Spring repairs you can take care of around the home | Tenant news

Spring brings a feeling of renewal with it which gives us all a great excuse to spring clean and take care of any small repairs that may have cropped up over the winter months.

Whether it's a loose handle or a blown light bulb, staying on top of maintenance helps keep your home safe and comfortable for everyone.

What to check

There are some repair tasks that tenants are responsible for such as:

• Changing light bulbs or replacing fuses that have blown in your home.
• Bleeding radiators to ensure your heating system is working efficiently.
• Replacing batteries in smoke alarms to ensure they’re in proper working order.
• Tightening loose door handles or cupboard knobs to prevent further wear.
• Replacing plugs, chains, or sink plugs that may have gone missing or broken.
• Cleaning taps and showerheads to remove limescale buildup.

Doors and windows

Doors and windows can swell or become stiff after cold or damp weather.

As a tenant, you're responsible for basic upkeep such as keeping door tracks or hinges clean and free of debris and reporting any issues that affect security or function.

If a handle becomes loose or a lock isn’t working properly, you’re responsible for tightening it.

Bathrooms and kitchens

Keep an eye out for blockages in your bathroom sinks, baths, or toilets, and clear them as soon as possible so they don’t lead to a bigger problem.

You should also check for any issues with toilet seats, plug chains, or small fixtures, which you'll need to repair or replace if needed.

If you spot a more serious issue, such as a leaking tap or damaged shower, please report it to our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk.

Smoke alarms

It’s important to test your smoke and fire alarms regularly, and you’re responsible for changing the batteries.

If you’re not able to check these safely, or if you notice something wrong, please contact us. We’ll arrange support to make sure everything is in good working order.

Outdoor areas

If you have your own garden, you're responsible for its upkeep. Clear away debris, check for anything that could cause trips, and make sure outdoor paths are tidy.

If there's a handrail or step that’s part of the building and is damaged, please contact us, as it may fall under our responsibility.

If something’s not working properly or you’ve spotted a repair that’s difficult for you to manage, contact our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk.

If you’re unsure whether a repair is your responsibility or you’re dealing with a more serious issue, please visit www.habinteg.org.uk/repairs for guidance.

Remember, you can also report non-urgent repairs quickly and easily through the MyHabinteg online portal.

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