Why is Regular Maintenance Important?
Looking after your home should be considered as important as caring for a high-performance car. Regular upkeep keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently and looking and feeling its best. Regular maintenance keeps your home looking pristine and prevents minor issues from escalating into more significant, impactful problems.
For example, if you notice a small leak coming from a joint in a water pipe, ignoring it could worsen the leak, possibly leading to flooding issues that could ruin carpets or flooring. By taking proactive steps to address small issues, you can continue to enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment while preserving the quality and beauty of your rental property.
Here are some top tips for keeping on top of general maintenance tasks in your rented home.
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
A sparkling dishwasher means sparkling dishes! Regular cleaning prevents clogs, banishes unpleasant odours, and keeps your dishwasher running efficiently.
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Sparkling
- Filter Focus: Remove and clean the filter regularly. This traps food particles and prevents them from causing blockages.
- Dishwasher Salt: Run an empty cycle with dishwasher salt. This cleaning agent breaks down food residue and build-up, leaving your dishwasher fresh and clean.
- Wipe Out Mould: Wipe down the door seals to prevent mould growth. This helps maintain a hygienic environment and prevents unpleasant smells.
Tenant Tip: If you notice any leaks or malfunctions, do not hesitate to contact your managing agent. We are here to help!
Maintaining Drains: Unclogging Drains in Apartments
Blocked drains are a common household issue, often leading to water damage and foul smells.
How to Keep your Drains Flowing Freely
- Strain Away: Use drain strainers in your bathroom and kitchen sinks to catch hair and debris before they clog the pipes.
- Grease is the Enemy: Never pour grease or food scraps down the kitchen sink. Dispose of them in a bin to avoid blockages.
- Natural Drain Cleaner: Occasionally flush drains with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda for a natural cleaning boost.
Tenant Tip: If a drain becomes seriously blocked, avoid harsh chemicals. Contact your managing agent for professional assistance.
Descaling Appliances and Shower Heads
Limescale is a common problem, especially in hard water areas. It affects appliances like kettles, washing machines, and dishwashers, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Regular descaling is critical to keeping these appliances in top condition.
How to Descale
- Kettles: Fill them with a mixture of half water and half vinegar (or a descaling solution), bring them to a boil, let them sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Washing Machines: Run an empty cycle with a descaling solution or a cup of vinegar.
- Dishwashers: Place a descaling tablet or vinegar in the bottom and run an empty cycle.
- Shower Heads: Remove and soak in a water-vinegar solution for an hour, or fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the shower head, and leave it overnight.
Tenant Tip: Regular descaling is essential, especially in hard water areas. This simple step helps maintain appliances and fixtures, ensuring they run smoothly and last longer.
Hoovering Your MVHR Filters (If Applicable)
Your home may be equipped with a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. This system circulates and filters fresh air, improving indoor air quality.
Filter Care
- Regular Hoovering: Remove the MVHR filters every 3-6 months and gently hoover away dust and debris.
- Damage Control: If the filters are damaged, report it to your managing agent for a replacement.
Tenant Tip: Always check with your managing agent if you are unsure about maintaining the MVHR system.
Balcony Maintenance
When you live in an apartment, your balcony is an extension of your living space. Regular balcony maintenance ensures safety, prolongs the life of your outdoor furniture, and keeps it looking its best.
Balcony Care
- Clear the Clutter: Regularly remove debris like leaves and dirt to prevent water build-up and avoid slips.
- Inspect for Damage: Check railings and flooring for any signs of wear and tear.
- Furniture Care: Clean outdoor furniture with appropriate cleaning solutions to prevent mould and mildew.
Tenant Tip: Immediately report any structural issues or damage on the balcony to your managing agent.
Reporting Issues to Your Managing Agent: What are my Responsibilities as a Tenant?
At Crown Luxury Homes, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional tenant care services. Your managing agent is your point of contact for any significant repairs or concerns.
When to Contact Your Agent
- Breakdowns: If something breaks, such as the boiler, plumbing, or electrical system, contact your managing agent immediately. Please do not attempt to hire a contractor or fix it yourself.
- Emergencies: Familiarise yourself with the emergency contact information in the ‘Useful Information’ guide that we sent to you upon your move-in for urgent repairs outside of office hours.
Tenant Tip: Record any reported issues and follow up if you have not received a response within a reasonable time frame.
Conclusion
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can contribute to a comfortable and well-maintained living environment in your home. Remember, regular maintenance upkeep prevents small problems from becoming big headaches.
While you are responsible for the general upkeep and renter maintenance of your home, your managing agent is always available to assist with major repairs and address any concerns you may have with regard to fixing small issues. Open communication is key to a smooth and enjoyable tenancy, so do not hesitate to contact us for help and guidance when you are concerned about any issues arising within your property.
