A few easy ways to avoid unwanted damage charges!

We all know that accidents can happen from time to time but there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid damages, and the associated recharges, during your stay.

We asked our brilliant site teams to share some of the most common damages that they encounter alongside a few handy tips on how to avoid them! Here is their advice.

⚠️ Stains on the carpet

Despite being one of the most commonly reported damages, carpets are actually very easy to clean. If you do happen to spill something on your carpet, clean it up as soon as possible using some soap and water, scrubbing lightly in a circular motion. Your carpet will soon be good as new!

To avoid causing stains in the first place:

• Be careful when moving food and drinks around the flat.
• Ensure that your bin bag isn’t leaking when carrying it out to the bins.
• Report any slow drains to reception to avoid water spillages onto the carpet outside the ensuite or bathroom.

⚠️ Damage to the kitchen worktops

With you and your flatmates cooking meals, snacks and stopping in for regular cups of tea, the kitchen worktops are always going to get a lot of use. There are however, are a few simple steps you can take to keep them in good shape.

• Clean your workshops regularly, wiping up any spills as quickly as possible. This is also important for food safety and hygiene which you can find out more about in our Food Safety Essentials.
• Don't set down hot pots and pans on the worktops when you are cooking. The worktops in your kitchen are not heat resistant and are likely to sustain significant damage.
  
• Always use a chopping board when you're preparing your dinner and don’t cut anything directly on the worktop.
  

⚠️ Damage to paintwork

It's fairly easy to avoid damaging the paintwork in your flat, just keep your walls clear and don't attach any hooks, or stick up any posters or pictures. Even using removable hooks, such as those labelled as non-damaging, or applying 'wall-safe' tape, have in the past damaged the paint-work when removed so best to avoid. You do have some lovely noticeboards provided for hanging items so be sure to use them!

⚠️ Broken fire extinguisher tags

Fire extinguishers are often situated at the flat door or in the corridor so please be mindful when leaving, entering and moving around your flat. Unfortunately, things like jackets and bags can get snagged on the extinguishers and accidentally break the tags, which can have important fire safety repercussions, so it's definitely better to take care around the extinguishers. 

⚠️ Broken wardrobe shelving

Your wardrobe is a great place to store away your clothes and belongings but just be aware that the shelves have a maximum weight limit of 40kg. Storing anything heavier runs the risk of breaking the unit. 

We've also been assured that none of the wardrobes in our residences lead to Narnia so there is no reason for you to enter or stand in your wardrobe! It can only lead to damage so keep your wardrobe for clothes and other items!

⚠️ Damage to door frames

One of the easiest ways to avoid damaging your doors and door frames is to avoid slamming! If you're mindful of your noise levels and close your doors gently, you'll not only avoid damages but you'll be better flatmate into the bargain!

It's also vitally important that you don't attach anything to door frames. There have been cases of items like pull-up bars being placed into the frames but this is not only damaging for the door and bathroom fittings but it's also dangerous to you as you may fall and hurt yourself. 

What happens if I do damage something?

If you accidentally cause some damage, don't worry, just report it to member of your site team as quickly as possible and they will be able to organise the repair and advise on any additional charges. 

It's also important to remember that you are responsible any guests visiting you in your flat and you'll be responsible for covering the cost of anything your guest damages.

If damage appears in a flat and the person responsible doesn't come forward or can't identified, the cost of the repairs will be split between all occupants of the flat.