The gap between one tenancy ending and the next beginning is often only a few days, and in Newcastle's student areas it can feel even tighter. That short window is your chance to put right the wear and tear, make the property safe and appealing, and avoid starting the next tenancy with a list of complaints. This checklist covers the repairs that come up again and again at checkout, and how to plan them so the property is ready on time.
Begin with the inventory and photos
Before any work starts, walk the property with your check-in inventory in hand. Take clear, dated photos of every room, close-ups of any damage and a wide shot to show context. Compare them with the photos taken when the tenant moved in. This helps you separate fair wear and tear from damage, which matters if there is any discussion about the deposit. Once repairs are done, take a fresh set of photos for the new tenant's inventory so you have a clear record of the condition at the start.
The common fixes between tenants
Walls and decoration
- Fill and touch up holes from picture hooks, shelves and adhesive strips
- Patch scuffs in hallways and stairwells where furniture has been moved
- Check for signs of condensation or mould, particularly behind wardrobes and in bathrooms
Doors, locks and handles
- Tighten or replace loose handles and hinges
- Adjust doors that stick or no longer latch
- Check window locks and restrictors work, and consider whether locks should be changed between tenants
Kitchens and bathrooms
- Reseal baths, showers and sinks where the silicone has gone mouldy or lifted
- Fix loose cupboard doors, hinges and drawer runners
- Replace cracked tiles or missing grout
- Check taps for drips and toilets for running cisterns
Fixtures and fittings
- Refit curtain poles and blinds that have been pulled from the wall
- Repair or rebuild furniture supplied with the let
- Test battery smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries where needed
- Check the garden, fences, gates and bins area if they are part of the let
Student lets in Jesmond and Heaton
Student houses around Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford tend to see heavier use, and the summer changeover is concentrated into a few busy weeks. If you have several properties turning over at once, book your repairs early rather than waiting until the keys come back. Typical student let jobs include bedroom door locks and handles, wardrobe and bed repairs, kitchen cupboard hinges, bathroom resealing and lots of filling and touching up. A clear list for each property, ideally with photos, makes the visit far quicker and keeps everything on schedule.
Safety checks still need qualified engineers
A handyman can take care of the general repairs, but some checks must be carried out by properly qualified professionals. Landlords remain responsible for:
- Gas safety checks, which must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can check an engineer's registration on the Gas Safe Register
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), which must be carried out by a qualified electrician
- Any other legal obligations that apply to your property type and licensing
Keep those inspections on their own schedule and coordinate them with your repairs so tradespeople are not getting in each other's way.
When to call a handyman
It makes sense to bring in help when:
- The list is long and the turnaround is short
- You live away from Newcastle and cannot get to the property easily
- You manage several lets and want one person to handle the odd jobs consistently
- Repairs need tools, materials or carpentry skills you do not have to hand
We offer end of tenancy repairs and ongoing landlord property maintenance across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Send over your checkout notes and photos and we can work through the list in one visit where possible.
Ready for the next tenant
A well-prepared property makes for a smoother check-in, fewer early maintenance calls and a better relationship with your new tenants. Start with good photos, work through the checklist room by room and leave the safety certificates to the qualified engineers. If you would like the repairs taken off your hands, call Andrew on 07960 485 880.
