Putting together a House file for Tenants

PierremontQuaker03

Starting to prepare one, putting in manuals, GSC, and other info about Bins, alarm code etc.
Has anybody put a file like this together and have a list to hand of the info that you put in so I dont forget anything!
Thanks

Yorkie1

Make sure that you put copies in, and not the originals!

sandsni

Helpful tips on how to minimise condensation, rodents etc. could be useful, especially if you ever get any first-time renters who haven't a clue. How to reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing in winter.

A local bus/train timetable (not necessary but might be of benefit if the tenants are new to the area).

Locations of stopcock, trip switch, stuff like that.

Emergency contact numbers if you have particular tradesmen you prefer to use, in case they can't get hold of you (assuming the tradesmen are ok with that).

G_M

Paint colour code to touch up scrapes. But include a request (warning) to get permission before redecorating....!)

Your contact details.
What/how to report breakdowns, slipped tiles, leaks
How to turn off water, gas, leccie in emergency

Bin day + council leaflet on recycling
local doctor, dentist, library
Bus timetable
GSC & EPC (copies)

paddedjohn

Copy of the Gideons in the bedside drawer.

BigAunty

Definately info on winter precautions so that your tenants don't switch off the heating over xmas/new year period to save on fuel bills only for pipes to burst. I think the landlordzone website used to have a leaflet you could download or a webpage for tenants on this.

Many social housing landlords/local councils publish information online for their tenants on how to reduce condensation and prevent mould.

If you know the maximum wattage for bulbs for certain light fittings if there aren't stickers on them - the wrong wattage can repeatedly trip a circuit if its overloaded.

Also, leave them a strainer/drainer thing for the kitchen sink plug to catch food in and a plunger/pipe clearer, making it clear that blockages that result from tenant behaviour (food, fat, nappies, wipes, etc) in the sinks and loos are their responsibility.

The arrangements for collecting a spare key if they lose theirs/number for the local locksmith, in case your tenants think they can call you at 3am drunk when they've left theirs in the nightclub...

GwylimT

Our tenants have instructions on how to use everything, our contact details, as we know them well they also the contact details of the trades people we use in case anything goes wrong e.g. burst pipe and they are unable to contact us if we are at work etc.

They have a sheet with bin information, when they first moved in we gave information about how much we had used the heating, how much it had cost, condensation prone areas, pointed out that the windows need to be on the air lock as there aren't many air bricks in the property.

AdrianC

You can document everything in great detail, as clearly and helpfully as possible... but it doesn't mean anybody's going to bother reading it or sticking to it.

Callie22

Please don't put in details on how to claim housing benefit. Our landlord did this and we found it incredibly patronising, especially as the house was advertised as 'No DSS' and we'd just forked well over fifteen hundred pounds to move in.

However, information about bin day is always helpful, particularly if there's anything unusual about the local collections (for example, we don't have a wheelie bin and we have to use special bags for the rubbish - a few of these and details of where to get more would have been useful when we moved in).

whalster

We use a lot of you tube links for info on boilers ,consumer units ( fuse box) etc helps minimise phone calls on simple stuff like resetting boiler .
Most people will look online anyway but helps to point in the right direction.

SuzieSue

Read what your buildings insurance policy says about the minimum temperature that the thermostat needs to be set at during the winter and ensure you tenants know this. It is probably also worth sending them reminder by email every year in October.

Remind them that they shouldn't put fat down the sink but pour it into a disposable container and let it solidify and dispose of it with the rest of the food waste.