General Maintenance for Tenants - Everyday Jobs You Can Handle Yourself
General maintenance for tenants isn’t about big repairs — it’s the small, regular habits that keep a home running smoothly. Mould, a blocked filter or a smelly washing machine rarely need a call-out; they need five minutes and the right technique. This guide, with short how-to videos, covers the everyday jobs that come up most often in a rented flat.
Here are some short "how-to" videos to help you sort common general maintenance issues in minutes - before you need to raise a maintenance request.
Preventing mould and condensation
Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, and left untreated it turns into mould around windows, corners and behind furniture. Keep it in check by wiping down windowsills each morning, drying washing outdoors or in a ventilated room rather than on radiators, and keeping a small gap between furniture and outside walls so air can circulate. If mould does appear, treat it early with a household mould spray (like HG Mould Spray) and a soft cloth, then keep the area ventilated so it doesn’t return.
Using extractor fans and trickle vents properly
Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom exist to pull moist air outside before it settles on your walls. Run the fan during and for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking or showering. Trickle vents, the small slats built into window frames, should stay open even in winter. Closing them to keep heat in is one of the most common causes of condensation, since it traps moisture with nowhere to go.
DO NOT cover up extractor fan vents or the trickle vents!
Using trickle vents properly
Using extractor fans properly
Cleaning your kitchen extractor fan filter
A greasy filter stops your extractor fan working properly and can be a fire risk. Most filters slide or clip out easily. Soak metal mesh filters in hot water with a little washing-up liquid or degreaser for 10 minutes, scrub gently, then rinse and dry before refitting. Aim to do this once a month if you cook often, more if you fry regularly.
Defrosting a freezer without damaging it
A build-up of ice makes a freezer work harder and reduces storage space. Switch it off, remove the food, and leave the door open with towels underneath to catch the melting ice. Never use a knife or sharp tool to chip ice away, as this can puncture the lining and cause a costly repair. A bowl of hot water placed inside speeds up the process safely. Once the ice has melted, dry the interior fully before switching the freezer back on.
Keeping your washing machine clean
A musty smell usually means a build-up of detergent and limescale in the drum and seal. Run an empty hot wash once a month with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar, wipe out the rubber door seal where water collects, and leave the door open between washes so it can dry out fully. Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer, which traps residue over time.
Unclogging a blocked vacuum cleaner
If suction drops off suddenly, the cause is usually a blockage rather than a broken machine. Empty the canister or bag first, then check the hose and brush head for tangled hair or debris, using a straightened coat hanger to clear anything stuck inside the tube. Wash or tap out the filter, and let it dry completely before refitting, since a damp filter reduces suction just as much as a blocked one.
Tips for dealing with rats & mice
Good general maintenance for tenants starts with prevention. Keep food sealed, wipe down counters after cooking, and don’t leave dishes or pet food out overnight. Take rubbish out regularly and keep bins sealed, since an overflowing bin is one of the biggest attractants.
Check behind appliances like the oven and washing machine for crumbs, and block gaps around pipework under sinks with wire wool or sealant. If you spot droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching despite this, report it to us so we can arrange pest control early.
When to call us instead
Most general maintenance for tenants is straightforward, but let us know if mould keeps returning despite regular treatment, if an appliance trips the power or smells of burning, or if a fan or vent stops working altogether. In the meantime, browse our full property maintenance for tenants library for heating, electrical and plumbing guides too.
How to report a maintenance issue
You can report any maintenance issue through our online maintenance portal.
The more detail you give, the faster we can arrange the right tradesperson. Please include:
- What happened and when it started
- Which room or appliance is affected
- What you have already tried
- Photos or a short video, where it is safe to take one
