Date Published 01 November 2022
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With the end of the year fast approaching and many properties potentially being empty during Christmas, it's essential to ensure that your property is prepared for the winter weather.
Unfortunately, winter is often the season where properties seem to develop faults. Whether it's broken boilers or leaking guttering, we see a peak in calls to arrange emergency repairs this season.
If you're finding the time to deal with issues a problem, the answer could be to hand the keys over to a trusted letting agent who can take the stress out and free up your time. If you'd like our help, call us on 01908 694694. Below are 5 ways to prepare your property for winter.
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Water pipes are a hidden threat in winter. They can easily freeze, which could cause them to crack so that when the thaw comes, they will burst, requiring costly repairs.
Even if they don't freeze, they represent a serious source of heat loss because they will cool down more severely along with the water inside them.
This means more power will be needed to maintain adequate water temperature. The relatively simple procedure of lagging or insulating them will save energy and avoid the nightmare of burst pipes, which is expensive for the landlord and profoundly inconvenient for the tenant.
Also remember to check the pipework regularly especially during void periods or when tenants are away for an extended period.
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Roofs suffer inordinate punishment from the elements and if they already have weaknesses, the winter weather can exacerbate these. You should check for loose, broken or missing roof tiles because replacing a few is quick and cheap.
If the weather gets to work on damaged areas, then much more extensive repairs will be needed later on.
From the tenant's point of view, holes in the roof can let the rain in and allow precious heat to escape, resulting in higher energy bills as well as the inconvenience of leaks. Once water gets in anywhere, it tends to wreak havoc.
Landlords should instruct their inventory clerks to make regular checks as part of every interim report, as well as at check-in and check-out.
In most cases, flaws in the roof can be detected simply by shining a torch around the loft space. Once discovered, they can be put in the hands of an experienced trades person or roofer to be fixed.
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All new builds are required by law to incorporate insulation to the very highest standards, as part of government efforts to reduce energy consumption.
Older properties can be retrofitted and the upfront cost of this is offset in the longer term. It will not only make life more comfortable for tenants and reduce energy bills, but it also helps landlords to meet their obligations under the government's Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
If the windows are not yet double-glazed this should be attended to urgently, since heat loss through glass is substantial and helps keep the heat int during the winter months.
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Boilers should be serviced at least once a year, but if the annual visit is in the spring, then it's wise to check it as winter approaches.
This is another job which you can ask an inventory clerk to carry out. Clearly, they are not qualified engineers, but they can verify that the boiler is working and alert you to any concerns.
Replacement is expensive but gambling on it to survive the winter is a mistake.
If it's inefficient, you could be compelled under the MEES to replace it anyway so it's better to take the initiative. It also means your tenants are guaranteed a reliable source of heating and hot water.
While you're at it, you can maximise the efficiency of the heating system by bleeding the radiators so that the hot water always fills them to the top.
Contact our partner Safe2 to find a Gas Safe registered engineer.
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These are the most vulnerable of all. Winter weather doesn't distinguish but with no tenant in situ, it's easy for serious problems to develop.
Even keeping the heating on at a low level can create condensation which, if the property is not sufficiently ventilated, can cause damp and mould to develop. This can severely damage plaster, timber and even brickwork.
Regular checks are invaluable and may be part of your buildings insurance so its always advisable to check you have the right cover.
If these measures sound like a lot of work, bear in mind how much greater the work and higher the costs you could face by not paying enough attention. Your tenants will experience a much more comfortable winter and you will be maintaining the value of your asset.
Preparing for Winter: Key takeaways
To avoid unnecessary damage and limit complaints from tenants; landlords should:
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Ensure boilers are regularly serviced by a Gas Safe engineer
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Plan your maintenance schedule to ensure small issues don't become bigger, more costly problems during winter
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Schedule regular visits to the property to check that tenants are ventilating the property and check on signs of damp or mould
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Regularly inspect void properties for signs of leaks or damage
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Check your insurance for appropriate cover especially if the property is void or when tenants are away for an extended period.
