Caring for Your Home
Small habits can prevent large problems.
Looking after a rented home is a shared responsibility.
The landlord must maintain the property and meet legal duties. The tenant must take reasonable care, use the home properly and report developing problems before they become more serious.
Condensation, damp and mould
Persistent damp or mould should be reported, not painted over. Explain where it appears, when it began, whether there is a leak, whether heating and ventilation work and what changes you have noticed.
Damp and mould can have several causes. Good ventilation and consistent heating can help with condensation, but building defects, leaks or unsuitable materials may also be involved. The cause needs investigation rather than blame.
Heating and water
- Learn how the thermostat, timer and boiler pressure display work.
- Do not remove boiler covers or attempt technical repairs.
- Report repeated pressure loss, unusual noise, leaks or error codes.
- Know where the stop tap is if this information is provided.
- Keep the home reasonably heated during cold weather and follow any absence instructions.
Alarms and safety
The landlord is responsible for providing the alarms required by law and ensuring they work at the start of the tenancy. Tenants should test them regularly, avoid tampering and report a fault or warning promptly.
Drains, sinks and toilets
Do not put wipes, sanitary products, fats, oils or unsuitable items into drains or toilets. A blockage caused by misuse may become the tenant’s responsibility. A collapsed pipe or building defect is different and should be reported with clear evidence.
Gardens, bins and pests
The tenancy information should explain garden responsibilities. Ordinary care may sit with the tenant, while major tree work or structural landscaping may require the landlord. Dispose of waste correctly and report pest activity early because responsibility can depend on source, property condition and use.
Security and absences
Keep doors and windows secure, look after keys and tell Habitat Lettings promptly if a lock or security device fails. Notify the team where the property will be empty longer than the period stated in the tenancy information, as this can affect heating, water precautions, security and insurance.
Decorating and changes
Ask for written permission before decorating, installing equipment, fixing items that materially alter the property or changing the household. Explain exactly what you propose so the request can be considered properly.
Caring for Your Home – frequently asked questions
What should I do if I notice condensation or mould?
Report persistent damp or mould and explain where it is, how long it has been present, whether heating and ventilation work and whether there are signs of a leak.
Who tests smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
The landlord provides and checks required alarms at the start. Tenants should test them regularly, avoid tampering and report faults promptly.
Who is responsible for a blocked sink or drain?
It depends on the cause. Misuse may be the tenant’s responsibility; a defect or collapse may fall to the landlord.
Who looks after the garden?
The tenancy information should explain ordinary tenant care and landlord responsibilities for major work.
What should I do if I see pests?
Report the problem early with information about what you have seen and where. Responsibility depends on the source and circumstances.
Do I need to tell Habitat Lettings if I am going away?
Yes, where the property will be empty longer than the period stated in the tenancy information.
Can I decorate or alter the property?
Obtain written permission first and explain exactly what you would like to do.