Summary
- Who repairs? Who maintains?
- Which craftsmen do we work with?
- Who is responsible for repairing broken items and maintaining the property?
- Can I do major renovations in my rental property?
- How to maintain and determine responsibility for your boiler?
- Maintenance expenses
Who repairs? Who maintains?
You are renting an apartment for the first time and you are unsure about your responsibilities regarding the maintenance and repairs of the property?
As a tenant, you are responsible for what is called routine maintenance and minor repairs in the case of your everyday and normal use.
You must keep the openings, floors, and ceilings of your home in good condition.
If your home has a garden, you are solely responsible for its maintenance (trimming hedges and mowing the lawn, for example).
The landlord is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the roof and plumbing of your home. They are also responsible for replacing the front door, windows, or radiators in case of wear or malfunction.
Which craftsmen do we work with?
As a property management agency, we collaborate with craftsmen from various trades, such as plumbers, electricians, heating engineers, bricklayers, locksmiths, etc. In each city where we operate, we work with reputable local artisans known for their professionalism.
We select these service providers based on their reliability, competitive rates, and proven responsiveness. They all have professional liability insurance and ten-year guarantees. We prioritize artisans with recognized qualities by their peers and clients.
In close collaboration with them, we regularly assess their interventions in the properties under our rental management.
Who is responsible for repairing broken items and maintaining the property?
It depends on the type of maintenance or repair, and it also depends on the equipment in the property. Here are some answers to help you determine who is responsible for repairing or maintaining equipment in your home.
The tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs (including the replacement of elements related to the repairs in question) in the case of normal use. In case of damage occurring during the tenancy, they may be required to replace an entire piece of equipment.
On the other hand, the landlord is responsible for replacing equipment that is no longer functional.
Here is a non-exhaustive summary to help you determine who should repair or maintain equipment in your home.
Can I do major renovations in my rental property?
You are a tenant and you want to undertake major renovations in your rental property? Please note that you cannot carry out these projects without the agreement of the property owner and/or the managing agency - NousGérons.
Any renovations that alter your property, such as plumbing modifications, removal or addition of partitions, changes to openings (windows and front doors), or floor replacement, require a written request to be submitted to your property management agency, NousGérons.
Your written request will be forwarded to the owner of your property who will give their approval or not. No renovations can be carried out without the written consent of the owner and the managing agency NousGérons.
For all your major renovation projects, we invite you to contact us through your tenant online portal or directly with our team at the agency.
How to maintain and determine responsibility for your boiler?
To find out if you are responsible for maintaining your boiler and how to take care of it, here are some tips.
First, it is essential to determine if boiler maintenance is your responsibility. This often depends on what is specified in your lease agreement or rental contract. You can check this information in the section of the contract that covers maintenance responsibilities.
Annual boiler maintenance is a legal requirement for essential safety reasons. A poorly adjusted boiler can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that is extremely toxic. That is why the law requires a professional heating engineer to inspect your boiler every year to ensure your safety.
If your contract states that boiler maintenance is your responsibility, here are some steps to follow:
- Maintenance scheduling: Make sure to adhere to the recommended deadlines for boiler maintenance. In general, an annual check-up is recommended.
- Hire a professional: Engage a qualified professional to perform boiler maintenance. Ensure they are certified for this type of work.
- Keep records: Keep a record of each maintenance performed, including the date, the professional's name, and the work carried out. This can be useful in case of disputes or warranty claims.
- Be vigilant: If you notice any issues with the boiler between maintenance appointments, contact a professional immediately for necessary repairs.
- Follow local regulations: Make sure to comply with all local regulations regarding boiler maintenance, particularly concerning safety and operational standards.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your boiler is properly maintained and in compliance with the requirements of your lease agreement or rental contract.
Maintenance expenses
In a rental agreement, both the tenant and the landlord have clearly defined responsibilities regarding the maintenance and repairs of the property. Here is an overview of the duties of each party:
Tenant's Duties:
The tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs, unless they result from the natural wear and tear of the property. Their responsibilities include:
- Minor Repairs: The tenant must take care of minor repairs such as replacing bulbs and sockets, repairing power outlets and switches, managing fuses and circuit breakers in the electrical panel, as well as restoring door handles and cupboard doors.
- Maintenance: They are also responsible for regular maintenance of the property, including cleaning floors, walls, and ceilings, maintaining radiators, lubricating door and window hinges, checking and maintaining locks, cleaning ventilation grilles, ventilation, and mechanical ventilation system (VMC), as well as unclogging drainage and water supply pipes.
Landlord's Duties:
The landlord, on the other hand, is responsible for major works and major repairs that are not caused by the negligence or behavior of the tenant. Their responsibilities include:
- Major Works: They must ensure the completion of major works, such as replacing the electrical panel, doors, and windows (except in case of tenant damage), smoke detectors, the boiler, the sewer pipe, the electric water heater, and radiators.
It is essential that these duties and responsibilities are clearly defined in the rental agreement to avoid any misunderstandings between the tenant and the landlord. Open communication and written agreements on these matters are essential for effective maintenance of the rented property.
As a tenant, you are responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs in your rented property, while the landlord is responsible for major repairs. When you want to undertake major renovations, you need to obtain written approval from the landlord or the property management agency. Boiler maintenance may be your responsibility, but it is essential to check the terms of the lease agreement. It is recommended to hire reputable local craftsmen and keep records of the work done. Clear communication and written agreements between the tenant and the landlord are essential for effective maintenance of the rented property.