Important at any time of year, a well-maintained property stands a much better chance of squaring up to anything mother nature throws at it during the winter months.

The following check list will help ensure the comfort and safety of your tenants as well as potentially avoiding future repairs.

• Lagging water pipes reduces the risk of splitting or freezing. Remember to check loft spaces, external cupboards, taps, garages and boiler rooms.
  
  
• Check for missing tiles, cracked render and structural damage, and keep an eye on the health of any trees and large shrubs to reduce the risk of them causing damage.
  
  
• After high winds it’s important to assess the condition of all of the above in order to carry out prompt repairs.
  
  
• High-quality insulation is essential for preventing heat loss during the colder months. It’s worth visiting the Government website to see if you would be eligible for a financial grant to help cover any costs.
  
  
• Make sure you know when your annual gas safety record is due to expire. This must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. If it has run out, arrange for a new one to be done urgently. Otherwise, diarise a check to be done and give a copy of the new record to the tenant.
  
  
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors and that they are checked regularly with spare batteries to hand.
  
  
• Be aware of the need to comply with electrical safety rules which currently apply to new tenancies and tenancy renewals and which will encompass existing  (pre-June 2020) tenancies from 1 April, 2021. Checks need to be carried out and remedial work undertaken. Understand the deadlines to make sure you don’t breach the legislation.
  
  
• Both landlords and tenants should be alert to electrical fire safety. This includes looking for signs of yellow discolouration on consumer units, switches and sockets. Listen for electrical arcing, a buzzing noise around accessories, and smell for plastic burning which could mean overheating. If you see burning, overheating or damage, turn off the electrics at the main switch, contact an approved electrician or 999 in an emergency. More information is available here.
  
  

• Remind your tenants to keep an eye on their oil or LPG levels and book top-up appointments early to ensure they don’t run short. Also remind them to clear any gullies, gutters, downpipes and drains to keep them free flowing.

• Finally, make sure your tenants have a 24 hour contact number in case of emergencies

Further information

Contact Susi Coates

Contact Savills Lettings

Understanding the Renters (Reform) Bill