As the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, it’s a period of change for everyone – not least landlords.
Carry out these six steps today to reduce the chances of something going wrong with your rental property this winter.
1. Clear out your gutters
Falling autumn leaves can collect in gutters and drains, causing blockages. So it’s worthwhile clearing them out as regularly as you can to avoid any overflows and resulting water damage.
2. Protect Your Pipes
Keep pipes frost-free by wrapping them in lagging. Not only will lagging stop pipes from freezing, but it will help avoid blockages and burst pipes
3. Bleed your radiators
It may seem simple, but one reason a property may be cold is because the radiators don’t work properly. This is often because they need to be ‘bled’.
4. Insulate your loft
Loft insulation can make a real difference when it comes to preserving heat in your home. Even if you have insulation, it’s worth checking it’s up to standard.
5. Get a boiler service
It’s good practice to get your boiler serviced once a year – this should highlight any issues that may have gone undetected when the heating hasn’t been needed during the warmer months.
6. Make sure your roof is in good repair
Winter is also a good time to check the roof of your rental property, looking out for broken tiles, issues with pointing and rendering, and cracks in the chimney, if you have one.
