Tenant’s Responsibilities

There are some things that tenants are expected to replace and maintain.

These are:

internal door handles
cupboard catches and hinges
tap washers
plugs and chains to sinks, baths and wash hand basins
wall and fireplace tiles
blocked sinks, bath and wash hand basin wastes
minor plaster cracks and similar repairs
lock changes necessitated by tenant negligence

Tenants are also responsible for repairing any damage caused by themselves, family and visitors, even if it is an accident.

Tenants should seek permission from the maintenance department before undertaking any alterations to their home.

you should exercise care when:

entering the roof space – do not disturb the insulation because it will create dust. wear a suitable mask over your mouth and nose if you are there for any length of time. always walk on boarding or joists.
cleaning windows – check if the windows can be cleaned from the inside. if not, external ladders or other means of access such as a scaffold tower may be necessary. ladders should be angled to the building at 1m out for every 4m high. prevent sliding by securing the top of the ladder or have someone standing on the bottom rung.
drilling (or nailing into) walls – there may be buried services. a cable detector may help locate services. if in doubt seek professional advice.
fixing to any wall – ensure that the method and number of fixings used will support the load.
doing anything which creates heat – e.g. using hot air paint strippers. do not use blow lamps near combustible materials.

you should not:

make any structural alteration to your home until you are sure that it is safe to do so. otherwise obtain professional help.
undertake any of the items in the above section unless you are confident that you are able to carry them out safely and competently.
make any alterations to the gas installation. by law this must be done by a suitably qualified person.
restrict the air supply to any gas appliance by closing or blocking ventilators.
alter the electrical installation. this should be done by a qualified electrician.

Gas Protocol

Because of the dangers associated with the use of gas, it is vital that all reports, however vague, including gas problems, are attended to in a prompt and efficient manner.

The following advice will be dispensed when a report of ‘gas escape’ or ‘fumes’ is received.

Turn off the gas at the meter control valve.
Extinguish all sources of ignition.
Do not smoke.
Do no operate electrical light or power switches.
Ventilate the building by opening doors and windows.
Contact TRANSCO on the freephone number 0800 111999
Leave a note on the entrance door to the premises to enable the Transco engineer to locate the occupier.

If you have any queries, you should contact the Maintenance Team.