For many people, winter really is the most
wonderful time of the year, a chance to crunch through frosty fields, make the
perfect snow angel or snuggle up by the fire.
But from a property perspective, winter can
be hazardous, with snow, rain, ice, high winds and low temperatures all posing
potential risks.
Landlords who fail to prepare for these
risks could face a hefty repair bill and a disrupted holiday season (not to
mention the distress your tenants may experience if something goes wrong).
To avoid a nightmare before Christmas,
follow this ten-step guide to winter-proofing your rental property.
1) Have a qualified Gas Safe engineer check your boiler is in good
working order.
2) When the temperature plummets, pipes can freeze and burst. Stave off
this danger by insulating pipes and the hot water cylinder. Pipe lagging and
hot water cylinder jackets are cheap to buy and easy to install.
3) Show your tenant where the stopcock is so that if a pipe bursts or
tap breaks, they can switch the mains water off until a plumber arrives. Swift
action will reduce the damage and repair costs.
4) Mend any wobbly fences so that they can withstand heavy gusts. Also,
ask your tenants to fix trampolines and garden furniture to the ground or store
them somewhere safe so they can’t blow away or become damaged.
5) Damp and mould can be harmful to health and cause significant damage
to your property. As many people are avoiding using their heating this year due
to the energy crisis, it could be a serious problem. Check the kitchen and
bathroom extractor fans are working and that the property is well ventilated.
6) Confirm that your insurance policy is up to date and covers storm
and flood damage.
7) Clear the gutters so that water runs off efficiently. If your
gutters are overflowing with dead leaves, water will flow down the sides of
your walls, causing penetrating damp.
8) As December is one of the worst months for burglaries (criminals
often take advantage of the dark nights), check that all doors and window locks
are secure.
9) Take the time to build a good rapport with your tenants. Encourage
them to report any issues swiftly. It’s always easier and cheaper to address
small problems than wait until they develop into major headaches.
10) Get a letting agent to manage the property. They’ll deal with
regular maintenance and be on call 24/7 to resolve any problems.
For
more information about our property management services, contact us here
at Ridgewater Sales and Lettings.