15 Basic Home Maintenance Tips for Tenants

Published: 25/09/2024

Renting a home comes with specific responsibilities, and while your landlord or property manager is there to handle significant issues, knowing how to tackle basic maintenance tasks can save you time and hassle. It also shows your landlord and letting agent that you want to look after the property like it was your own. This guide covers some common problems that tenants may encounter and offers simple steps to resolve them. If you are unsure about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact your property manager for assistance. We are here to help.

1. Bleeding a Radiator
If your radiators aren’t heating up, it could be because air is trapped inside. This is a common issue that can be easily fixed by bleeding the radiator.
  • Turn off the heating: Wait until the radiators are cold to avoid burning yourself.
  • Find the bleed valve: This is usually at the top of the radiator. You will need a radiator key (available at most hardware stores) to open it.
  • Use the key: Place the key in the valve and turn it counterclockwise. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes.
  • Close the valve: Once water starts to escape, quickly close the valve by turning the key clockwise.
  • Check the pressure: After bleeding the radiators, you may need to check the boiler pressure and top it up if necessary.
2. Pressurising a Boiler
If your boiler isn’t working correctly, it might be due to low pressure that needs adjusting. This can happen after bleeding radiators or if there’s a leak.
  • Locate the pressure gauge: It is usually found on the front of the boiler. The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bar when the heating is off.
  • Find the filling loop: This is a small, flexible hose usually located underneath the boiler.
  • Open the valves: Slowly turn the valves on either side of the filling loop. You should hear water flowing into the system.
  • Watch the pressure gauge: When it reaches the correct level, close the valves.
  • Reset the boiler: If necessary, reset your boiler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Restoring a Tripped Fuse
A tripped fuse is one of the most common reasons for a sudden loss of power. It usually happens when an appliance overloads the circuit.
  • Locate the fuse box: This is usually found near the front or back door or under the stairs.
  • Identify the tripped switch: The switch that has tripped will be in the ‘off’ position.
  • Reset the switch: Flip the switch back to the ‘on’ position.
  • Unplug appliances: If the fuse trips again, unplug appliances one by one to find the culprit.
4. Adjusting Thermostats and Timers
If your heating isn’t coming on, it might be due to incorrect settings on your thermostat or timer.
  • Check the thermostat: Ensure it’s set to a temperature that’s appropriate for the season.
  • Review the timer/programmer: Make sure the heating is set to come on at the correct times. If you’re unsure how to do this, look for an online guide specific to your model.
  • Test individual thermostats: If some radiators aren’t heating up, check their thermostats.
5. Checking Power Supply to Electric Heating
Electric heaters, like storage heaters, can be a bit tricky. If they’re not working, the issue could be with the power supply.
  • Check the isolator switch: Ensure the switch, usually located near the heater, is in the ‘on’ position.
  • Wait 24 hours: For storage heaters, make sure they’ve been left on for at least 24 hours, as they take time to heat up.
6. Cleaning Extractor Fans
Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens are essential for preventing mould and condensation. Keeping them clean ensures they work efficiently.
  • Turn off the power: Before cleaning, make sure the fan is switched off.
  • Remove dust and debris: Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust from the vent cover.
  • Clean the cover: If the cover is removable, wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly before replacing it.
7. Troubleshooting Appliances
If an appliance isn’t working, there are a few simple checks you can do before calling for help.
  • Check the power supply: Ensure the appliance is plugged in and that the isolator switch (usually above the worktop) is on.
  • Reset the clock on the oven: If the oven isn’t working, it might be because the clock is not set. Set the time, and the oven should start working again.
  • Clean the dishwasher filter: If the dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, rinse excess food from dishes and check that the filter is clear of debris.
8. Dealing with a Water Leak
Water leaks can cause significant damage if not dealt with quickly. The first step is to stop the water flow.
  • Find the stopcock: The stopcock, which controls the water supply, is usually under the kitchen sink. Turn it clockwise to stop the water.
  • Turn off the boiler: If the leak is from the heating system, turn off the boiler or immersion heater.
  • Contain the leak: Use towels or a bucket to catch any dripping water while you wait for assistance.
9. Preventing Limescale Build-Up
In hard water areas like Cambridge, limescale can build up quickly, particularly in bathrooms.
  • Clean the shower head: Once a month, remove the shower head and soak it in a limescale remover or a mixture of vinegar and water.
  • Regular cleaning: Wipe down taps, tiles, and other surfaces regularly to prevent limescale from accumulating.
10. Changing Smoke Alarm Batteries
Smoke alarms are essential for your safety, and they need regular maintenance to work correctly.
  • Listen for beeping: If your smoke alarm starts beeping intermittently, it usually means the battery needs to be replaced.
  • Replace the battery: Open the smoke alarm, remove the old battery, and replace it with a new one. Ensure you use the correct type of battery.
  • Test the alarm: Press the test button to make sure the alarm is working after you’ve replaced the battery.
11. Handling a Power Cut
Power cuts can be frustrating, but before you panic, check if it’s a local issue or something in your home.
  • Check the fuse box: If your home is the only one without power, it could be a tripped fuse. Reset any tripped switches.
  • Check your supplier’s website: If there’s a local outage, your electricity supplier should have updates on their website.
12. Unblocking Drains
Blocked drains are a common issue, often caused by food waste, fat, or hair.
  • Avoid blockages: Don’t pour fats, coffee grounds or food waste down the sink, and use a drain guard in showers and baths to catch hair.
  • Use a plunger: If you do get a blockage, a plunger can often clear it.
  • Use drain cleaner: If plunging doesn’t work, try an organic drain cleaner, following the instructions carefully.
13. Recycling and Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal is essential, especially when it comes to recycling.
  • Check local rules: Look up your local council’s guidelines on what can be recycled and when bins are collected.
  • Sort waste correctly: Make sure items are placed in the correct bin, and don’t leave items in plastic bags in the recycling bin, as this may prevent collection.
14. Getting Locked Out
Being locked out can be stressful, but there are a few steps you can take.
  • Contact your property manager: During office hours, you may be able to borrow a master key if your property manager holds one.
  • Call a locksmith: Outside of office hours, you’ll need to call a locksmith. Keep in mind that if the issue is with the lock itself, you may be reimbursed for the cost.
15. Smelling Gas
Not every issue requires immediate attention, but it’s important to know when to call for emergency help. Smelling gas is one of them. 
  • Gas leaks: If you smell gas, immediately call the gas emergency services on 0800 111 999.

When to Contact Your Property Manager

This guide is intended to help you manage minor maintenance issues, but sometimes professional assistance is needed. If you’ve tried these tips and the problem persists, or if you’re unsure about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your property manager. They can arrange for a contractor to visit and ensure that any issues are resolved safely and effectively.

Taking care of these small tasks not only helps maintain the property but also ensures a comfortable living environment for you. With a little bit of know-how, many common issues can be resolved quickly and easily, saving you time and potential inconvenience. We are here if you need us!
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