As a GoLet tenant you will be responsible for a number of maintenance issues that relate to the general upkeep of your new home. We hold a bond from you which is to cover ourselves against that which cannot be described as ‘reasonable wear and tear.’ If you have an active involvement in the care of your home any issues can be avoided. There are issues which crop up year after year which, if actioned early could be avoided saving time, money and ultimately providing you with a nicer place to live. Some of these issues we expect you to action are;
- Condensation this occurs when warm moist air is created by cooking, washing or simply human habitation, and has no escape. This will in time cause a black mold which if left unchecked will spread quickly and can cause respiratory problems. This can easily be avoided by making sure any moisture you create has an outlet. Open a window after your shower, turn on the extractor when you cook and wipe down any spillages. It is also an important health consideration to ‘air’ your sleeping space. Airflow is very important for allowing moisture and stale air to escape!
- Blocked drains obviously there are many circumstances which can lead to a blocked drain and not all of these could be attributed to human negligence. But we have found one of the easiest ways to ensure clear drains is avoiding putting food waste down the sink. In a drain food has a tendency to expand and expand (particularly pasta and rice). A small amount of food can cause a big problem. An easy way to combat this is to use a simple perforated plate that lays over your plug hole when the sink drains. (If you can’t find one we’ll provide one for you). There is also the issue of grease. Although it may look quite fluid when it goes down the sink, when it meets the cold water of the drain it congeals and eventually causes a difficult to shift blockage. disposal of grease takes a little more involvement and care. Grease can be poured into a yoghurt pot or margarine tub sealed and dropped into the bin.
- Kitchens we expect all tenants to clean their kitchens and the appliances therein. This is not only a hygiene issue but we are finding ourselves having to replace ovens and hobs that are not fit for use after one year. We cannot continue this way and unreasonable replacement costs will be passed on to the tenants.
- Waste disposal you will be responsible for the careful disposal and where necessary recycling, of all household waste. Bins are provided for you, both inside and outside the property. Allowing rubbish to accumulate inside the property is unhygienic and can lead to health problems and pest infestation. (please note the bin men will not take the wheelie bin if it is overflowing so stay on top of it!)
- Cleaning you are provided with a vacuum cleaner and you will be expected to use it. You have a duty to return the property to us in the state in which it was presented to you. cleaning as you go will ensure this happens and prevent further costs.
- Appliances all appliances need regular maintenance. Hoover bags must be emptied. Filters must be regularly checked on washing machines. Freezers must be defrosted periodically. Hobs and ovens must be wiped down. Appliances will last longer and perform most efficiently when they are maintained properly.
- Utilities It is your responsibility to register all utility accounts in your own name for the duration of your occupancy. The first thing you should do when you move in is to ask for your meter readings which you can then pass on to your provider when you set up your accounts. This will avoid any confusion which might leave you liable for a previous tenants usege. Unless by otherwise agreed with GoLet Ltd, You will be responsible for Gas, Electricity, Water and Council Tax ( exemptions apply). At the end of your tenancy you must take your final meter reading and alert all utility companies that you wish to pay a final bill at which point your account can be closed. If you fail to do so you may incur court action which in your absence could lead to a judgment against you.
- Insurance GoLet Ltd insures the buildings it owns against structural damage but not damage to your contents. If you wish to guard against theft or damage of your personal property it will be your responsibility to seek private contents insurance. Our staff will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Some helpful tips and advice
Often when a light bulb blows the main lighting fuse will ‘trip’ and all the lights will appear to have blown. Fixing this is a simple as going to your fuse board and looking for the only switch which has flicked down. Simply push this up and your lights will come back on. A quick look around at the lights and you will then be aware of which light bulb needs changing.
Bad smells coming from your sink or bath are a good sign that there is some waste caught in the trap. Usually it will be hair and the smell can be quite bad. Getting into the habit of squirting thick bleach down the sink plug hole and in the bath periodically will prevent this happening.
In a student house, if just one tenant drops out and takes employment exceeding 16 hours per week the property you’re living in will be become liable for council tax based on the band in which that property sits.
You should check your smoke alarms are in working order by pushing the test button once a month. Batteries should be changed once every 12 months
This is your new home and you are entitled to use it as your own. All that we ask is you be reasonable and considerate to your neighbors. If you are going to have a party it is a good idea to alert the people next door ( or invite them if your feeling friendly!)
Pets are strictly forbidden apart from with prior consent by the landlords
If you can smell gas open the windows, check gas sources for leakage ( hob, boiler) and call Transco immediately (0800 111 999). Please remember, it doesn’t take any time to become incapacitated by gas fumes so exercise due caution in this event. If you are unsure, leave the building immediately
In your welcome pack you will be provided with a list of approved contractors who will be more than happy to come out and take care of any emergencies. They are not there for your personal use and any charges incurred by the company for unreasonable call outs will be charged back to the tenant. If you require further information regarding this please contact our staff. (General maintenance issues should be directed through our office)