With daylight savings officially over, the days are getting shorter, darker, colder and wetter. As you dust off your woolly coats and get ready for the cool season, don’t forget to also give your rental property some TLC.
Properties can be more susceptible to wear and tear during winter. Even the tiniest of leaks or smallest of draughts can cause mould or rot. It’s better to be safe than sorry by ensuring your property is in tip top condition before the cold sets in. Here are six things to do leading into winter.
- Clear out gutters, drains and down pipes
You just never know when a massive downpour is going to hit. Enjoy peace of mind that your rental property can handle even the wildest of weather by clearing out gutters, drains and down pipes. If left too long between cleans, these can clog, overflow and cause damage. A good clean every autumn will keep everything working as it should.
- Check for leaks
Conduct a thorough inspection for leaks, especially in the roof. Physical signs such as dampness and mould can indicate a leak, but often the best way to find out is by reading the water meter. If water usage goes up suddenly and significantly, you may have a leak somewhere throughout the property and it’s a good idea to call a plumber.
Read more: Who looks after the property? Landlord's responsibility vs. tenants.
- Ensure there’s adequate ventilation
One of the reasons properties are less susceptible to mould and dampness in summer is because the windows and doors are always open, letting in plenty of fresh air and ventilating the home. In winter, people ‘close up shop’ to keep the heat in, but this can create ripe conditions for condensation, especially in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom(s). Encourage your tenants to keep windows open (even just a crack) when cooking, showering or washing clothes, and ask them to air out the house on sunny days.
Another way to minimise the consequences of condensation is by providing your tenants with a dehumidifier. These are particularly good for older homes which are prone to dampness. To incentivise your tenants to use it, you could offer to contribute a small amount to their electricity bill. Although this is an added expense, it could save you a lot of money in the long run (water damage is very expensive to fix!).
- Install a heating system
Speaking of expenses, many landlords decide to invest in a good heating system to keep homes dry and cozy during winter. Not only is efficient heating good for the property, it may also attract great tenants. There are several energy efficient heating systems on the market now, including heat pumps and panel heaters. If you do make this investment, ensure you have adequate insulation so the heat doesn’t escape through the floorboards, walls, windows or doors. You may also want to invest in thick curtains.
- Clean the fireplace
If your rental property has a fireplace, pay for it to be professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will ensure it’s working efficiently, and it will also prevent a buildup of dirt and soot (which can cause havoc for tenants with allergies). It’s possible to clean the fireplace and chimney yourself, but unless you’re an experienced DIYer it’s probably best to bring in the professionals.
- Talk to your tenants
No matter how proactive you are about getting your rental property ready for winter, it’s your tenants that will have the greatest impact on its condition during the cooler months. If they don’t open windows or report leaks, then you might not discover damage until it’s too late. Give them a friendly reminder to keep the house ventilated and let them know they can contact you if there’s any issues. Show them that you care about their comfort as it gets colder, and they’ll likely be more than happy to take great care of your property.
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