As a landlord, it is important that you look after your property all year round; however, winter is a particularly vulnerable time for many homes and is the time when insurance claims are at their highest. Winter weather can cause a severe problem at your rental property if you do not take the right steps to safeguard it. Performing inhibitory maintenance can assist to keep everything running evenly at your property. Here are some top tips to safeguard your rental property this winter.
Check the pipes
When the weather turns colder, it can play havoc with pipework – particularly pipes outside or in the attic. Water can freeze in pipes, which may cause them to burst. This is not just expensive to repair but can also be a huge inconvenience to you and your tenants. Make sure that you protect the pipework with lagging. According to Scottish Water, you should leave your heating on, using a low setting, if the temperature drops below 6°C to prevent pipes freezing.
Check the drains
Winter storms can cause drains to overflow, so make sure they are not clogged up with debris before the harsh weather kicks in. Also check the gutters, which may need clearing of autumn leaves.
Service the boiler
As a landlord, you are obliged to ensure the boiler you provide is in good working order. An annual service is an important part of this task. Repairs can be costly, so a regular service can identify any minor problems that can be rectified before they turn into more expensive affairs. Look for an insurance provider that provides cheap landlords insurance but ensures you are covered for the most essential aspects.
Check security alarms and lights
Your tenants want to feel safe and secure in your property. To minimise the risk of it getting burgled during the darker months, it pays to ensure the security alarms and motion lights work efficiently. It is also a good idea to check that the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working within the property.
Insulate the property
If your rental property is poorly insulated, this can increase the energy bills that you or your tenants have to pay. This is not favourable to anyone, so make sure the dwelling is as draught-proof as possible You can help this by getting Cheltenham Double Glazing windows installed which you source from sites including www.firmfix.co.uk/. Although it will cost you to have double glazed doors or windows fitted, or loft insulation, these are worthwhile investments to make; after all, tenants will quickly move on if they find their home is expensive to keep warm.
Check Seals on Windows and Door: Windy windows and doors can enhance heating bills, something neither you nor your tenants desire. You will have to check both the interior and exterior of all windows and doors. You can think about including door sweeps on the foot of entrance doors. You can acquire non-permanent ones that you can slide onto the foot of the door or more lasting ones that you can turn into the bottom of the doors. As a permanent investment, you may think about enhancing into double pane windows. If you are accountable for settling up with the heating bills as the landlord, this could assist to save you money since the tenants will not have to switch the heat up so high because heat will not be running away.
Because of utmost winter temperatures and winds which can take a major charge on buildings in cold-weather regions, it is notable that property managers take the important steps to prepare for winter some rental properties before the first snowfall of the winter.
