The main concern is foreign objects and food getting stuck in them. However, it is important to constantly be aware of this information when renting a property. The reason being is that there is an increased risk of a blocked drain occurring, and if the tenant causes the drain blockage, then tenant will responsible for paying the bill on the repair.

Basically, avoid putting waste from cooking down the drain. For example, hot fat from cooking, as when the fat drops in temperature it becomes hard and can close off any water exiting the property. Food should be placed in the bin or disposed off appropriately and not forced down the drain as well. Even if it is only a small amount, over time the waste can build up and cause a blockage.

In addition with your loo, tenants should avoid the disposal of kitchen paper towels, wipes or any other foreign objects, other than toilet paper or human waste, at all times. Small quantities of loo paper is designed to disintegrate/break up and exit into the sewer, where other objects are not.

Our top tips are:

Regularly check manholes and drain covers to see if drain’s are running freely, if not this could be the start of a drain blocking and could become completely blocked in the near future.

Do not put cooking fats, oils or any greasy materials down sinks or plugholes.  Fats and oils congeal in the drain reducing the pipes diameter and flow rate and will ultimately lead to a blocked drain if not cleared.

Do not flush nappies, cotton buds, sanitary towels, kitchen towels, serviettes or baby wipes down toilets as this will block the drain.

Only use recommended amounts of washing powder for that load as washing powder will solidify in the drain and cause it to block.

Don’t leave food waste on plates and cutlery when washing up or when loading the dishwasher. This will be flushed into drains causing a build up and ultimately a blocked drain.

Clear waste over drain guards covering gullys and drain aways, preventing leaves and garden materials falling in and causing blockages.

Ensure guttering and down pipes are kept clear of debris including leaves. This will cause a blockage if washed into the drain.

For more information please check out the link below:

Link: http://dyno.home-maintenance.info/drains/prevent-blockages/

Your local authority are responsible for collecting your rubbish.

If you have lived in your property for some time now, you will probably be aware of the day on which your rubbish is collected. The Oxford City Council website has useful information relating to the rubbish collection:

The day on which your rubbish is collected – http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decER/Refuse_collection_days_occw.htm

What rubbish you should put into which bin -http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decER/Whatgoesintoeachcontainer.htm

What to do if your rubbish collection is missed – http://selfservice.oxford.gov.uk/selfservice/form.aspx?form=Report_Missed_Bin

Mixing the rubbish – by putting the incorrect item in the incorrect bin – is known as contamination by the local authority and the refuse collectors will not collect any receptacle which contains the incorrect item, even if it is just one item placed in the wrong container.

You should also be aware that the refuse collectors will not take items which have not been placed inside the bin, with the lid shut.

For properties in the Oxford area which are governed by Oxford City Council, the authority are stepping up patrols in the area and are being much more stringent on occupants where rubbish has not been correctly left out for collection.  Where the officers find rubbish at the property, which is excessive, not properly bagged, or has been left in an untidy condition, they will take action against the occupants, which could include a financial prosecution.

Further information relating to the manner in which the rubbish should be left out for collection can be found using this link – http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decER/Excess_Rubbish_occw.htm

Lots of people share rented property and most are successful and run smoothly. However sometimes it doesn’t work. We have compiled a short list of questions that may help you in selecting your fellow tenants:

* How well do you know this person? Remember you will be sharing a home with them for at least six months.

* Do you trust them? Remember they will have access to all of your belongings whilst you are not there.

* Do they have similar standards of cleanliness to you?

* Do they have any irritating habits which you might find infuriating after a while?

* Are you certain they will be able to afford their share of the rent? Remember you will be signing a joint and several agreeement which means you will be legally liable for their share of the rent if they don’t pay it.

* Are they committed to staying for the length of the tenancy? You will be signing for a fixed term tenancy and you will not be able to just walk away. Legally you will still be liable for the rent until the end date of the tenancy.

Only ever share with people you really trust. If you are not sure, don’t do it.

Saving energy these days will not only help save the world but also can be a valuable cost cutter. With energy bills becoming larger and more unpredictable to budget for, these are some timely energy saving tips:

Reducing Heating Costs
* If temperatures are too high turn the heating down rather than open windows. (reducing the room temperature by one degree Celsius can save 8% in fuel bills);
* Report doors and windows that do not seal correctly when closed;
* Dress appropriately for the season, put on a jumper and turn down the heating;
* Do not use portable electric heaters – report heating problems;
* Report thermostatic valves that are not working;
* Close doors and keep radiators unobstructed by furniture and curtains to minimise heat wastage.

