Tenant Repair Responsibilities

Repair responsibilities

• DOORS, WINDOWS AND GLAZING
• • Easing and adjusting doors - for example, to fit carpets
  • Door accessories such as doorbells, knockers, and numerals
    
    
  • Any additional locks or chains you may want to install
    
    
  • Internal doors including hinges, handles and latches
    
    
  • Cat flaps – please get permission before installing a cat flap
    
    
  • Replacement of keys – if you lose your keys we will be able to help you but we may charge you for the call out
    
    
  • Broken windows - If somebody breaks your window please contact the police to get a crime reference number. We will not leave your property with a broken window but we may charge you for the work without a crime number
    
    
  • Damaged front entrance doors – If the entrance door has been damaged due to forced entry, we will attend to secure your home but you may be charged for the work.

• DRAUGHTS TO DOORS AND WINDOWS

• Many homes have areas around the doors and windows that can be prone to draughts, especially in cold or windy weather. Here are some tips to help you reduce them:
  
  

  • Draught Excluder Tape - Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips that seal gaps around windows and doors. Low cost and easy to apply
    
    
  • Door draught excluders – Fabric or brush-style excluders placed at the bottom of doors help block the flow of cool air.
    
    
  • Thermal window insulation – This is film applied to your windows to create an additional barrier, reflecting solar heat in the summer and helping to insulate ing the winter.
    
    
  • Curtains or thermal blinds – Thick curtains or insulated blinds help keep draughts from windows out and warm air in.
    
    
  • Keyhole covers and letterbox brushes – Small covers for keyholes and brush strips for letterboxes can help stop cold air from sneaking in.
    
    
  • DIY caulking – You can use caulk to seal small gaps around window frames if they are letting in cold air.

• FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
• • Curtain battens and rails
    
    
  • Coat hooks
    
    
  • Toilet seats, toilet roll holders, towel rails, fitted toothbrush and soap dishes
    
    
  • Fitted shelving
    
    
  • Built-in appliances that you have installed - Including cookers and hobs.
    You are responsible for maintenance or replacement of these appliances but please contact us if you are concerned about your safety.
    IF YOU SMELL GAS please leave your property immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

• KITCHEN
• • Please look after your kitchen and help it remain in a good condition
    
    
  • Please avoid overloading kitchen units and drawers. Whilst we will be responsible for putting right general wear and tear, you may be charged if your kitchen has been damaged.
    
    
  • Please do not cover kitchen units or work tops with vinyl wraps or paint.

• ELECTRICAL
• • Plugs, fuses, and appliances – unless they have been provided by Saxon Weald
    
    
  • Fluorescent tubes and light bulbs - except in communal areas. If you are unable to change lightbulbs due to a disability and you have no one to do it for you, please contact us.
    
    
  • Electrical faults caused by faulty appliances or installations carried out by you, or somebody acting for you. We will always make your home safe but we may charge for the necessary work.
    
    
  • Testing smoke alarms: We recommend you test your smoke alarms every six months (we will test your smoke alarm every year).

• PLUMBING
• • Plugs and chains or baths, wash basins, and sinks
    
    
  • Blocked wastes or blocked toilets. Please do not flush anything down the toilet such as nappies, sanitary products or wet wipes. Whilst we will attend to deal with blocked sinks and toilets, if we find the blockage has been caused because of items that should not have been flushed, we may charge for the work.

• DECORATION
• • Interior decoration - including filling, stain blocking, painting and wallpapering
    
    
  • Minor plaster cracks: Hairline cracks in paint and plaster. If the crack is deeper than 3mm (depth of a £1 coin), please report this to us
    
    
  • Wall tiles, grouting and sealant. If you are unable to carry out this work or if you think there has been a leak due to damaged tiles or missing sealant please contact us
    
    
  • Floor coverings including floor tiles, vinyl, laminate, and carpets. If you have been told that your floor tiles may include asbestos, please do not try to repair them or take them up. If there is a problem with them please contact us.
    Please note that Saxon Weald are responsible for repairing safety floors in kitchens and wet rooms - these are generally in Extra Care Schemes.
    
    
  • Decorative finishes: Includes coving, dado, and picture rails.

• EXTERNAL
• • Cutting grass and keeping bushes, trees and other foliage well maintained.
    
    
  • Washing lines and posts - except in communal areas.
    
    
  • Garden patios and paving - except in communal areas or on paths leading to the entrance to your property
    
    
  • ‘Non-boundary’ walls and fences.
    
    
  • Lawns, shrubs and bushes: Please keep your garden tidy and cut back. We may charge if you if we are called in to deal with overgrown gardens and some plants can cause damage to the property or outbuildings.
    
    
  • Wooden sheds or other garden structures. Saxon Weald will not be responsible for the maintenance of sheds or garden structures that do not form part of the main property.