Regular Checks & Maintenance?

Taps & Showers.

 

Where showers are fitted -

If they are used only occasionally then flush them through by running them for at least two minutes every week. Keep out of the way whilst this is being done as far as possible.

Clean, descale and disinfect the showerhead regularly. This should be done at least quarterly.

Leaving the property unoccupied -

Where a property is left unoccupied, for example because of a holiday or visiting family outside of term time, both hot and cold-water systems need to be flushed before using them again. This should be done by running all outlets for at least 2 minutes.

 

Leak?

 

Please don’t panic!

Place a bucket or container under the leak and call us on the mobile number on the repairs policy sheet.

If it is not in the room below the roof, this is most likely a plumbing issue. If the leak occurred after using a shower, bath, sink etc, and it stops after using them then please stop using these until it has been fixed. 

If the leak continues, then locate your stop-tap and turn your water off and we will send a plumber.

If it is below the roof, it is likely to be a roofing issue. We will send a roofer out but please note they do not work when it is raining for health and safety reasons.

​

Drain Blocked?

 

Please remember that from the start of your tenancy you are responsible for the drainage of the property.

Do not put food or cooking oil down the sink as this will block the sink.

If you do block it, please use a plunger to try to unblock it. If this fails, purchase drain unblocker from any supermarket but please ensure you follow instructions on the bottle as it is very harmful.

If we attend to unblock where the problem has been caused by you, there will be a charge for this.

Please note you are also responsible for all external drainage of the property.

N.B If you use a chemical drain blocker and are unsuccessful in unblocking your drain,

please advise us as we will need to pass this information onto the plumber

If you have any doubts, or you need any assistance please call us on the mobile number on the repairs policy sheet.

 

Blocked Toilet?

 

Please limit the amount of toilet roll that goes down and make sure that sanitary products are binned not flushed.

If we attend to unblock it and it is not found to be fair wear and tear, there will be a charge for this.

​

No water?

 

Please check your Northumbria waterboard website for any outages in the area. https://www.nwl.co.uk

 

Lighting Issues?

 

It is your responsibility to change the simpler bayonet and screw-in light bulbs.

We understand that not all light fittings can be changed by yourselves. If this is the case and the light fitting needs tool, you would only be charged for the bulb.

Please report any broken bulbs that aren’t screw in or bayonet and we will replace these.

 

Keeping your House clean & Fresh!

 

Please keep your property in a clean and hygienic condition. This includes keeping your rubbish in bins with tight lids; keeping floors clean by mopping up spills immediately; washing dishes promptly; keeping work surfaces clean and clutter-free; storing food in sealed containers. Please also take extra care in always keeping corridors rubbish free.

A tidy house not only looks better but improves mental and physical wellbeing.

Old food left on floors and counters can attract vermin.

 

Tenant Viewings.

 

Please remember that you too were once a prospective tenant and viewings do need to occur in your house, and unfortunately several may be needed.

By being hospitable and helpful, you may be able to speed the process up!

We understand that the Letting season can be frustrating for you as many groups may be in and out of your house. It will improve the “let-ability” of your house by keeping it clean, therefore reducing the number of visits we have.

Unfortunately, some groups do not turn up and this cannot be helped, so we apologise in advance if we give you notice and do not attend.

During this time, prospective tenants may knock on your door unannounced without making an official booking through us. You are free to refuse access if it is not convenient for you.

 

Your Neighbours and Neighbourhood.

 

Local residents’ welcome good tenants and it’s important that you get on with your neighbours.

Whoever they are, please be mindful of their lifestyle. 

By getting on with neighbours you can look out for each other.

Please avoid activities that cause a nuisance or disturbance to your neighbours. For example, playing loud music, vandalism, dumping rubbish or drunken behaviour. Please avoid excessive noise after 10.30pm. 

N.B If you are going to have a party, it may be worth letting your neighbours know. This will keep good relations.

​

Condensation and the problems it can cause!

 

As the weather turns cold, condensation and mould can form more easily. If there are signs of condensation at your property, it’s not usually a defect with the property itself but the result of the way the tenants are using the property. It’s important that tenants take immediate action to prevent further damage and the cost of subsequent repairs which you may be charged for.

Please follow the advice below and feel free to seek further advice from us.

What is condensation?

There is always moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. If air gets cold, it cannot hold all the moisture produced by everyday activities and some of the moisture appears as tiny droplets of water, most noticeable on windows on a cold morning. This is condensation. It can also be seen on mirrors when you have a shower and on cold surfaces such as tiles or cold walls and ceilings.

Preventing condensation

• Where possible please dry clothes outdoors or if needed in the tumble dryer provided.

• If you do use indoor drying racks make sure the room is well ventilated.

• Keep rooms clutter free. Don’t keep bundles of clothes piled up in one place as this will prevent

circulation. Please try to keep all furniture at least 5cm away from external walls.

• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed when cooking and washing. Use extractor fans if you have them. Make sure wall and window vents are always open.

• At first sign of condensation wipe down the affected area immediately with a bleached cloth.

• Open doors to ventilate cupboards and wardrobes and don’t overfill them.

• Open the window in the affected room a little, especially if it is misted up.

• Keep your home well ventilated to allow moist air to escape and fresh air to be sucked in.

Please note that if this advice is not followed and maintenance work, due to condensation, occurs at the property then you may be charged for this. 

If you have any doubts, or you need any assistance please call us on the mobile number on the repairs policy sheet.