As a student, you will need to know what responsibilities you have in regards to the property you live in. This is especially important when it comes to student houses, as there are often more people living in one space and therefore more potential for things to go wrong. Here are some of the main maintenance issues you will be responsible for in your student house:
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Keeping The Property Clean And Tidy
As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping properties clean and tidy. This includes taking out the trash, vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning any communal areas. If you do not clean the premises you live in, your landlord or letting agency can charge you cleaning fees.
It’s worth mentioning that if you clean the property, but there is still general dirt and dust, your landlord can give you a warning, but they can’t evict you. However, if you want to keep away from these problems, make sure you pick one of the student apartments in Ames with tenant-friendly policies.
Fixing Minor Problems
If there is a minor issue with the property – for example, a light bulb is out, a faucet is dripping, or a door needs to be fixed – it is your responsibility to fix it. You should also keep a list of minor repairs that need to be done, so you don’t forget about them. When you do these minor repairs, they can be charged back to you after your tenancy is up. Replacing a light bulb will usually not be charged, but more major issues might be if the landlord has to pay someone to do the work.
Heating And Insulation
If the heating or insulation in the property is not working properly, it is your responsibility to get it fixed. This might mean contacting the landlord or letting agency, or it might mean hiring a professional yourself. If you can be able to fix it, then it is best that you do it yourself, as you can claim the cost back from your landlord after your tenancy is up. However, if you cannot fix the problem, then you should contact your landlord or letting agency.
Garbage Collection
If you are residing in a property where the garbage needs to be collected, it is your responsibility to put the garbage out on the correct day. You should also make sure that all recyclable materials are separated from the regular garbage. If you do not comply with this rule, your landlord can charge you a fine.
Water Damage Due To Leaving The Tap On
When you leave the tap on in a sink or bath, and there is water damage, it is your responsibility to fix this. It might cost you a fair amount of money, and it could be considered negligence if not fixed. Damages caused water can be a big issue, and they should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
Keeping Appliances Up To Date
When you move into a property, some of the appliances might need updating for safety reasons. For example, an oven that is more than ten years old might need to be replaced. It is your responsibility to make sure all the appliances in the property are up to date, and if they are not, then you should contact your landlord or letting agency.
Changing Locks
When you move into a new property, you might need to change the locks for safety reasons. If this is the case, it is your responsibility to change them and make sure that all people living in the property have keys.
Dealing With Mold
As a tenant, it is your responsibility to make sure that there is no mold in the property you are living in. If there is any mold, you should contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible so they can get rid of it. Mold can cause serious health problems and should be taken care of quickly.
Pests
If you have a problem with pests such as rats, mice, or cockroaches, it is your responsibility to get rid of them. You might have to call in a professional exterminator, and you could end up paying for the cost yourself. Pests can be a big nuisance, and they should be dealt with as soon as possible.
These are some of the main maintenance issues you will be responsible for as a student tenant. It is important to know what these responsibilities entail so you can avoid any penalties or fines. By being aware of your responsibilities, you can ensure that your student house is a comfortable and safe place to live.
