Maintenance in houses for students - By: Rick Dahne

As a tenant of your student property you need to understand which maintenance matters you should tend to and which are the landlord's responsibility and should be reported to the letting agent.

Most professional tenancy agreements for student accommodation detail everyone's responsibilities, so do read the small print. If you damage anything by neglect, or by inexpert 'fixing', your deposit will be docked. Many landlords have maintenance contracts with companies offering 24/7 call-out for repairs of all kinds. Keep their number handy. Do not delay in reporting problems, as this could increase the damage caused - and you could be penalised.

Things related to the structure of the building, fixtures and fittings, and any provided furniture and appliances, are the landlord's responsibility to repair, but yours to care for. So, you should clean the windows and not smash them - but if one does get cracked or broken, you should tell the landlord, agent or maintenance contractor immediately, so repairs can be done. (It's also sensible to put a temporary covering over a broken window, for safety and to keep the premises secure. If you do not, the insurance may become invalid.)

Similarly, it is your responsibility to keep the drains and grates clear and not to abuse them with inappropriate substances. Yet if there is a real blockage that your own clearing (caustic soda, plunger, etc) cannot fix, the professionals should be called immediately.

At Househustler.co.uk we see it like this:

Your responsibilities:

Keeping the premises clean and hazard-free Cleaning and clearing of paths, drain grates, outside doors and windows Supplying and replacing lightbulbs, and batteries on smoke alarms Cleaning stains on carpets, curtains or walls if caused by yourself or guests Reporting problems immediately

Report for professional action:

Dripping taps, leaks, or interrupted water supply Any electrical fault Any gas fault Damage to doors, windows, fences or hedges Any faulty appliance belonging to the landlord Any fire or smoke damage

About the Author

The Article is written by househustler.co.uk providing accommodation for students and Student Accommodation Services. Visit http://www.househustler.co.ukfor more information on househustler.co.uk Products & Services

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Rick-Dahne/62819

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