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Winter has officially arrived. Christmas lights are being put up here, there and everywhere and the days are getting colder, but how can landlords ensure that this year's winter period is disaster-free?

Well, here at Balgores Property Group, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure when it comes to a landlord’s rental property, so follow these tips to nip any potential problems in the bud...

Educate your tenants

Well-informed tenants are the best protection against winter rental damage, but don’t assume that they know their stuff. As their landlord it’s your responsibility to educate them, so when your tenant moves in, make sure you provide them with a detailed information pack.

This should cover how to work the boiler and inform them where the stopcock is, should the water need to be turned off. Don’t forget to leave your tenants with a couple of contact numbers should an emergency arise, too.

Check the pipes

One of the biggest winter perils for a landlord is pipes with breakages or leaks, as in the colder months these pipes can freeze, expand and burst. This can cause havoc for landlords, causing expensive water damage, and could leave the property inhabitable for the tenant. It’s therefore vital that you or your letting agent regularly check them for breakages, and fix sooner rather than later if needed.

Bleed the radiators

The last thing a tenant wants in the middle of winter is a property without working radiators, so it’s crucial that you regularly bleed them. Doing so releases any trapped air within, meaning that the heat is able to travel along the whole of the radiator, providing maximum effect. This will also warm the property more efficiently.

Tenants should also be advised to keep the heating on at a low heat if they are to holiday in the winter period, so that the pipes don’t freeze.

Clear the gutters

Autumn is a season which often leaves behind a leafy reminder, often in a rental property’s gutter. This is why it is crucial that you keep an eye on your gutters and ensure that they’re clear, as leaves can collect, leading to blocks and overflows. It could also be worth your while investing in gutter leaf guards to prevent the problem reoccurring.

Be thief aware

Winter, and particularly the festive period, is a time when your tenants may leave the property vacant for a couple of weeks. Student tenants are in plentiful supply in Essex areas such as Chelmsford and Brentwood where we let property, and are likely to travel back home Christmas. Many tenants may also choose to holiday, or visit family during the cold snaps of winter.

It’s therefore vital your rental property is not open to thieves whilst tenants are away. Fit noticeable alarms outside of the property and install motion sensors too; tenants will appreciate you going the extra mile when it comes to the protection of their home.

Void periods are also a landlord’s worst nightmare, especially in winter, but if you choose to let your property with trusted estate and letting agent Balgores Property Group we market your property in the right places to ensure void periods are minimised. 

If you require further information about letting property in Essex or surrounding locations then get in touch with our team of property experts today.

Alternatively, if you would like to discover how much rent you could obtain from a property then why not check out our handy free online valuation tool?


https://www.balgoresproperty.co.uk/News/12760/Protect-your-rental-property.aspx

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