Maintaining your student accommodation: simple and effective methods
Have you just moved in or want to start off on the right foot? Good news: maintaining your home doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or complicated. With a few smart, regular steps, you can save time, protect your security deposit, and avoid last-minute hassles. We’ll show you how to adopt a simple routine, understand exactly what you’re responsible for, and use a few ultra-effective natural products to clean everything without breaking the bank. The result: a clean, fresh-smelling space where you can breathe easier and really feel at home. You can do it at your own pace, in just a few minutes a day, with a minimalist kit and habits that make all the difference. Ready to transform your apartment into a chill, healthy, spotless space without the hassle? Let’s get started!
1. Your obligations as a tenant: know the law to avoid unpleasant surprises
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintain your home to keep it in good condition throughout your lease. The law clearly defines the obligations of each party: certain tasks and minor repairs are your responsibility, while others are the responsibility of the landlord. Understanding this division of responsibilities helps avoid disputes, particularly when it comes to the move-out inspection.
Key points:
| Element of the dwelling | Tenant’s responsibility (rental repairs/routine maintenance) | Landlord’s responsibility (major/structural repairs) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Replacement of light bulbs, fuses, switches, damaged outlets | Bringing the installation up to standard, general power failure, defective electrical panel |
| Plumbing / Water | Replacing seals, shower hose, unblocking siphons | Replacing the boiler or water heater, major leaks, defective pipes |
| Painting/Walls | Minor touch-ups, cleaning marks, filling small holes | Complete renovation, repair following water damage or structural defects |
| Floors | Regular cleaning, replacement of tiles or boards damaged by wear and tear | Repairs following normal wear and tear or faulty installation |
| Doors/Windows | Lubricating hinges, replacing handles, cleaning windows | Complete replacement, repair following deterioration or defect |
| Equipment provided | Regular cleaning, replacement of wear parts (hood filter, refrigerator seal) | Replacement of equipment in the event of a breakdown not related to misuse |
| Heating/CMV | Regular maintenance, dusting, cleaning of grilles | Repair or replacement of the installation in the event of a breakdown |
| Outside/Garden | Mowing, pruning, routine maintenance | Repair of fences or garden walls, major landscaping work |
| Safety | Replacement of smoke detector batteries | Initial installation or complete replacement in the event of equipment failure |
Routine maintenance: what you are responsible for
You are responsible for the regular maintenance and cleaning of the rooms, equipment, and surfaces in the dwelling. This includes, for example:
-
Replacing a burnt-out light bulb or a worn faucet washer.
-
Clean the windows, shutters, and doors.
-
Descale the shower and taps.
-
Dust the radiators and check the ventilation (CMV) to prevent dampness.
-
Lubricate the hinges of a door or shutter.
These simple actions, performed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis according to the recommended frequency, will help you maintain a healthy home and limit costly repairs.
Tenant repairs: the rule for minor repairs
Tenant repairs refer to minor work that you must carry out or have carried out at your own expense. This generally includes:
- Replacing small defective parts (handles, switches, seals, shower hoses).
- Repairing minor damage to paintwork, floors, or walls.
- Maintenance of the private garden if your home has one (mowing, pruning, watering).
Conversely, anything that falls under normal wear and tear or a structural defect (roof, electrical failure related to the installation, major plumbing problem) is the responsibility of the landlord.
Specific points to note
-
You are responsible for any damage caused by your pets.
-
You must ventilate your home properly and maintain good air circulation to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
-
In the event of a breakdown or technical problem affecting safety (water heater, electricity, running water), contact the owner or the relevant service immediately.
-
The maintenance obligation also includes the appliances provided (stove, range hood, refrigerator), which you must keep clean and in working order.
A well-informed tenant knows that they are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the common areas.
A well-informed tenant knows how to manage their responsibilities effectively: this not only preserves the quality of their home, but also their security deposit and peace of mind.
2. Cleaning routine: adopt good habits on a daily basis and throughout the seasons
A clean and pleasant home is maintained a little bit every day rather than with a big, improvised clean. Good organization saves you time and prevents dirt or moisture from settling in.
Remember (and print it on the fridge door!):
| Frequency | Tasks to be performed |
|---|---|
| Daily |
|
| Weekly |
|
| Monthly |
|
| Seasonal |
|
3. Preventive maintenance: key points to ensure the durability of your home
Maintaining your home is not just about cleaning, it’s also about preventing breakdowns and damage. A few simple steps, carried out regularly, can extend the life of your equipment, reduce costs, and avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes time to do the inventory.
| Item | Preventive action | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation (CMV) | Clean the grilles, vacuum the dust, check that it is working properly | Every 3 months |
| Radiators | Dust the back, bleed if necessary (water heating) | Twice a year |
| Plumbing | Check and replace worn seals, unblock siphons regularly | Every 6 months |
| Smoke detector | Test the button, change the batteries | Every 6 months |
| Appliances | Clean filters (range hood, washing machine, dishwasher) | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Windows and doors | Lubricate hinges, check condition of seals | Once a year |
| Outside/Garden | Prune, clear away dead leaves, check rainwater drainage | Every season |
💡 Tip: keep a checklist on paper or your smartphone to remember all these tasks at the right time.
4. An eco-friendly and economical approach: the student’s household survival kit
| Natural product | Main uses | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | Descaling, disinfecting, deodorizing | Replaces fabric softener in the washing machine |
| Baking soda | Cleaning, neutralizing odors, unclogging drains | Sprinkle on a mattress before vacuuming to freshen it up |
| Black soap | Degrease, clean floors and surfaces | Ideal for cleaning tiles without rinsing |
| Lemon | Polish, disinfect | Removes limescale from taps in minutes |
| Soda crystals | Cleans stubborn grease, bleaches | Perfect for cleaning an oven or burnt pans |
Maintaining your home doesn’t necessarily mean buying a dozen different cleaning products. With a few natural products, you can clean effectively, save money, and preserve a healthy environment. This “survival kit” is ideal for students: compact, versatile, and easy to use.
💡 Tip: equip yourself with a few simple accessories (microfiber sponge, bucket, soft brush) . With this minimalist kit, you can carry out routine maintenance on your entire home while reducing waste and expenses.
