Home Property GuidesProperty Insights & Advice Essential maintenance advice to share with your tenants

Essential maintenance advice to share with your tenants

by John Saunders
15th Jan 25 5:14 pm

Minimise the number of calls and complaints you receive from tenants regarding property issues by advising them on essential maintenance tasks they can perform themselves. Far from passing the buck, giving your tenants greater autonomy over the running of their property will improve their living experience and consequently your relationship.

Some issues will come under your legal responsibilities as a landlord and require professional assistance, and tenants must understand the difference and have access to the relevant emergency contact numbers. However, at least half of the requests for help could be negated by passing on a little know-how. Here are the top four home maintenance advisories landlords should share with their tenants.

1. Appliance manuals

Especially if you rent out modern properties with the latest mod-cons, ensure you leave out the relevant appliance manuals for your tenants to study when they move in. Technology seems to get more confusing as it advances, and something as simple as turning on and off the stove can require several steps with only flashing lights, beeping and strange symbols to guide the way.

The manuals will cover symbol meanings and key operational directions, helping tenants become accustomed to using them quickly and explaining warning signs and what to do when these appear. With these guides at hand, youโ€™re less likely to be bothered by false โ€˜emergenciesโ€™.

2. Radiator checks

Warmth and hot water are home necessities that ensure the health and well-being of your tenants. While boiler maintenance requires a practised hand and you should organise annual services with a professional company, UK central heating radiators and heated towel rails are easy to check independently.

Demonstrate how to bleed a radiator of excess air to ensure the proper flow of hot water through the central heating system. Explain signs of other issues too, such as leaks and overheating, and how they should be managed.

3. Utility controls

In the event of an emergency, your tenants must be able to turn off the water, gas or electricity immediately to prevent further damage or dangerous hazards like fire. Ensure theyโ€™re aware of utility controls such as the fuse box and stop tap, and how to use them when problems arise.

Having full control over water and electricity flow will also allow them to do simple home repairs themselves such as re-levelling a toilet float or resetting the electrics after a fuse has blown.

4. Seasonal tasks

Give your tenants a full checklist of seasonal tasks to perform themselves throughout the year to help keep the home operating smoothly, reducing the risk of problems requiring assistance.

Most important is the regular testing of smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In the autumn, the heating should be turned on again gradually to prevent pipes freezing and bursting in the winter. In the winter, drains should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent blockages and windows and doorways should be insulated and cleaned to prevent condensation and mould.

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