Top Tips for Contract Holders On Handling Common Issues In Your Rental Property

Many issues in your property can often be rectified with a simple fix and whilst we’re here to support you with issues that are not your responsibility, the list below outlines some of the common issues you may face and advice on what you can do.

PLEASE ONLY ATTEMPT THESE FIXES IF IT IS SAFE FOR YOU TO DO SO.

Issue #1. No power

• Check your fuse box. There may have been an overload. Check whether safety switch has been activated. Resetting may be needed.
• Check appliances. Unless you were using a specific appliance and you know what has caused a trip, unplug all appliances in the property. Reset the safety switch and one by one plug in each appliance until you find the faulty one.
• Check for any leaks and if there is water around any electrical appliance or switch, turn off the electricity at the mains box immediately and contact us to report the emergency issue. If this is out of working hours then use the emergency contact numbers provided to you at move in, or they can be found on our website.
• Check your street. Is the rest of the area facing the same issue? If so, this could be a temporary issue and it will resolve itself soon enough.
• Contact your utility provider to see if they have any reported issues in the area.
• Please report any unresolved issues with your power via the KPR maintenance link.
  

Issue #2. No hot water

• Check whether there is enough pressure in your hot water system.
• Check the fuse in the meter box.
• Check whether your pilot light has gone out. If you can’t reignite it on your own, it’s better to call a professional.
• Check for an error code. This code will provide the engineer with an insight into the issue. N.B. Do not attempt to carry out any repairs as these must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe Engineer. 
• If you have not been able to address the issue please report via the KPR maintenance link and include the error code where possible.
  

Issue #3. Lights not working

• Replace the light bulb.
• Check your fuse box. If there is an overload the safety switch may need resetting.
  

Issue #4. Blocked sink/drains

• If your sink is draining water too slowly, try using drain cleaner to free the blockage.
• Clear hairs and debris from the sink, bath or shower. Pour boiling water down the drain, this will help to unclog blockage. Do your utmost to eliminate anything going down your drains.
• Remove food waste from the kitchen sink and pour boiling water down the drain.
• If your drains are blocked contact Welsh Water to find out if the drains are the responsibility of the Landlord or if they are Welsh Water’s responsibility. They will provide a free of charge service if the drains are theirs. N.B. Do not make arrangements for any works to be carried out if they are the Landlord’s responsibility and inform us as soon as possible to make further arrangements.

Issue #5. Toilet constantly running

• Check the toilet has been flushed correctly and it’s not just running due to this.
• If water continues to run even when the flush has been used correctly, contact Welsh Water, further information can be found here for their free service: https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/cartref/leaky-loo

Issue #6. Windows and doors not opening or closing properly

• Spray the mechanism and hinges with WD40 and leave for at least 2 hours, try opening and closing the affected window or door. If there seems to be an improvement, spray again and keep using the mechanism until the issue is resolved.
• If the issue continues report via the KPR maintenance link.

Issue #7. Pests

• Contact Bridgend County Borough Council to inform them you are experiencing an infestation of mice, rats, bed bugs or cockroaches at a residential property. They will arrange a free visit from the Pest Control Team. Contact us to let us know that you have an issue and that you have contacted the Council for a visit.