Our in-house maintenance team are on hand to repair and replace issues reported by our tenants within our properties. All our tenants are required to set up a PropertyFile account which allows you to report and track maintenance issues as well as keep all of your important tenancy documents and invoicing details in one place. We aim to respond to your maintenance requests as quickly as possible, and as landlords we maintain responsibility over a large portion of the maintenance of the property during your tenancy. This includes elements like ensuring the heating, hot water, drains and sanitary facilities are all working safely. However, as a tenant you do have a legal responsibility to act in a ‘Contract-holder-like Manner’. Before reporting any maintenance issues, it is worth double checking if there is a simple fix that you might be able to carry out yourself. Minor maintenance such as changing light bulbs, checking fire alarms, trying to unblock drains, cleaning out filters on appliances, disposing of rubbish correctly and checking the pressure gauge on the boiler all fall under the concept of ‘Contract-holder-like Manner’. Under your contract you do have a responsibility to report maintenance issues that you cannot rectify yourself promptly, to avoid the issue deteriorating or becoming beyond repair. Please be aware that if you arrange for a contractor to attend your property yourself or classify an emergency call out incorrectly, you may well be liable for the call-out charge.
Damp and mould
Mould is often one of the main issues that gets reported to us. However, there is a lot that tenants can do to reduce the build up of mould within their property and to prevent it coming back. Keeping your home warm and properly ventilated, will reduce the build up of condensation and mould within your home. Mould can not only look unsightly but can also have an impact on your health. Here are a few tips to
help you keep your home warm and cosy and the mould at bay:
• Open trickle vents
• When possible, open windows for short periods
• Use extractor fans in kitchen and bathrooms
• Keep home temperatures constant
• Wipe excess moisture from window
If you would like more advice on keeping your home damp and mould free, please contact our office and we can send you a guidance document.
Electrical issues
Another common report we receive is for tripped electrics and broken appliances. Before reporting an appliance as broken, there are several troubleshooting steps tenants can check to help assess the issue.
• Have any filters within the appliance been cleaned?
• Is it the socket or the appliance that is the issue?
• Does another appliance work in the same plug socket?
• Have you checked the fuse board to see if the electrics have tripped?
• If you plug the appliance back in, does it cause the circuit to trip again?
• Does the fuse on the plug itself need changing?
Plumbing concerns
There are a number of plumbing concerns that may pop up throughout your tenancy, but the impact of these can often be reduced by some simple problem solving including the following:
• Tenants are expected to keep sinks, toilets and drains free from blockage by disposing of waste correctly and using drain cleaner/bleach as required.
• With regards to radiators if these do not seem to be functioning as well, check to see if they need bleeding to release any air or check the individual thermostats are at the correct setting.
• If you notice a leak in your property, stop using the element that is causing the issue and if necessary, locate the stop cock and turn off the water supply to isolate it.
• If you have issues with hot water, check your boiler pressure and also note if it is an issue throughout the house or just for one item.
• If there is no water to your property visit the Welsh Water website to see if there are any local incidents reported which may affect your supply.
Pest control
Living in a built-up area inevitably means the presence of pests and rodents. However, their impact can be managed if tenants ensure they manage their household waste correctly, keep their gardens well maintained and ensure that all communal areas are kept clean and tidy. Tenants are expected to minimise the chance of attracting the likes of rats, mice and seagulls by deterring them as much as possible by living in a clutter free and orderly home which extends to communal porches, hallways, patios, gardens, carparks, bin-stores and courtyards. Please report any signs of pests straight away so that a treatment plan can be put in place as soon as possible. Please note tenants may be charged for repeated pest control visits.
Please remember, as a tenant you have a responsibility to report genuine maintenance issues promptly. Please do this via your PropertyFile account where guidance is given for bother routine maintenance issues and emergencies.
