During tenancy

During your tenancy

We want your tenancy to run smoothly and provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable home. This page provides useful additional information and guides for the most common questions and situations you may face.

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Maintenance Essentials For Tenants

Repairs and Maintenance

For managed properties, we utilize approved contractors for all maintenance and repairs. Please report any issues to us at 01438 356635. If the repairs are costly, we may need to obtain multiple quotes, and we appreciate your assistance with this process. Our contractors operate during business hours, so we typically require access to the property at those times. Unless it is an emergency, please refrain from instructing a contractor directly, as you may be held liable if the landlord does not agree to the expense.

Maintaining the Property

During your tenancy, you are responsible for certain maintenance tasks, including but not limited to: replacing light bulbs, fuses, cleaning windows, mowing lawns, maintaining hedges, keeping gutters and drains clear of leaves and blockages, and controlling pests such as fleas, ants, and wasps. You are also responsible for normal household management tasks. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation, which will be your responsibility as tenants.

Garden Maintenance

If your property includes a garden, it is your responsibility to keep it in good condition. Do not uproot established trees or shrubs, and do not remove lawns that were already present when your tenancy began.

Smoke and CO Alarms

During your tenancy, you must replace any batteries in the smoke or carbon monoxide alarms if they are not functioning, as outlined in your tenancy agreement. We recommend testing your alarms monthly to ensure they are in proper working order. If an alarm is not working and changing the batteries does not resolve the issue, please notify us immediately so that we can arrange for its replacement.

Gas Appliances

Your landlord is legally required to comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994 and related legislation. This means that all gas systems, appliances, and flues must be tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer

at least once a year. These regulations do not apply to appliances owned by tenants, such as gas cookers. You received a copy of the Gas Safety certificate in your move-in pack, and we will contact you to schedule an appointment when this is due for renewal. Your cooperation with contractors for gas safety inspections is crucial for your safety.

Lost Keys and Fobs

We understand that losing your keys can be stressful. If this happens, please contact your property manager. If we have a spare set, you can collect them from the office with sufficient ID. However, you will be responsible for any costs associated with having a new set made. If a lock change is necessary due to lost keys, the expense will also be your responsibility.

Additionally, you must replace any keys held by your landlord so they can access the property. For properties with communal entrance doors, you will need to arrange for a replacement key to access your property and the communal key for other tenants in the same block.

Who May Occupy the Property – Right to Rent

Under the Immigration Act 2014, landlords are legally required to ensure that every adult occupant over the age of 18 has the right to rent a property in England. Chandlers have already conducted the initial Right to Rent checks before the start of your tenancy and will inform you if future checks are necessary based on your nationality or visa status.

Due to these regulations, guests over the age of 18 who are not listed on the tenancy agreement are not permitted to occupy the property. You may not transfer your tenancy to another person. If a named tenant wishes to leave, even if they will be replaced, please contact us immediately to discuss this with your landlord and make necessary arrangements. Please note that fees will apply:

Adding or removing a tenant mid-tenancy £150.00

Maintenance Tips for Tenants

While your landlord has various responsibilities for maintaining your property, tenants also have obligations and can take proactive steps to ensure their home is well maintained.

Central Heating

Understanding how your central heating system works, including any immersion heater, is essential. Proper use of your heating can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and manage utility bills effectively. For more information and advice, you can refer to this link. (click here)

Damp and Mould

Preventing damp and mould requires cooperation among tenants, letting agents, and landlords to improve living conditions and protect properties. Taking reasonable steps to tackle damp and mould is crucial not only for your health but also as a tenant’s responsibility.

What is Condensation and What Causes It?

Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface, resulting in water droplets that create surface dampness. If left unaddressed, this can lead to mould growth. This is a common issue in UK homes, often stemming from inadequate heating and poor ventilation. For instance, if a home is colder than usual—perhaps due to the heating being turned off—this can increase the likelihood of condensation.

What Causes Damp and Mould?

If condensation isn’t managed, it can lead to bigger problems, such as mould growth. Mould is a fungus that thrives on wet surfaces and is commonly caused by excess moisture from condensation, particularly when walls and windows are cold and the humidity levels are high.

In addition, damp can result from issues like penetrating leaks or a defective damp-proof course, which can lead to rising damp in basements and ground floors. However, note that rising damp usually does not cause the growth of black mould.

How Can It Be Treated?

Damp and mould in residential properties can lead to health problems and aggravate existing allergies and respiratory conditions. There are simple steps that both tenants and homeowners can take to prevent these issues. It’s important for everyone to understand how their daily activities can contribute to damp and mould in the home and how to effectively prevent these problems from arising.

Click this link for a PDF download for further advice. (click here)

Report a problem

If you're a tenant with a repair issue, please report it promptly to us, so we can address it as soon as possible. Our team is here to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable.