Avoiding common tenant issues

At Ascend, we try to help our tenants as much as possible, but there are small things you can do to minimise stress and keep issues down to a minimum. From tripping electrics to washing machine filters, find out how you can become your own domestic guru with our helpful guide.

Our Guide To Common Tenant Issues;

Common Problem #1: Washing Machine Doesn’t Drain

How to fix it: Change Filters

There is nothing worse than a blocked washing machine and a pile of sopping wet clothes that can’t/won’t dry. But before you reach for the phone, it’s always worth checking the filters.

Washing machine filters can very easily get clogged. When you think of the amount of grime and dirt (and sometimes pennies) that go through your washing machine, it’s no wonder they need a good clean.

To check your filter, simply follow the below instructions –

• Look for a front or side compartment usually labelled ‘Emergency Drain’
• Make sure you have a towel and bowl in case water comes from the machine
• Open this cover with the towel underneath the washer and unscrew the filter
• Remove the filter and remove any dirt and waste
• Replace the filter into the machine
• Continue to check the filter regularly to avoid damage in the future

Common Problem #2: Tripping Electrics

How to fix it: Replace Fuse

There are three reasons why all the lights may suddenly go out in your home. Either; you’ve been cast in a scary movie, there’s been a power outage or your electrics may have tripped. If it’s the latter, then chances are that you have a faulty fuse in one of the electric sockets. If you’ve established that a power cut is unlikely, it’s wise to check the fuses.

Fuses are surprisingly easy to replace but if you’ve never done it before, we’ll try and guide you through it here.

How to check for a faulty fuse:

• Start by unplugging all sockets in the property (don’t do this in the dark, always keep a torch handy)
• Flick the master switch back up (remember to find out where your fuse box is when you move in)
• Gradually plug each appliance back in until the faulty appliance tips the electric
• Once your have found the broken plug, remove its cover either by unscrewing it, or sliding the cover off the plug base, which is the main part with the two prongs for plugging into an outlet
• Remove the blown fuse. You can tell whether the fuse is blown by examining the glass tube. It will be dark and smudged, or the visible wire inside will be broken
• Insert a replacement fuse with an identical amp rating into the metal brackets of the fuse housing
• Replace the plug cover

See, told you it was pretty easy.

Common problem #3: Broken Light Bulb

How to fix it… Change It!

Changing a light bulb for a spotlight can appear to look fiddly and awkward, but once you know what to do you’ll find it so easy that you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about! This is a common occurrence and it is the tenant’s responsibility to replace these once they have blown. Before you change any bulbs, make sure all light switches are off. Bulbs can get hot if they’ve been on for a while too, so make sure you allow sufficient time for it to cool down before you dive in.

• Remove the protective glass or plastic cover from the spotlight. Different lights will have different covers. Some may require simple pushing or turning in the right direction. Others may be installed with screws or hinges that must be removed with screwdrivers or pliers
• Set the cover and any hardware that goes with it aside in an area in which it will not get lost or damaged. If necessary for multiple pieces of hardware, label or draw out a diagram so you remember where each one goes
• Remove the old bulb from the spotlight. Turn the bulb counter-clockwise to remove it from its socket. Alternatively, some spotlights may be directly attached to wires by a plug; unplug the bulb to remove it
• Replace the old bulb with the new. Plug the new bulb into the socket or screw it in clockwise
• Reattach the cover and any hardware. Once everything is back in place, turn on the lights to test the new bulb

Need More Help?

There you go. That’s our top three common tenant issues. If you think of any others, let us know and we’ll see what other helpful advice we can post. All tenants with Ascend are issued with a handbook which details these common problems and also gives emergency numbers, should a more serious instance occur. As always, you can contact our team on 0161 637 8336 for our Manchester office or 0151 305 2577 for our Liverpool office and we’ll be happy to help.