Maintenance

Throughout your tenancy with us at Brighton’s Best Estate Agent, you’re likely to encounter a few minor maintenance issues. While some may require the attention of a trained engineer, for smaller everyday issues, refer to our guides below to help you manage your home yourself.

Sinks in the kitchen and bathroom can easily become blocked with food waste or hair. If you notice slow drainage in sinks or showers or the toilet consistently refills high after flushing, unblocking the drains may be necessary.

To prevent significant blockages that may require a plumber, we recommend regularly using domestic drain unblocking chemicals available at supermarkets or hardware stores. Consider investing in a small plunger for minor blockages.

Helpful Tips

• Avoid pouring grease or cooking fat down the sink or drain.
• Remove food waste from plates before rinsing in the sink.
• Do not flush wet wipes, makeup wipes, sanitary towels, or other items down the toilet; dispose of them in a bin.
• Remove excess hair from the plughole after each shower to avoid blockages.
• Note that if a plumber is called for a blockage resulting from tenant negligence, you may be responsible for the invoice!

If all electric power in the property goes out, one of two things may have occurred:

• There may be a power cut in your area. Check streetlights or your neighbour’s lights, or consult with a neighbour to confirm.
• A fuse may have ‘tripped’ due to a blown lightbulb or fuse in a plug. Locate your fuse box using the inventory, check switches are in the ‘on’ position, and if necessary, flick any switches in the ‘off’ position back on.

If the electrics are off and none of the fuses are flipped ‘off,’ try flicking them all off and on again to troubleshoot the issue.

Turn off the power, allow the bulb to cool before handling, and always reach the bulb safely, especially when using a ladder.

To replace the bulb

• Bayonet Mount: Hold firmly and push gently upwards into the fitting, then turn anticlockwise and remove.
• Screw Fitting: Twist anticlockwise until released from the socket.
• Replace the bulb with a new one of the same wattage and fitting type. Consider ‘energy-efficient’ bulbs for cost savings.

Air can get trapped in the heating system or individual radiators, affecting efficiency. To bleed a radiator:

• Turn on the heating and ensure each radiator is turned up to hot.
• Identify radiators that need bleeding by checking for cool spots.
• Use a flat head screwdriver or radiator bleed key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator until you hear a hissing noise.
• Keep a cloth underneath to catch any liquid and close the valve tightly as soon as liquid starts to escape.
• The radiator should now heat evenly from top to bottom.

While more prevalent in older properties, condensation and mould can manifest in any property if not managed correctly. Your actions, or lack thereof, can significantly contribute to either worsening the issues or aiding in their control and risk reduction.

Ventilate – Mould and condensation often become noticeable during colder winter months, coinciding with people closing windows and doors. Aim to open windows slightly each day, especially in high-risk rooms, to promote air circulation.

Heat – In colder months, maintaining constant heating is crucial. This helps to dry out any moisture in the air. Keeping heating on a low setting consistently can also be cost-effective compared to sporadic high bursts.

Clean – Mould and mildew may appear on walls, window sills, or ceilings. Address this promptly; clean it away using mould removal solutions if necessary. Allowing mould to persist can result in stains that require painting over, leading to a more expensive repair.

Think – Various activities contribute to moisture in the air. If you’re not actively addressing this, condensation and mould can harm the property. Indoor activities like drying clothes, cooking, showering, and even breathing release additional moisture into the air.

Condensation and mould build-up are the tenant’s responsibility to manage. If you encounter difficulties, promptly contact the office, as any property damage attributed to this issue could be claimed against you.