I have headed up Cross Keys Lettings Maintenance department since 2020 and this has proved to be challenging but also hugely enjoyable! As soon as tenants report a maintenance issue on their property, I then look into it further and report directly to the landlord of the property. It goes without saying that we get some urgent issues like water leaks, boilers breaking down and so I have to sweet talk contractors into dropping what they are doing to attend immediately!
One of the most frustrating things for me is when I set up a visit for a contractor to attend a property and the tenant either forgets or has to go out so the contractor cannot gain access and I have to set up the visit again. I have learned that regardless of what a tenant or a contractor says to me, I insist that they take a key!
We have had a couple of amusing issues such as when I attended a property to get rid of a mouse in the cupboard and yes, I did it! I’ve crawled under cupboards to stops small leaks, had my hands down drains, unblocked sinks and done all sort of other yukky things but I am a really pro-active person I just get on with it. I have joked to my Directors that I could do with a workman’s tool belt but this still hasn’t arrived yet!
On the whole I have a very good relationship with my Landlords, as at the end of the day they are putting their properties into our hands and trusting us to look after them as best as we can. I do believe that the key to keeping all parties happy is communication. I do my utmost to keep everyone updated at all times but sometimes I do have to put my “school-maam” voice on to gee up the Contractors! I am a great believer in kindness and understanding and this does go a long way in my role but of course I also have to take a firm stance on occasion.
It goes without saying that tenants can get quite stressed about things so I always do my best to reassure them and deal with the problem as quickly and efficiently as I can. I think (hope) that they do appreciate what I do.
When I have a stressful day, like we all do sometimes, there is nothing I love more than a dip in the sea to calm down and relax. Some people laugh as they think I am mad, especially on a freezing January morning, but I find it very therapeutic and I would recommend it to anyone. I started sea swimming during the covid epidemic and it is now part of my life and I would be lost without it!
The worst thing is when the weather is bad and I cannot go in – it sometimes ruins my day! If you don’t see me swimming you will catch me in my garden looking after my plants which I have grown for many a year. I also love walking and often go with with a friend so that we can put the world to rights, which I think we all do, especially during these difficult times. Nothing ever gets solved but it’s fun! A good talk, laugh and cry, on occasions, does us all good and helps us get ready for a fresh start to another day.
