With the Winter weather closing in, there are certain precautions that all landlords should take in order to make their property resistant to potential seasonal issues. You may already have taken many of these measures but we have pulled together the latest advice to ensure that you are best placed to avoid any long-term problems.
1. Service your boiler
If you don’t have an annual service planned already, paying to have one carried out now will drastically reduce the chance of a costly breakdown caused by the surge in usage during the colder months.
2. Check the pipes
External pipes are particularly exposed and prone to problems caused by freezing conditions. Repair any breaks, leaks or cracks before they lead to bigger water problems.
3. Insulate
It isn’t always cheap but insulating your property efficiently will save you a fortune in the long run. Focus on water pipes, drafts around doors and windows and also attic areas. This will pay off as the property stays far warmer, particularly if you’re the one picking up the heating bill.
4. Bleed the radiators
Releasing the trapped air from all radiators will make them far more effective. In truth, this should be done regularly throughout the year anyway.
5. Clear gutters
In the lead up to Winter, leaves and debris will almost certainly collect in your gutters. This is bound to cause overflows and water damage – not something you want to be dealing with. Also consider trimming any overhanging branches to avoid ongoing clogging of the gutter pipes.
6. Inform your tenants
Some tenants will know exactly how to look after their rented home during the cold season – others won’t. Provide them with information on boiler operation and point them in the direction of the property’s stopcocks; that way, they should be able to mitigate any potential disasters.
7. Visit!
There are a couple of parts to this one. Firstly, pay a visit to the property to give it a once-over. This gives you a chance to check all of the measures above have been carried out but also to pick up on any other minor issues which could be repaired and prevented before they lead to bigger problems during the harshest period of the year.
Secondly, if your tenants are going to leave the property vacant for any period of time (going home for Christmas, for example), then the property is going to be more vulnerable to weather-induced damage. Arrange for a regular visit to check everything is in order; have a look at the heating, open the windows for a while, check for condensation or leaks – it pays to catch these things early.
Hopefully these tips will help you to protect your property against the challenges of the Winter months. For any further queries, feel free to contact us at: enquiries@thelandlordlink.co.uk