It’s sensible to check your rental property maintenance before the UK weather turns as winter brings many hazards that could potential harm your investment if left untreated. Especially with high winds in the North East region, lots of rain, snow and ice which could lead to blocked gutters and frozen pipes.
Using a winter checklist for landlords and letting agents, will help to minimise issues over the winter season whilst also meeting some landlord obligations.
Exterior Property Maintenance
A Landlord is largely responsible for the exterior maintenance of the rental property.
This can include roof/guttering repairs, garden fences, window repairs
Roof/Guttering
Visually check the roof of your property, If your property is missing a few roof tiles, a particularly bad winter storm could result in leaking and interior damp.
Blocked gutters can lead to water damage. After the autumn leaves have fallen and before the worst of the weather hits, check guttering and clear is needed.
Repair cracks and crevices
Any gaps or cracks in the exterior of your property could result in long term problems if left untreated and should be inspected. If moisture from the outside finds its way into the property, you could be facing serious damp issues.
An exterior inspection should include checking for air leaks around windows and doors, checking exterior doors and garage doors are well fitted.
Winter gardens
General garden maintenance is usually the responsibility of the tenant. However, if you have a void period or you are preparing for a new tenancy, you may need to perform some garden maintenance like a broken fence which is the responsibility of the landlord.
Plumbing maintenance
Burst pipes can occur when water freezes and expands in very cold weather. Ensure your pipes are well insulated with no cracks, ensure boiler is serviced yearly and fix dripping taps. If your property is void during the winter, leave the heating on at a low temperature.
Interior winter maintenance
Central Heating Boiler Maintenance
If the weather drops severely, your boiler is at risk of freezing. To avoid this run heating regularly. Keep temperature constantly on a low degree to help prevent damp and keep boiler in good running condition.
There’s a legal requirement to have the gas boiler serviced yearly as part of your rental property maintenance. Bleeding radiators will also prevent pockets of air entering and affecting the heat output.
Invest in a professional inventory service
One of the easiest ways to protect your rental property over winter, is to invest in a thorough inventory service.
From property maintenance reports to health and safety checks, our teams of inventory clerks across the UK are on hand to help you manage your property portfolio all year round.
Need some help?
Contact us about your North East rental – PIIM – Property Inventory Inspections & Management