Apartment maintenance guidelines

Apartment maintenance and notification responsibilities

The resident must take good care of the apartment and look after routine maintenance, such as cleaning the apartment. The resident must promptly notify the property owner about any defects or damage in the apartment that the property owner is responsible for repairing. Water damage should be reported immediately to both the maintenance company and the property owner.

Apartment maintenance

Routine maintenance of the apartment is considered to include, for example:

  • Regular cleaning of the apartment

  • Regular cleaning and inspection of windows and balcony glazing

  • Regular cleaning of air vents (both inlets and outlets)

  • Regular inspection of the condition of wet room surfaces

  • Monitoring plumbing fixtures (such as taps and toilets) and reporting any leaks

  • Regular inspection of hoses and connections of dishwashers and washing machines

  • Replacing light bulbs and fluorescent tubes (excluding fixed light fixtures)

  • Keeping the balcony clean and clear of snow

  • Cleaning the balcony drainage holes

  • Keeping the apartment yard clean and clear of snow, and mowing the lawn

  • Clearing snow and taking slip-prevention measures at the entrances of terraced houses, semi-detached houses, or balcony access blocks.

Fixings and installations

Allowed fixings and installations include:

  • Installing a lamp to a designated light socket.

  • Installing a lamp to a wire connector, such as a so-called "sugar cube" connector.

  • Hanging pictures or mirrors using picture mounting strips and hooks (such as 3M Command) or small nails. Using double-sided tape is not allowed.

  • Mounting a small shelf or TV bracket on the wall using appropriate fixings.

Other considerations regarding fixings:

  • Use fixings suitable for the wall material.

  • Fixings must be both tidy and secure.

  • Heavy items must not be fixed on lightweight partition walls.

Prohibited fixings and installations:

  • Hanging pictures or mirrors using double-sided tape is forbidden.

  • No fixings or installations (such as lamps) may be made to the ceiling of the apartment. Lamps may only be hung on hooks designated for light fixtures, not fixed to the ceiling.

  • No fixings may be made to fixed furniture.

  • No fixings may be made to the walls or ceiling of the balcony or terrace.

  • No fixings may be made to the bathroom walls.

  • No fixings may be made to walls behind which there is an enclosed flue.

  • Light sockets for lamps may only be removed or installed by a professional electrician. Should a light socket be removed, it must be reinstalled by an electrician by the end of the tenancy.

  • All installations and repairs of fixed electrical appliances must be carried out by an authorised professional.

Installing of washing machines and dishwashers:

  • Washing machines can be installed in wet rooms by the resident according to the manufacturer’s and insurance company’s instructions in apartments with designated plumbing for a washing machine. However, seeking assistance from a professional or specialist is recommended. The resident is always responsible for the installation of the washing machine and liable for any damage caused by incorrect installation. Please do not use an extension cable for the washing machine’s electrical connection.

  • After removing a washing machine, the resident is responsible for properly capping the water inlet and outlet connections.

  • The installation or removal of a dishwasher must always be done by a professional. If the resident wishes to remove or install a dishwasher during the tenancy, the work must be carried out by a professional. When removing a dishwasher, all water inlet and outlet connections for the appliance must be carefully capped.

  • Please do not leave a washing machine running unattended, and remember to turn off the water supply after use.

Other considerations regarding fixings and installations:

  • Any marks caused by fixings and installations made during the tenancy must be repaired to restore the apartment to its original condition by the end of the tenancy.

  • Please note that holes made in the wall, for instance, often require repainting the entire wall.

  • If the resident causes damage to the apartment which is beyond normal wear and tear, the property owner will bill the resident according to the current price list or the actual costs incurred.

For further information and instructions on maintenance and installations, please contact the property owner.