Winter Warnings! Make sure your letting is ready for Winter

  Jan 2, 2019       No Comments   

As the chilly winter months continue to draw on, with darker nights and frosty mornings there is a lot to think about when considering the maintenance of your property. Whether you are a landlord or tenant there are a number of things to consider when caring for your property during the winter months. The colder months present a series of significant risks to rental properties, all of which could lead to costly problems. But by taking some time to check over your property now, you can help to ensure a relaxing, disaster-free winter. As a leading professional and student letting agent in the North East, Prem-Lets work to ensure that the smooth running of the rental property market and when we can like to offer advice for those involved. This winter, we wanted to offer our advice to landlords and tenants alike about what you can do to maintain your rental property this winter, ensuring your home’s security and good condition with these few simple steps…

1. Keep the property warm and dry

One of the most important things you’ll need to do this winter is check all the radiators and the central heating are in good working order! If anything is faulty, you’ll need to pass this information on to your landlord or letting agent so they can manage the problem.

Alongside heating maintenance, it is also essential to be vigilant and look out for condensation and damp within the property as this could develop into mould and cause serious problems. You can protect against mould by keeping your home well-ventilated, leaving windows open and using extractor fans in bathrooms. Essentially aim to keep your property warm and dry!

2. Gutters and drains

In autumn, leaves can collect in gutters and drains, leading to blocks and overflows – so it’s best to clean them regularly. Consider investing in gutter leaf guards to help prevent your gutters becoming blocked in future. In winter, clear your gutters and drains from debris such as leaves and mud to minimise the risk of water damage.

3. Check the roof

It’s also good to check the roof, especially after windy weather. If tiles are dislodged or cracks appear, this can be dangerous and also affect the energy efficiency of the property. If you are unable to access your roof be sure to contact your landlord if you feel there is cause for concern.

4. Pipes

Frozen pipes is another hazard in your rental property during winter! When water pressure builds up behind a frozen section of pipework, the pipe can burst potentially causing flooding. Therefore, it is important that you check all external pipes for breaks, leaks, and blockages. Make sure that all pipes are in good order, and that they are properly secured to the walls. You should also check the brickwork around your property for cracks, which could potentially allow water in.

5. Security

As the evenings draw in, it’s important to make sure your property’s security is up to scratch! If you inhabit a rental property but are likely to leave it unoccupied to return home for Christmas festivities and so on ensure you take precaution to ensure you are not an easy target for thieves. Make sure your home looks occupied. Setting the heating and lighting to come on regularly each day will help to prevent pipes freezing (especially if the house is empty for a few days or more), and scheduling a lamp or two to come on with a timer will help to deter any potential thieves or squatters. Also, making sure your property has the correct number of blinds/curtains and adequate security features such as working door and window locks will also help to avoid potential pre-Christmas break-ins.

6. Alarm Systems

If you’re are a landlord, ensuring every habitable floor of the rental property has a full functioning smoke alarm is integral this winter! All smoke alarm should be in working order, but it’s always a wise idea to double check. This is especially important with regards to people burning candles and lighting fires in rental properties during the colder winter months. Furthermore, this links back to security, be sure burglar alarms are in working order for added tenant protection on darker nights.

 7. Communicate

If you are proactive, you can help to maintain your property to make sure you stay warm and comfortable over the winter months. Whether you a landlord or tenant, it is essential you work to maintain a good letting relationship to ensure you both fulfil your side of the agreement and keep the property in the best condition possible.

Looking for rental accommodation this winter?

If you are looking for a rental property, professional let or even student accommodation, Prem-Lets are fortunate to have an abundance of properties around the North-East region. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today on 0191 2872888 or email one of our property advisors on info@prem-lets.co.uk.