Reliable Property Maintenance Services in Sydney - Wills Property

Windows, Blinds And Curtains
Dust and clean both windows and blinds on a regular basis. By lifting and pulling the sliding bottom window outwards, many modern-style windows can be removed from their tracks for easy cleaning. Also, the windows should be kept in sound condition and block wind or rain. Windowsills, flyscreens and window tracks should also be regularly cleaned. Check the labels on your curtains and netting before washing. Most drapes and curtains should only be dry cleaned. Incorrect washing can cause damage, which will cost to you.

Carpet And Tiles
Keep sweeping, vacuuming and mopping regularly on all floors and carpets. To clean tiles and grout, the kitchen, laundry room and bathroom floors should be scrubbed routinely. Any tiling should be kept clear of soap scum, mold, and dirt

Walls And Ceilings
Keep walls, skirting, doorways, doors, power points and switches free from marks, scratches, and dents. Tenants should never paint any part of the property without their landlord’s written consent. Only a professional should be hired to paint the property.

Note any cracks or movement on the walls and ceilings that may spread and cause long – term property damage. When you moved in, if cracks were noticeable, keep track of any expansion. Report in writing any structural defects to your landlord.

Fixtures And Fittings
If you want a fixture to be removed or installed, you must ask us for written permission. If you want picture hooks to be installed, please send us a picture of the hook you intend to use and make sure they do not damage your walls. You want to use hooks. Wait prior to installing fittings or hooks for written permission.

Air Conditioners
Regularly clean any filters and intake vents to ensure that there is no build-up of dirt and/or dust and that the unit is able to effectively draw in the air, that is does not impede performance or, in the worst case scenario, cause the unit to break down resulting in costly repairs and/or replacements. Always make sure the unit power is switched off.

Ventilation
Make sure that all rooms are kept properly ventilated. This will prevent excess condensation, which can lead to mould growth, severe allergic reactions, and a variety of other health issues.

Heating, Cooling, And Fireplaces
Remove air conditioning filters and intake vents regularly and clean them to remove dirt and dust. This will maintain smooth running of the air conditioning system. If not frequently cleaned, the system may not be able to draw in the air, experience performance problems, or even require costly repairs. The cooling unit should be switched off when not in use.

Any heaters for combustion should be kept ash and dust free. A protective floor covering, such as a rubber mat, should be placed in front of the heater in order to prevent damage to the floor. When using non-combustion heaters, reduce the risk of fire by not placing fuel or flammable materials on or near the heater. If, due to poorly maintained filters, an air conditioning unit or heater breaks down, the cost of repairs or replacement may be charged to the tenant.

Even if there is a fireplace in the property, it should not be used without the property owner’s written permission. Many fireplaces are decorative or non-functional and, if used incorrectly, can cause a fire. If written permission is given to use the fireplace, use a spark catcher to protect carpets and floors against coal burns and ash stains at all times.

Plants And Aquariums
When placed on a carpet, all potted plants and aquariums can cause carpet rot even when protective containers are placed below. When placed on hard surfaces such as tiles or wood, potted plants can cause the surface to be stained and indented.

Smoke Alarms
If you have reason to believe that your property’s smoke alarms are not working properly, alert your property manager immediately. No smoking is allowed in any of our properties.

House Cracking and Movement
If you notice any cracks on walls, ceilings and movement, please let us know. If cracks were in place when you moved in, if you notice them worsening or growing larger, please let us know. Please either report them in writing or at the routine inspection point them out to us.

Insect Damage

To remove any cobwebs from windows, walls, ceilings, winds, light fittings, and ceiling fans, tenants should routinely dust. Termites can also cause enormous damage to any wood installation. If you notice that wood has become brittle or sounds hollow when knocked (in doors or doorways, skirting, roof beams, or anywhere else), a termite infestation may be to blame. There are also signs for watching for, including blistered paint, crumbling plaster, and mud deposits on floors and furniture. Do not leave out of the property wood or wooden furniture or leave outdoor taps running; it will attract termites. If you notice any damage to the insect, notify us immediately.

Kitchen Maintenance

Chopping Boards
Use chopping boards on bench tops to prevent cuts, chips, and dents.

Bench Top Joins
Some bench tops at the joins may sometimes display warping or bulging. Look out for gaps in the bench-top joints, and the surface laminate has begun to bulge or lift at the join. Please let us know if this is beginning to happen as it may indicate that moisture has fallen into a join and swells the wood of the chipboard below. Unfortunately, this separating join in the bench – top will worsen considerably over time due to the swelling chipboard underneath affected by moisture!

Dishwashers
Dishwashers provided with the property should be free of built-up food. Regularly clean the filter to prevent long-term damage.

Grouting And Tile
If grouting or silicone sealing starts to strip off the tiling, or if you notice dripping or leaking taps close to tiling, please let us know immediately. Wet tiling can cause severe damage to the top chipboards of the wall or bench.

