Category: Renting

Blocked drains can cause slow-running sinks, unpleasant smells, and general inconvenience. While some drainage issues relate to the building or underground pipework, everyday habits inside the home play a big part too. Here are some straightforward steps tenants can take to help keep water flowing smoothly.

1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Sink

Kitchen sinks are one of the most common places for blockages to start.

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drain – they solidify as they cool.
• Wipe greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing them.
• Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and empty it into the bin.

Small changes in the kitchen can prevent bigger problems later.

2. Keep Bathroom Drains Clear

Hair, soap residue, and toiletries can build up over time.

• Use a hair catcher in showers and baths.
• Avoid flushing wipes, cotton pads, or sanitary products – even if labelled “flushable”.
• Rinse sinks regularly to prevent soap from settling.

These simple habits help keep bathroom drains running freely.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Some items belong in the bin, not the drainage system.

• Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and eggshells should never go down the sink.
• Paint, chemicals, and DIY materials can damage pipes and should be disposed of safely.
• Food waste should go in the bin, not the drain.

Good waste habits protect both your home and the wider drainage network.

4. Run Hot Water After Use

A quick flush of hot water can help keep pipes clear.

• After washing up, run hot water for a few seconds to help move any residue along.
• In the bathroom, a brief rinse after brushing teeth or shaving helps prevent build-up.

It’s a small step that can make a noticeable difference over time.

5. Keep Outdoor Drains Free From Debris

If you have access to outdoor drains, a little maintenance helps.

• Clear away leaves, mud, or debris sitting on top of drain covers.
• Make sure the area around the drain is free from items that could fall in.

This helps rainwater drain away properly, especially during wetter months.

A Smoother-Running Home Starts With Simple Habits

Keeping drains clear is often about small, consistent actions. Being mindful of what goes down sinks, toilets, and outdoor drains can prevent many common blockages and keep your home running smoothly. With a few everyday habits, you can create a cleaner, more efficient living space that feels easier to manage.

Condensation, damp, and mould are common issues in many homes – especially during colder months. While some causes relate to the building itself, there are also small everyday habits that can make a noticeable difference. Here are some simple, practical steps tenants can take to help manage moisture and keep their home feeling fresh.

1. Keep Air Flowing Where Possible

Good ventilation helps moisture escape before it settles on cold surfaces.

• Open windows for short periods each day, especially after cooking or showering.
• Use extractor fans if you have them, and leave them running for a little while after use.
• Avoid blocking air vents or trickle vents on windows.

Even a few minutes of fresh air can help reduce condensation build‑up.

2. Manage Moisture in Kitchens & Bathrooms

These rooms produce the most steam, so small changes go a long way.

• Put lids on pans when cooking.
• Wipe down wet surfaces like tiles, mirrors, and windows after showers.
• Keep bathroom doors closed when showering to stop steam spreading through the home.

3. Dry Clothes Carefully Indoors

Drying laundry inside adds a lot of moisture to the air.

• If possible, dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer.
• If you need to dry clothes indoors, use a clothes airer in a single room with the window open.
• Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators, as this increases condensation.

4. Keep a Consistent Temperature

Homes that are very cold are more likely to develop condensation.

• Try to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature rather than letting rooms get very cold and then reheating them.
• Keep internal doors open to allow warm air to circulate (except when cooking or showering).

Even small amounts of background heat can help reduce moisture settling on cold walls and windows.

5. Allow Furniture to Breathe

Air needs to move around furniture to prevent damp patches forming.

• Leave a small gap between large furniture and external walls.
• Avoid overfilling cupboards and wardrobes so air can circulate.

6. Use Dehumidifiers or Moisture Traps

These can help reduce excess moisture, especially in problem areas.

• Refillable moisture traps are inexpensive and useful for wardrobes, windowsills, and corners.
• Electric dehumidifiers can be helpful in rooms that struggle with ventilation.

7. Report Any Concerns Early

Some damp and mould issues relate to the building structure, not daily habits.

• If you notice persistent damp patches, leaks, or mould that keeps returning, report it to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible.
• Early reporting helps prevent issues from getting worse and ensures the right repairs can be arranged.

A Healthier Home Starts with Small Habits

Managing condensation and damp is often about small, consistent actions. Simple steps like improving airflow, keeping surfaces dry, and managing indoor moisture can make a noticeable difference over time. Every home is different, so it’s about finding the habits that work best for your space and routine. With a few mindful changes, you can create a fresher, more comfortable living environment day by day.

At Buttercross Estates, we know that moving into a new home should be exciting – not stressful. Yet for many tenants, the upfront cost of a traditional deposit can feel like a major hurdle. That’s why we’ve partnered with Reposit, a smarter alternative designed to make renting more affordable and fair.

Why Reposit?

Instead of paying a large cash deposit, tenants pay a small one-off fee equal to just a week’s rent (with a minimum of £150). That means hundreds of pounds saved at the start of your tenancy – money you can put towards furnishing your home, settling in, or simply enjoying life.

For example, on a property with monthly rent of £1,000, a traditional deposit would be £1,153.80. With Reposit, the upfront fee is just £230.76 – leaving you with more than £900 in savings.

Fair and Flexible

At the end of your tenancy, you don’t have to wait weeks for your deposit to be returned. Instead, you only pay for any genuine costs that arise, such as cleaning or repairs. If there are no charges, you walk away without hassle.

Already paid a deposit? You may be able to switch to Reposit and reclaim your cash – ask us about the Reposit Switch option.

Simple Steps to Get Started

• Choose Reposit when you sign your tenancy agreement.
• Sign up online and pay your fee.
• Move in and enjoy deposit-free living.
• Check out at the end of your tenancy, settling any costs directly if needed.

Renting Together?

If you’re moving in as a group, the Reposit fee is shared between all tenants, making it even more affordable.

What to Know

The initial fee is non-refundable, and just like with a traditional deposit, tenants remain responsible for any outstanding costs at the end of the tenancy. Disputes are handled through Reposit’s platform, with a fair process in place to protect both tenants and landlords.