Tenant’s Responsibilities
Tenants are responsible for keeping the property in good condition and for minor maintenance tasks. Here’s a list of common items that are the tenant’s responsibility:
1. General Upkeep
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Cleaning and basic maintenance
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Gardening (if stated in the tenancy agreement)
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Preventing mould by ventilating the property properly
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Clean regularly to prevent buildup of dirt, mould, or mildew. Use extractor fans or open windows to reduce moisture.
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Maintain the garden by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and weeding, if required by the tenancy agreement.
2. Damage Caused by Tenants or Their Guests
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Broken windows or doors caused by negligence
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Stains on carpets or walls
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Damage to furniture provided by the landlord
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Repair minor damage yourself, such as filling small holes in walls from picture hooks.
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Report significant damage to the landlord immediately and discuss how repairs will be handled.
3. Minor Repairs and Replacements
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Changing light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms
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Unblocking sinks or drains caused by tenant’s misuse
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Replacing lost keys (if required by the landlord)
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Unblock drains using a plunger or a suitable drain cleaner for minor clogs.
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Replace light bulbs with the correct wattage and type for the fitting.
4. Security
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Locking doors and windows when leaving the property
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Replacing keys if lost
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Notifying the landlord of any broken locks
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Ensure all windows and doors are locked before leaving the property to prevent unauthorized access.
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Test locks regularly and report any that are difficult to use or broken.
Shared Responsibilities
Some responsibilities may be shared between the landlord and tenant, depending on the specifics of the tenancy agreement.
1. Appliance Maintenance
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Landlord-provided appliances (oven, washing machine)
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Tenant-owned appliances
Troubleshooting Tips:
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For landlord-provided appliances, tenants should report any faults, but minor maintenance like cleaning filters (in washing machines or dishwashers) may be the tenant’s responsibility.
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For tenant-owned appliances, the tenant is responsible for their repair and maintenance.
2. Condensation and Mould
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Landlord’s responsibility if caused by structural issues (e.g., leaks, poor insulation)
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Tenant’s responsibility if caused by lifestyle (e.g., drying clothes indoors without ventilation)
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Use dehumidifiers or open windows to reduce moisture in the air.
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Wipe down windows and walls to prevent mould growth, and report any persistent issues to the landlord.
