What exactly do landlords need to be aware of as we head in to the winter months? Properties can suffer if not tended to for a long time… and winter is exactly when those issues will arise.
What then should you be doing as a landlord heading in to winter? Here are some tips to help you along..
Heating Systems:
As you undoubtedly know, heating systems which have not been in regular use throughout the year can present faults when turned back on in the winter months. To avoid major issues, you should always have checks made on the boiler and other systems in September/October. This avoids any issues arising when the real cold arrives.
Interior & Exterior Lighting:
If you are a tenant renting out a house you may need to consider ample security lighting such as motion activated lighting. Winter nights mean more temptation for burglars to take advantage of poorer visibility.
While the contents of the property may not be your concern, costly damage to your personal property certainly is. Tending to exterior lighting in particular can provide peace of mind for all parties involved.
Dampness & Ventilation:
As a landlord, the best thing to do to help prevent dampness is to educate your tenants on the importance of ventilation and heating.
Aside from this, important checks you can make include looking carefully at extractor fans making sure the cover is off and they are free from dust and any other build ups. This is especially important in areas of the property where high levels of condensation are likely to occur, such as the bathrooms and kitchen.
Water:
If your property is in an area prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, it is important to make sure you have prepared for the winter season appropriately.
Give your gutters a clearing out and check any drains for blockages and debris. A simple build up of leaves can cause major problems down the line.
Insurance:
At the end of the day there is only so much you can do as a landlord to prepare for the winter months. But accidents will still happen and issues will still arise, so it’s important to have your insurance affairs in order. Look out for things that could go wrong like the boiler, roof tiles and leaks, burst piping etc and see what your insurance covers you for.
Don’t be afraid to shop around for a new policy if you feel you are being overcharged and under-valued. There are many insurers out there offering fantastic deals at the moment including Block Insure and many others.
