One of the biggest advantages of renting instead of buying is that you don’t have to worry about spending lots of money on costly house repairs. Property maintenance is covered by landlords – it’s their job to arrange and cover the cost of anything that needs fixing.
However, lots of tenants admit to being reluctant about calling their landlord for help. To make the process easier, we have put together some top tips on the best course of action to take when you need something repairing in your home.
Do You Need Your Landlord?
The first thing to ask yourself is whether you actually need to contact your landlord or not. What is the exact problem and what needs to be done to fix it? Issues such as a leaky boiler, broken cooker, or your heater breaking down, are all things that would require the help of your landlord.
Contact Them Through The Correct Channels
Does your tenancy agreement have information on how you should contact your landlord in the case of needing him/or reporting repairs? Some landlords will give you their number directly, whilst some will prefer you to go through the estate agent. In some cases, there may be forms that you have to fill out first. Just follow the rules properly, so you can’t get in trouble for doing something wrong.
Report the Problem as Soon as Possible
It’s important that you report a problem as soon as it occurs. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself, or get someone else in to fix it, it’s up to your landlord to find someone and cover the costs. It’s much easier to fix a small problem than one that has been allowed to get worse over time – your landlord will definitely thank you for getting in touch earlier than later.
Give Lots of Details
The more detail you give to your landlord about the problem, the quicker it can get repaired. They need to understand exactly what has happened, so that they can work out the best way to fix it. We suggest that you take photos too – this gives them a visual of the damage.
Remember That Unreported Problems Will Cost You Money
If you don’t report any issues in the home when they happen, you could face losing money when it comes to moving out. Your landlord has the right to withhold money from your deposit if there is significant damage to their property – unless you have reported it straight away!
If you’re looking to rent, our letting agents in Sutton Coldfield can help you find the perfect property. We have an experienced team who will be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss your requirements.
For more information, please contact us on 0121 321 3388 and a member of our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions.
