Occupant Responsibilities
When you move into one of our properties, it becomes your home – and looking after it is an important part of your tenancy. We want you to feel safe, comfortable, and proud of where you live. Taking care of the property not only keeps everything running smoothly during your stay, but also helps prevent bigger issues further down the line.
Most responsibilities are simple, everyday things – like keeping the place clean, reporting maintenance quickly, and treating the home (and your neighbours) with respect. By working together, we can make sure your time in the property is stress-free and enjoyable.
Reporting Maintenance Issues
It is essential that all maintenance issues are reported as soon as they are identified. Delays in reporting can lead to further deterioration or, in some cases, permanent damage.
How to report maintenance:
- Reports must be made by the lead tenant only and sent by email.
- Please do not ask every housemate to contact us separately, as this causes confusion and delays in resolving the issue.
- Maintenance requests should not be made in person at our office – email ensures there is a clear written record and allows us to track progress efficiently.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Your tenancy agreement includes clauses regarding anti-social behaviour. Occupants and their visitors must not act in a way that causes nuisance, annoyance, or distress to neighbours or others living nearby.
Serious or persistent breaches can result in legal action, including immediate possession proceedings.
Fire Safety
Occupants must not engage in activities that increase the risk of fire. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Using candles or incense.
- Using deep fat fryers.
- Charging e-bikes, e-scooters, or similar equipment indoors.
- Smoking inside the property.
Never tamper with or move fire safety equipment (such as extinguishers or alarms) unless in an emergency. Any concerns or faults with firefighting equipment must be reported immediately.
Gas Safety
For your safety, never block air vents or flues provided for gas appliances. Report immediately if you notice:
- Brown or sooty marks around appliances.
- Strange smells or suspected gas leaks.
- Any unusual behaviour of gas appliances.
Alarms
- It is the responsibility of occupants to ensure alarms are working:
- Test smoke and heat alarms weekly.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- Replace batteries immediately if required.
Condensation and Mould
Condensation and mould are usually caused by lifestyle factors such as drying clothes indoors, not heating the property, or failing to ventilate rooms. Occupants are expected to:
- Heat the property appropriately.
- Open windows regularly and use extractor fans when cooking or showering.
- Keep furniture slightly away from walls to allow airflow.
- Avoid putting wet clothing or shoes in wardrobes.
If mould develops, use a suitable mould remover spray and gently wipe surfaces clean. Report persistent problems so we can check whether the landlord needs to take additional measures.
Blockages
To prevent blockages:
- Do not flush sanitary products, wipes, or foreign objects down toilets.
- Do not pour food, fat, or oils down sinks.
- Remove hair and debris from plugholes regularly.
Occupants are expected to deal with minor blockages using appropriate products.
Appliances
Household appliances must be looked after carefully. This includes:
- Emptying filters in washing machines.
- Maintaining any relevant appliances which are in the property.
- Defrosting freezers when necessary.
- Following manufacturer’s instructions for use and care.
Freezing Conditions
When cold weather is forecast, occupants should take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, such as:
- Keeping heating on a low setting or using a timer, even when away from the property.
- Checking pipework and radiators for signs of leaks.
Boiler Pressure
If the heating or hot water stops working, check the boiler pressure gauge:
- It should read between 1 and 1.5 bar.
- If lower, top up following the boiler instructions.
- If pressure drops repeatedly, report this to maintenance immediately.
Bleeding Radiators
Radiators that are not heating properly may need bleeding. After doing so, remember to check and adjust boiler pressure. Instructions can be found in your boiler manual or online.
Pests and Waste Management
To avoid pest problems:
- Empty bins regularly.
- Place bins out on the correct collection day.
- Keep food stored securely.
Loss of Electricity
If you lose power:
- Check your fuse board – reset any tripped switches.
- Check with neighbours or the National Grid website for local outages.
If the issue persists, report it to the maintenance team.
Loose Screws and Slats
Please carry out small maintenance tasks such as tightening screws or re-fitting bed slats. A simple screwdriver set is recommended for all households.
Fuses
If an electrical appliance stops working due to a blown fuse, replace it with the correct size fuse.
Gardens
Where applicable, gardens and outdoor areas must be kept in a neat and tidy condition. Pathways should be kept clear. Plants, shrubs, or trees must not be removed without permission.