What Orwell is responsible for as a Landlord

  • Keeping the structure and exterior of its properties in good repair. This includes:-A man fixing a plug
    • the roof, outside walls, outside doors, window sills, window catches, sash cords, glazing putties and window frames including the necessary external painting and decoration.
    • internal walls, skirting boards, doors and door frames, hinges, locks, door jambs, thresholds, letter boxes, door handles, floors (but not actual floor coverings unless the Association has supplied a water resistant covering, and this has worn out or been damaged by the refitting of your kitchen,) ceilings, plasterwork (but not internal painting and decorating, except in sheltered schemes).
    • drains, gutters and external pipes, chimneys, chimney stacks and flues but not including sweeping.
    • pathways, steps or other means of access. Please note that the Association is not responsible for removing ice or snow during periods of bad weather. Where there is an on-site Caretaker, any blocked paths which are Orwell’s responsibility will be cleared as much as it is practically possible to do.
    • garages and stores in the Association’s ownership.
  • Keeping in good repair and proper working order Orwell’s installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity, for sanitation and for space and water heating. These include (but are not limited to):
    •  basins, sinks, baths, toilets, flushing systems and waste pipes.
    •  electrical wiring, including sockets and switches, gas and water pipes, and taps.
    •  starter mechanisms for fluorescent light fittings (but not the tubes)
    •  water and space heaters, fireplaces, fitted fires and central heating installations.
  • Maintaining in a safe condition all boundary walls and fences, provided by the Association, making sure that they do not become a nuisance or annoyance or cause damage or inconvenience to the tenant, members of their household or visitors, or to the tenants or occupiers of neighbouring property.
  • In the case of flats and maisonettes, taking reasonable care to keep common entrances, halls, stairways, lifts, passageways, and any other common parts in reasonable repair and safe and fit for use by the tenant, members of their household and visitors. This includes a duty to take reasonable care to keep the lighting of common parts, door entry systems, and warden call alarm systems in working order.
  • Keeping the exterior of its properties in a good state of decoration and normally to decorate these areas once every four to six years depending on the rate of deterioration. With regards the decoration of common parts, these are carried out on an "as and when" basis.
    • Tenants should not paint or redecorate the outside of their homes without Orwell’s permission. If an incorrect finish is applied this may shorten the lifespan of the woodwork and will only have to be removed.