Top 10 tips for landlords this winter

Simple Landlords Insurance provides 10 tips for landlords in winter

By Mortgage Introducer

26 Oct 2017

Andy Wynne-Jones (pictured) is senior underwriting manager at Simple Landlords Insurance

Get a builder in to give your roof an inspection every year – they can make sure the tiles are in good shape and that everything’s water tight.
Get any cracked tiles or other issues fixed fast – it will save you money in the long run.

Check what insulation you have and what else you could do to keep your tenants warm, and chances of cold-related damage to a minimum.
Bleed radiators and make sure your boiler is in good working order.
Your boiler is going to get a proper work out this winter – get it serviced now by a Gas Safe engineer. They should check all gas appliances in the property, and provide certificates for your records.

You can also do all you can to protect your pipes. Make sure external pipes and pipes in the loft are insulated – checking everything is properly connected and there are no cracks or existing damage.

Blocked gutters can causea whole host of problems for your property, like rot, penetrating damp and damage to the foundation caused by water running down external walls. Make sure they’re clear of leaves, moss and other debris.
When the snow melts, there’s going to be a lot of water around. Make sure your drains are ready to do their job!

Keep trees near to your property well-trimmed and maintained.
Check fence panels and put away garden furniture and children’s play equipment so it won’t get picked up by strong winds and damage your property.

Make sure your policy is in order and up to date. If you live far away or are heading off on holiday, consider adding home emergency cover to your policy so things can get sorted out fast if you can’t get there.

It’s well worth checking your property after a storm, heavy snowfall or hail to check for damage to the roof, windows, external pipes and outbuildings.
Look out for mould. During winter, damp and mould can get worse because of condensation caused by things like heated rooms with poor ventilation, or clothes being dried on radiators.

Make sure your tenants keep the heating on low – even when they’re out for the day or going away on holiday. Freezing water in pipes can expand and crack them very quickly – and you’ll get a leak as soon as things warm up again.
If your tenants do find a leak, make sure they know where the stopcock is to prevent further damage!
Ask tenants to shut curtains and keep internal doors open so the heat can circulate.

Make sure your tenants know who is responsible for clearing paths of snow and ice. You may wish to provide a snow shovel and salt to help.
Remind tenants about fire safety – no unattended Christmas candles, put fairy lights on a timer so they’re not on overnight, no stockings or decorations on or above gas appliances, and no overloaded extension cables.
You should also check your smoke alarms, and other fire safety equipment in the run up to Christmas – or ask your tenants to do so.
Make sure tenants are not using any extra heating appliances that haven’t been provided by you and PAT tested.

Remind tenants to close curtains so everything isn’t on display, and make sure they know that their possessions are not covered by your contents insurance
Install external lights and motion sensors, and check they’re working.
Ask tenants to let you know if they’re going away, and provide light timers so they can set them when they’re away or going to be late home.
Check window and door locks for wear and tear, and to make sure they’re actually being used. If you’ve got an alarm, check that’s working (and being used) too!