Time is flying past and it's not long before winter is truly upon us and those endless days of 30C+ temperatures in the summer will be a distant memory. But with winter comes a new set of challenges to ensure your rental property is as well protected against the elements as it can be. Here are seven tips for landlords for follow:
1. Insulate pipes
It may seem obvious, but buying some lagging in most DIY stores or online for not very much can result in avoiding hundreds or even thousands in costs should your property pipes burst. Copper pipes are more likely to split in the winter especially in colder areas like garages or any pipes that run outside.
Lagging them is a very simple and very quick way to help protect pipes and potentially avoid damage this winter
You should also ensure your tenants know where the stoptap/stopcock is in the property in case of a leak and the need arises to quickly shut off the water.
2. Bleed radiators
Another obvious suggestion but we see it a lot in properties we carry out inventories or EPC surveys for your property. If radiators are not getting that warm or are hotter at the bottom than the top, this means air is trapped which is preventing water from fully circulating.
Use a radiator key to bleed the valve at the top of the radiator until water comes out. Make sure you have a bowl or jug underneath to stop water spilling onto the floor when all the air is out.
3. Service the boiler
It is the landlord's legal requirement to get the boiler serviced once a year to ensure it is performing correctly and is also safe. Servicing must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who will service the boiler. You are also required to ensure a gas safety check is carried out annually.
If the boiler breaks down during the winter and you have tenants in your property, you must legally carry out repairs to ensure it is working. This also includes the pipes and flue(s) which must also be repaired and maintained.
Remember, it is now a legal requirement to ensure you have a working CO2 monitor near a boiler which became law on 1 October this year. We recently did an article which you can read here.
4. Insulate the loft/roof
A key yet simple addition to any property, loft insulation is not too expensive and can make a real difference to your rental property. Heat rises and will escape through the loft/roof space if not well insulated.
Loft insulation is also a key factor when carrying out energy performance certificate (EPC) surveys and can impact what rating your property receives.
Even if you already have it, it may need upgrading or renewing. Try to ensure the thickness is at least 270mm. Remember, if you are having an EPC survey, if you have new insulation installed which is then sealed so it cannot be seen (such as in the roof rafters or in a sealed loft) remember to keep all records, invoices and proof of installation such as an installers record of installation for it to be considered for the survey.
5. Secure the Property
If the property is unoccupied, carry out regular checks to ensure it is secure. Simple measures like having the heating come on at a low temperature at set times will help prevent pipes from freezing. If you do this though, ensure there is adequate ventilation in the property or you may cause some mould and damp.
Having timers to turn side lamps on at set times will also help deter potential thieves or squatters from entering. This can be done using timer plugs or using smart bulbs which you can control from your phone.
If you are not near your property, we here at Valerien Property Services are able to carry out vacant or void property checks on your property and produce a photographic report for your records. Just get in touch via the contact page or at info@valerien.co.uk.
6. Clean the Gutters
It isn't the nicest job but gutters should be kept clean, especially after the autumn falls where there is more likely to be leaves potentially causing blockages. A blocked gutter could lead to leaks or water getting into the walls which can cause damage.
If you do not fancy doing this job yourself, there are plenty of companies who offer this service including many window cleaners who you can instruct to give the property windows and soffits and good clean while on site.
7. Block any Draughts
Finally on our list is to seal any draughts in the property. Check around window and doors, including the letter box. You can buy draught excluders online in all shapes and sizes and they all help retain heat in the property and in individual rooms.
We hope our tips help, many are obvious but they are often easily overlooked.
Remember we offer lots of services to assist you in the management of your rental proeprties here on the Isle of Wight including EPCs, legionella risk assessments, PAT testing, alarm tests and property inventory clerk services. Just give us a call on 07368 838213 or email info@valerien.co.uk. See all of our services here.