But if you’re a landlord, you can’t ever completely relax, can you?
There’s always a possibility that something could go awry at your rental
property. A pipe could burst, the boiler might pack up, or an uninvited guest
(we’re talking about a burglar, not Santa) could pay a visit.
Whatever the scenario, landlords have a duty of care to act promptly in
an emergency.
The good news is that you can reduce the risk of having to curtail your
festivities by taking a few proactive steps now in the run-up to Christmas.
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare.
Talk to your tenants
Contact your tenants and wish them a happy holiday (it’s a nice thing to
do, and a good way to build rapport). If your tenants are going away, remind them
to lock up carefully as burglars often strike at this time of year. Also, ask
if there are any niggling issues at the property that need addressing. It’s
better to find out now than when you’re snoozing on the sofa on Christmas Day
or raising a toast on New Year’s Eve.
Maintenance check
No doubt you already have a regular maintenance routine, but it’s worth
checking that:
- The
boiler is in good working order and has recently been serviced. - Pipes
are well insulated (this will reduce the risk of a pipe freezing and
ultimately bursting and causing a major leak). - There
are no cracks in the pipework or brickwork. Water can seep into these
cracks and freeze, causing severe damage. - Carbon
monoxide and smoke alarms are working. - Gutters
are clear of leaves, so rainwater drains away rather than seeping into the
brickwork.
Prepare an emergency contact list
It’s useful to have the contact details of an emergency plumber,
electrician and locksmith in the event something goes wrong. Having to ring
around on a public holiday to find someone who can help will only add to the
stress and waste time.
But wait, there’s one other option!
Savvy landlords enjoy a trouble-free Christmas every year by having a
letting agent manage their investment property. A good letting agent will step
in if there’s an emergency. That means you can switch off your alerts and let
your hair down, safe in the knowledge that an expert is in charge.
To learn more about our property management services, contact us here
at Ridgewater Sales and Letting.