Ovens And Stoves
Please ensure that food crumbs and spillage are kept clean from stove tops, grills, and ovens. It is extremely difficult to remove burnt and carbonized food. Be careful not to scratch any delicate enamel surfaces when using a scourer for cleaning. Use a spray – on oven cleaner and follow the product instructions exactly as many of these solutions contain caustic fumes that require protection from the eyes and hands. Make sure the cleaner does not cause surface damage or permanent stain.

Exhaust Fans And Range Hoods
Remove dirt and grime from the filters and vents of the hood range and clean the cover of the exhaust fan regularly. Soak with hot soapy water and scrub for a complete cleaning with a brush. These fixtures can be difficult and dangerous to remove, so if you encounter any problems, please alert us immediately.

Cupboards And Drawers

Most cupboards and drawers are very easy to clean, but if they are not immediately cleaned, sticky or stained substances may leave permanent marks. Clean your cupboard shelving regularly, along with doors, frames, and interior drawers and cutlery cleaning.

Bathroom and Laundry Maintenance

Shower Screens
Any cracks in a glass shower screen or shower doors should be reported to the landlord immediately. Because of consistently hot or cold temperatures, wired shower glass often cracks, and even toughened glass can crack under impact. You will be required to pay for a replacement if your shower glass shatters.

Blocked Sinks And Drains
Try a cleaning product to clear it before attempting a more invasive repair if a sink or drain becomes blocked. Be sure to use the product correctly and safely, especially if you have a septic system instead of a sewered system. Follow the product instructions carefully. If the blockage is not clear, let us know and we will arrange a plumber to fix the problem.

Loose Tiles
Inform us immediately about loose tiles on walls, showers, and laundry. These can become a hazard or cause permanent damage.

Drain Blockages
Don’t let kids flush down the drain toys or other foreign objects. Do not flush sanitary and hygiene products down the toilet if your property has a septic tank. If a plumber has to be called to clear pipes or drains and the damage has been caused by a foreign object, the cost of repairs will be charged.

Wall Water Damage
Any water damage should be reported to us immediately. Damage can be spotted by bubbling or peeling paint, mould on the carpet, and water marks on the walls and floor, and is usually caused by a leaking pipe or loose tiling. If not immediately addressed, this damage can spread quickly.

Leaking Taps
Any leaking tap heads, tap handles, or washing machine taps should be reported right away. Sometimes, washing machine taps only leak when they are connected to an automatic washing machine hose, so stay on the lookout.

Leaking Toilets
If water is leaking into the toilet bowl or from the tap behind the toilet, it is probably due to a worn cistern washer. Leaving water to drip into the bowl may add extra charges to your water bill, so please be sure to report any abnormal leaks.

Hot Water Leaks

If the hot water service valve or unit base begins to leak, please contact us. This can usually be fixed by a quick visit from a plumber, but may also indicate that the unit will need to be replaced soon. The sooner we are made aware of this, the better.

Outdoor Maintenance

Water Usage
Tenants must comply with all regional water constraints. Visit the website of the local council to monitor water restrictions. Use sufficient water to keep healthy lawns and shrubbery, but be sure to observe any current restrictions.

Keep watering systems in working condition to reduce water waste and perform routine efficiency checks. Do not use watering systems when water restrictions are prohibited.

Weeding and Trimming
Unless otherwise specified, it is the responsibility of tenants to maintain gardens, flower beds, indoor lawns, footpaths and all other outdoor areas. If you want to hire a helping hand, we can recommend lawn service providers.

Lawn Maintenance
All lawn areas should be kept tidy through routine mowing, edging, and weeding. Tenants are allowed to complete their own lawn maintenance or to hire a lawn service approved by the landlord.

Hoses And Fittings
Any hoses, fittings and accessories supplied should be maintained in good condition and properly stored. Please make sure that you returned all the fixtures to their place when you vacate the property.

Rubbish
Rubbish and junk should be removed from the property on a regular basis. Any household waste should be disposed of and removed from the property every week in approved rubbish containers. Please do not allow rubbish to collect on the lawn.

Oil Spills
Place a drip tray under cars on driveways, in garages, or under carports. It should be parked away from the property if a visitor’s car drips oil. Mop or wipe the fluid in case of an oil spill or drip so that it does not stain. Permanent staining will require payment for cleaning to the property owner.

Parking
No vehicle, including lawns and gardens, should be parked in an area not designed as a parking area. Tyre damage and oil drips can cause foliage and soil to be seriously damaged. You will be charged any damage from improper parking.

Pools And Spas
According to NSW law, all residential property swimming pools and spas must have security barriers to restrict access. Any private pool or spa that may contain at least 300 mm of water, including portable and inflatable pools, must also have a barrier that is child-proof. To install the barrier, you must apply for a building permit. Remember that a safety barrier is not a substitute for adult supervision and pool safety. Please ensure that all residents using the pool or spa:

– Use the safety measures that are in place, such as self-latching gates, fly screens, and latching windows.

– Remove objects such as chairs, boxes, and pumps that might be used to climb over the barrier.

– Report any flaws in the safety barrier to the property manager or owner.