Landlords have the year-round responsibility of keeping on top of their properties and making sure everything runs smoothly. Thankfully, amidst the season of holiday hustle and bustle, there comes a moment of blissful peace and quiet.
However, before you can kick back in front of the fireplace this year, it’s important to make sure your rental property is ready for the winter. Other than avoiding hefty repair costs, giving your property one last check-over will allow you to drive home for Christmas without the worry of last-minute calls during your much-needed break with your family.
Here are all the essentials for landlords to check off the list before wrapping things up for Christmas and the New Year.
Water pipes
The winter months are a trying time for waterworks, and frozen water pipes are a common issue when the temperature drops. The potential for leaves and debris building up in your gutters can prevent rainwater or snow from draining away properly. Make sure the water pipes have been checked and properly lagged, including any pipes in the loft.
The boiler
The last thing you want at Christmas time is a boiler breakdown, and during the chilly season your tenants will likely be spending more time at home than usual, which means the boiler will be working extra hard. Check if your boiler has been serviced and consider putting a service plan in place. If it’s a gas boiler, check that the gas safety certificate is up to date.
Ventilation
It’s great if your property is warm and cosy for your tenants but while heat builds up indoors and the temperature drops outside, condensation can quickly lead to damp. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that the property is well-ventilated and check that there is enough airflow in problem areas like the kitchen and any bathrooms. It’s a good idea to advise your tenants to regularly crack open a window if steam is building up and switch on the extractor fan where necessary.
Alarms
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked regularly so you may as well test them out while you’re visiting the property and make sure they are functioning in accordance with current government legislation. With all the twinkling lights and candles that usually come with this season, it may also be a good idea to give your tenants a quick brush-up on fire safety.
External
The outside of the property can pose just as many issues as the interior if it’s left for long periods. Make sure all security measures are in good working condition, check for any peeling paint as this can be indicative of moisture ingress, and keep an eye out for crack in the driveway or paving where hard frost could exacerbate.
Kick back and relax
Lastly, have a conversation with your tenants about their plans over the season and ask if they have any of their own. If they plan on being away from the property, run them through any security measures you deem necessary for the home. On the other hand, if you have plans for the holidays, let your tenants know which dates you’ll be away and consider an appointed person to contact during this time in case of an emergency.
Once you have made sure your tenant’s Christmas won’t be compromised by a faulty property and that there won’t be any last-minute calls or unnecessary costs, you can finally put your feet up and enjoy a mince pie.
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