends are renowned for blocking drains and where drains are found to be blocked from cigarette stubs, tenants will be held responsible for the cleaning of the drain system.
Regular Occurances
Tenant’s responsibility for minor repairs typically depends on the terms of the lease agreement. In general, tenants are responsible for small item such as replacing the batteries in a smoke detector. Tenants are responsible for keeping the rental property in a clean and orderly condition and not cluttering the property both inside and out, and for making minor repairs, such as changing light bulbs and unclogging drains. Landlords are usually responsible for major repairs and maintenance, such as fixing leaks or replacing appliances.
Cellars
If your property has a cellar, the cellar does not form part of the habitable part of the property. Cellars were built by the Victorians to provide a space to store coal or wood for heating, and were sometimes used for storing root vegetables. Cellars are built below the damp proof course of the property and as such are not guaranteed to be free from damp, in fact, if your cellar is dry then you are one of the lucky ones!
Also, cellars are sometimes subject to flooding and this is becuase they are oftent below the wter table level of the location. We advise you not to store valuable items in your cellar, bikes will rust, clothing will get damp etc. We are not responsible for the state of cellars other than if there is a structural problem.
In addition to minor repairs and maintenance, tenants are also responsible for everyday upkeep and cleaning of their rental property. This includes tasks such as cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, windows inside and out, vacuuming or sweeping floors, and keeping the property free from clutter. Tenants should also be aware that if they neglect their responsibilities for minor repairs and maintenance, it may lead to larger problems down the road. It is in the best interest of the tenant to address small issues promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger and more costly repairs.
In summary, as a tenant, it is important to understand your responsibilities for minor repairs and maintenance. These types of issues are generally your responsibility. Remember that taking care of small issues promptly can help prevent larger and more costly repairs in the future. We have listed below the most common minor repair items that tenants must deal with. It is difficult to think of every eventuality for this minor repair list but in summary, it really does boil down to Common Sense.
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General Repairs
- Minor repairs, oiling locks, door keys, lose handles etc
- Maintenance of appliances and fittings which have been installed by the tenants
- Washing machine plumbing, fittings and leaks caused by blockages
- Sealing around baths, sinks, and showers.
- The cleaning of the sealing around baths, sinks, and showers, these must not be allowed to become mould infested
- Bleeding and venting of radiators
- Painting and decorating
- Replacing lost or damaged keys and locks that have been damaged.
- Replacing electric plugs, fuses and bulbs.
- Upkeep and cleaning of gardens and yards.
- Replacement of smoke alarm batteries.
Smoke Detectors
- Regular Checkups:
- Tenants must perform monthly checks on smoke detectors to ensure they are operational.
- Familiarize with the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific smoke detectors.
- Battery Replacement:
- Tenants must change the batteries in the smoke detectors at least twice a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If the Smoke Detector starts to bleep, it means the battery needs replacing.
- Testing Alarms:
- Tenants must regularly test smoke detectors to ensure they can effectively alert you in case of a fire.
- Report Issues Promptly:
- If you notice any issues with your smoke detectors, they must be reported to our maintenance team immediately.
Light Bulbs
Unless the light fitting is a fixed fitting (i.e. IP65 bathroom or kitchen), tenants are responsible for replacing light bulbs in their homes. This includes Flurocent bulbs in kitchens and bathrooms or LED fixings.
Drains and Drain Pipes
Keeping drains clear is the responsiblity of the tenant, both inside and outside of the property. If a drain becomes blocked and needs specialist attention, such as rodding, and any alien element capable of causing a blockage is found, then the tenant will pay full cost of the repairs to the drain and any subsequent damage.
Guttering
The tenancy agreement clearly sets out the responsiblity for the tenant to keep the gutters clear of debris, leaves etc.
Door Handles
Door handles do become lose, often it’s a simple matter of tightening the screws, it’s really just common sense.
Door Locks
If a door lock is sticking, it’s often the case that it needs oiling, we recommend a simple spray of WD40, it nearly always does the trick, if you don’t do this, you run the risk of a stuck lock and being locked out of your home.
Kitchen and Cupboard Doors
Kitchen cupboard doors and handles often need tightening or adjusting. All that is required is a posi-drive screwdriver to tighten or adjust the fittings.
Dripping Taps
If a tap is regulary dripping, it’s likely that it’s the washer, in which case we will replace it.
Cleaning
As a tenant, it’s important to recognise and fulfill your responsibilities in maintaining cleanliness and tidiness within your rented property. A clean and well-kept home not only contributes to your comfort but also preserves the property’s condition and fosters a positive living environment. Below are guidelines outlining your responsibilities in this regard:
1. Regular Cleaning:
- It is your responsibility to keep the interior of the property clean on a regular basis. This includes vacuuming or sweeping floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning kitchen and bathroom areas.
- Clean kitchen and bathroom tiles so that they are free of mould, especially in the locations of the sink, shower and bath.
2. Bin Disposal:
- Dispose of household waste properly by placing it in designated bins or following local waste disposal guidelines.
- Ensure bins are placed for collection on scheduled pickup days and refrain from allowing trash to accumulate indoors or outdoors.
3. Outdoor Maintenance:
- If your tenancy agreement includes outdoor spaces such as a yard or garden, maintain these areas by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and removing weeds.
- Keep pathways and driveways clear of debris and ensure outdoor furniture is kept clean and in good condition.
4. Pest Prevention:
- Take measures to prevent pest infestations by keeping food storage areas clean, disposing of food waste properly, and promptly reporting any signs of pests to the landlord or property manager.
5. Common Areas:
- If you share common areas with other tenants, such as hallways, stairwells, or laundry facilities, maintain cleanliness and respect shared spaces by keeping them tidy and free of personal belongings.
Gardens
Where a tenant has a garden, it must be kept up to standards and must not be allowed to become overgrown, it must be kept free of weeds and must not be allowd to look unkempt.
Yards
Yards must be kept clean and not used for storage. Cigrarette tabs must not be discarded in yards under any circumstances.
Mould
Clean Mould as soon as you see it, if you don’t IT WILL SPREAD!
Window Gaskets (Rubber)
The rubbers around the windows get wet, and then they get dirty from condensation mould, all that needs to be done is to clean them, otherwise they will produce black mould!