The essential Winter check list for Landlords

Its been pretty mild for the time of year, though according to the BBC weather forecasters, were in for a cold snap in the next few days.... if you are a landlord and you haven't prepared your property for winter, you may be interested in this. 

As with any property, there will always be a steady trickle of maintenance bills over a period of time. It's during the cold winter months where your property is at its most vulnerable as all landlords need to take steps to protect it. Below are my top tips to help ensure you avoid major problems further down the line. 

1. Check the pipes
In cold conditions pipes can cause major damage in the winter months and are more likely to burst when they are frozen. 
Minimise the potential for damage of this kind by making sure that all outside pipes are properly clad. Cladding is available from DIY shops and at very modest cost and if you're pretty handy around the house, you can even do this your self.  If you notice cracks or fissures in your pipes, make sure they are dealt with as  a matter of urgency. These will only get worse, particularly in cold weather.

2. Service the boiler
Landlord's have a range of responsibilities where there is a gas boiler installed in the property. Firstly, you must have an up to date/valid gas safety record signed off by a Gas Safe engineer and its always wise to have the appliance serviced before the winter season starts. 
This is the time of year when the boiler is most relied upon and it will ensure that your tenant stays warm and the your pipes don't freeze.

3. Instruct your tenant 
Properly informed tenants are your most useful tool in the battle against winter. By making sure that your tenants have the information they need you can significantly reduce the potential for damage. A list of trades that can be contacted should the need arise and a number that you can be reached on in an emergency. If your tenant is away for a short while during the holiday season, having the heating on at a low level will keep the place warm and reduce the possibility of the pipes freezing up.

4.Invest in insulation
As well as keeping your tenants from freezing , good insulation can help you to keep a safe, well- maintained property. insulating your property can be done with modest outlay, with the Government Green Initiatives, there are many approved contractors that can offer loft and cavity wall insulation at discounted rates, grants and other subsidies are also available. This will help to make your property more energy efficient and keep utility costs down which is a direct benefit to your tenant. People often forget to check entry points such doors and windows where heat often escapes from; its worth investing in draft excluders that are an effective solution. 

5. Consider void periods
An empty property can degrade quite quickly over the winter period. If the place is in good condition, some simple maintenance such as opening windows to keep it ventilated, running of the taps and flushing of the toilet will ensure the water supply is circulating. Even having the heating on at a low level for a specific period of time will help ensure the pipes don't freeze up. 

6. Clear the gutters
Blocked gutters can cause water to accumulate and ice to form, causing overflows and pipes to freeze. You should therefore make sure that the gutters around your property are clear of leaves and other detritus, particularly if you anticipate heavy rain or cold conditions.

7. Check exterior lighting
If your property has outside lighting, make sure that this is working properly. This can be particularly important if the property has steps or other features that might make it difficult to access when dark or slippery. A well lit property is also a sign of good maintenance and security. With the extra usage over the winter, its worth keeping a spare bulb and perhaps showing your tenant how to change it, if its not obvious. 

Winter maintenance may seem like a daunting task, though its an important part of a landlord's responsibility. These simple and practical steps will help to ensure you avoid many of the pitfalls keeping your tenant happy and your costs down.

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If you are looking for an agent with experience that can help you find the right tenant for your property, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of your investment property. Email me on chris@ashmoreresidential.com or give me a call on 020 7435 0420. Pop in for a chat – we are based on Ashmore Residential, Suite 7, 25-27 Heath Street, London, NW3 6TR. The kettle is always on.

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