Reducing Electricity Costs
* Switch off lights that are not needed and make maximum use of daylight;
* Remind your housemates to turn off lights after hours if they are the last one in;
* Don’t switch on all the lights if few people are in the property;
* Report faulty lighting promptly – a flickering tube uses more electricity;
* You can save energy by using low energy bulbs.

Reducing Water Use
* Report any dripping taps;
* Have showers not baths;
* Boil only the required amount of water in the kettle;
* Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth;
* Clean/prepare vegetables in a bowl rather than under a running tap;
* Run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads rather than part loads;

It is part of a continuing campaign by the TDS to make deposit resolution open and easy to understand.

This latest set of examples cover redecoration problems at the end of a tenancy, where the tenant had done a better decorating job than the landlord.

Guidance notes deal with issues of ‘betterment’ and replacement costs, and also wear and tear.

The publication of these guidance notes and case histories follows consultation with the Members’ Forum of the TDS as well as incorporating the views sought from consumer organisations such as the National Union of Students, Citizens Advice and Shelter.

TDS chief executive Steve Harriott said: “Although disputes cannot always be avoided, by publishing the experience we have gained, we can help landlords and tenants and their letting agents to find an amicable solution without going through the process of Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

The full case studies and guidance notes can be found on www.tds.gb.com in both the Landlords and Tenants sections.

Not too long ago renting was for the short term. A few years sharing a house as a student preceded a few more years renting as careers kicked off, and then, before too long, it was time to take the plunge and buy your first property. It was small, expensive and definately basic, but it was yours.

How things have changed.

Nowadays, many would-be first time buyers are renting well into their 30s, often with no prospect of even a glimpse of the housing ladder. With high deposits needed, alongside high property prices across many parts of the UK, affordability for first-time buyers shows no signs of improving.

To add insult to injury, the first rung of the rental ladder is now getting tougher to surmount. Soaring rental prices -especially in London and the South East are great news for landlords, but it’s making life tough for tenants or those wishing to move between rental properties.

The Financial Times has recently reported that a growing number of tenants are being asked to pay rent upfront. This is certainly something Alex Vinter has witnessed in London recently. In some parts of London, landlords are being able to literally name their price and also ask for upfront payments.

There are some suggestions from other London agents that more and more tenants are failing credit reference and tenant checks because they don’t earn enough to meet higher rental costs using the existing income multiples often used by agents. Some are turning to guarantors – parents be warned – while others will stump up the cash.

We have had a landlords’ market before and it won’t stay like this forever, but for now, tenants are struggling to get on that rental ladder.

A real danger at moments such as this is the threat unethical and rogue landlords and letting agents pose to tenants. It goes wihout saying that tenants should only use letting agents that are members of ARLA, but there will still be snakes with a market like this. Stay alert.

For the first time, students have rated internet access above location as their top priority when looking for accommodation.

The National Student Housing Survey looked at attitudes of 15,490 students from over 120 universities. The results of the survey show that 90% of students rate good internet access as a very important factor, 85% put value for money as their priority but just 75% make location their number one reason for choosing accommodation.

The most negative factors in students’ experience are getting repairs done on time, noise levels and lack of both recycling and environmental facilities. Cooking and laundry facilities plus decent toilets scored highly in factors which impact on the quality of residents’ day-to-day experience. Lack of fridge space was the number one complaint in all types of accommodation.

The survey also revealed that anyone looking for accommodation for the following academic year usually begins their search in November. This is the case in Oxford where agencies aim to release their student lists before the colleges begin their break for Christmas. Half of the students searching for private rentals consider three or more rental properties before making their choice, whilst 4% of students look at 10 or more before deciding. College and County aim to save students time by encouraging and helping students to compile a shortlist of three through information on their website before making appointments to view.

Mark Crampton Smith of College and County said “Student accommodation remains a thriving business, but those Landlords who will continue to succeed in this market will be those who listen to their tenants and respond effectively”.

Do not assume just because you are students that there will automatically be no charge made for council tax during your tenancy. You will need to supply Oxford City Council with proof of your student status. The administration office at your college will be able to provide you with a “student status” letter which will confirm your college and the dates of your course. This letter needs to be scanned and sent to counciltax@oxford.gov.uk with your property address.

The council will issue you an exemption certificate for your property. It is important to retain this certificate and advisable to let your landlord or letting agency have a copy too.