Taking care of your rental property this Winter

Posted 15 November 2017 by Angie Blunden

The colder months present a series of significant risks to rental properties, all of which could lead to costly problems. If you have an empty property then you need to look at your heating first; do you need to drain the system down or just get the heating on? By taking some time to check over your property now, you can help to ensure a relaxing, disaster-free winter. We’ve a handy checklist below for you and please contact us for help and advice on 01903 744166.

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1. Check the pipes

It is important that you check all external pipes for breaks, leaks, lagging and blockages, Blocked, unlagged or leaking pipes can freeze during the cold months, then expand and burst – causing potentially expensive water damage. Make sure that all pipes are in good order, and that they are properly secured to the walls.

2. Think about insulation

A properly insulated property is an absolute must. Make sure you check the basics, starting with obvious draft points. Invest in some draft excluders to keep doors and windows secure as well as roof insulation. Check the cladding around your boiler and pipes.

Consider putting together an information pack, including details like the location of stopcocks, basic boiler operation and so on. Remind your tenants to periodically turn the heating on (using the timer system if one is available) if they go away over Christmas to ensure that pipes don’t freeze.

3. Void periods are dangerous

Void periods are a major threat during the cold months. If you know your property is likely to be empty over the winter, you need to make extra maintenance plans. Visit regularly to open windows and check on the heating. If you can’t do this yourself, please arrange for someone else to visit. Potential tenants don’t like viewing cold, empty properties so the heating on low makes all the difference!

4. Check your insurance policy

Make sure you understand the terms of your landlord’s insurance policy. Remember maintenance-related issues tend not to be covered by landlord policies. This means you need to make sure your property is fighting fit for winter – both for your own peace of mind, and for your tenants.

6. Bleed your radiators

Make sure all your radiators are working; have you checked to see if you need to bleed any of the radiators? This releases any trapped air, allowing hot water to fill every part of your radiator and warm the property more efficiently.

7. Get a boiler service

Arrange for your boiler to be serviced every year. Now almost everyone has switched on their central heating, the surge in gas consumption can lead to a big increase in boiler breakdowns. So it is worth getting in early each year; September or October are good months as this will give you some time to get any issues raised fixed

8. Clear out your gutters

We all know leaves fall in autumn; if you have trees nearby then the leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blocks and overflows – again it’s best to clean them regularly or investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent your gutters becoming blocked in future.

Our last top tip is to find out if there any neighbourhood watch groups operating in the area; if so you could advise them of any unoccupied periods over the Christmas period.

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