When winter arrives, most people’s thoughts turn to having a cosy home and preparing for the festive season, but for landlords, it can be a busy time in terms of property maintenance.
Being ready for the cold weather is imperative to keep tenants happy, so we’re exploring the most common issues for landlords and how to take a proactive approach to avoid problems.
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Winter property management means checking heating systems, upgrading insulation when necessary and taking plumbing precautions to enhance the tenant experience.
Heating systems
Damp and mould are common issues in the UK, with two million people living in homes with “significant” problems, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Data from the English Housing Survey suggests 904,000 of these properties are in England. One of the reasons is the properties’ age, as the UK has some of the oldest houses in Europe. While older rental homes may have issues, this can also occur in newer housing.
As well as looking unpleasant, damp and mould can have serious health repercussions, affecting the lungs and airways, causing respiratory issues. The most serious respiratory problems can prove fatal, such as the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, who died aged two in December 2020 from a fatal respiratory condition caused by living in “extensive mould”. The toddler lived in a one-bedroom flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, with his parents, Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Amin. The coroner ruled he had died because of prolonged exposure to mould in a property without adequate ventilation.
As a landlord, you’re legally responsible for dealing with damp problems, so rather than waiting for tenants to report an issue, take proactive measures to keep the property warm by checking the heating system.
A boiler breakdown can cause discomfort, dissatisfaction and poor health for tenants, not to mention extra expense if you need to call an engineer during the festive period, when trades people will be on emergency call-outs only. Make sure your boiler/heat pump has its annual safety check and service by a registered professional, who will confirm whether it’s operating safely and efficiently and provide you with a certificate to confirm this.
Upgrading insulation
Cold and damp in a property can have several underlying causes, from missing roof tiles and inadequate insulation to poor ventilation and an ineffective heating system. Carry out checks now to avoid issues later.
Landlords should consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows and insulation, as it reduces heat loss, lowers energy costs for tenants and increases comfort. Examine the loft insulation, or ask a professional to do so if you’re unable to go up yourself.
In addition, check all external doors and windows to ensure they shut tightly without leaving a draught. Install draught-proofing strips around the windows if necessary
Maintaining plumbing
Check the condition of all pipes such as those in the central heating system, the hot and cold water pipes and waste pipes. Look for leaks and corrosion and if any are in poor condition, replace them sooner rather than later.
While people are reducing their use of central heating to try and keep bills down, advise tenants on the advantages of maintaining a low level of heating in cold weather, even if they’re away. Burst pipes are common in winter, as when the water inside freezes, it expands as ice and can crack the pipe. Then, when it thaws again, the property will have a leak.
This is more likely to happen if the tenant goes away for a few days and turns the central heating off altogether. Stopping pipes from freezing and keeping the ambient indoor temperature steady are two of the benefits of leaving the heating on. Ensure external pipes are insulated to protect against freezing and potential bursts. Data from insurance companies reveals the average cost in the UK of repairing damage from burst pipes is £12,791 per claim: it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive.
Draw up a winter home maintenance checklist to keep track of completed and pending jobs, especially if you have a large portfolio. Following basic winter maintenance tips can help save you money in the long run. Carry out simple checks, such as clearing the guttering of debris and dead leaves to reduce the risks of drips and leaks, checking for missing roof tiles and repairing or painting any damaged window frames.
Keeping properties cosy
As well as completing cold weather maintenance and safety checks, keeping your properties cosy in general is something tenants will appreciate at this time of year. It also allows landlords to offer move-in ready properties for change overs. Choosing a landlord furniture pack can reduce the hassle and expense if you need to replace any of the furnishings between tenancies: well-furnished properties can give you the edge.
Winter tends to be a time when tenants may be looking for fully furnished homes to avoid the hassle of transporting and setting up furniture in cold weather. High quality landlord furniture packages can create a home that renters will enjoy from the outset.
Communication is the key
As with all landlord-tenant relationships, good communication is the key to resolving issues. If your tenants have a problem, encourage them to approach you promptly to resolve it.
A central heating malfunction is the last thing anyone wants in winter, but should the worst-case scenario happen, consider your options. A gas boiler can be cheap to run if it has a high EPC rating, but it can require more maintenance than some other options.
Some landlords choose electric radiators and immersion heaters to provide heating and hot water for smaller rental properties, as they can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch and don’t require much maintenance.
Another option is installing storage heaters, which use off-peak electricity to store heat, releasing it during the day. These are often used in smaller rental properties, such as flats and bedsits.
Once you’re satisfied that all winter repairs and maintenance have been completed effectively, ensure tenants know how to look after the property and make sure they can contact you should an issue occur over the festive period.