Taking good care of a property you let is important for three reasons. Firstly, tenants will feel well cared for and protected, so they are likely to stay on for longer. Secondly, your rental property will be ready to withstand the normal wear and tear to be expected when a house is occupied.
The third reason not only ensures safety for your tenants but also helps you stay within the law. As a landlord, it’s vital to follow the rules and regulations that relate to letting a property, including regular gas and electric safety checks.
There’s a lot to consider, so our Ilford letting agents have swapped notes with our Wanstead letting agents to create a seasonal checklist of property maintenance tips.
Read our timely tips for landlords and discover the benefits of keeping a watchful eye on your most valuable asset.
AUTUMN: prepare for winter chills
Autumn is a good time to winter-proof your property. A British winter can bring anything from unusually mild conditions to high winds, torrential rain and even heavy snow, so prepare for all eventualities.
- Check out the roof. Are there any loose tiles that might come off in a storm? Secure them now to prevent rain damage.
- As soon as the trees have shed their leaves, arrange for gutters and downspouts to be cleared. Clogged gutters cause rainwater overspill, which may lead to damp issues inside the property.
- Prevent chimney fires. Call in a chimney sweep to clean any chimneys where fuel is burnt. Your sweep should also clean and inspect any wood burning stoves.
- Ask a heating engineer to carry out an annual gas safety check, inspect the boiler and radiators, and identify any work to be done. An autumn check makes it less likely that the heating system will break down in winter.
- Is there scope to improve your property’s insulation? Install it now. Better insulation will keep your tenants warmer and reduce their heating bills. It will also improve your property’s EPC rating.
- Prepare the garden for winter. Remove dead leaves from the lawn and cut back any tree branches that could come down in a storm. Drain hosepipes before putting them in storage so they don’t freeze and burst.
WINTER: don’t let the cold take hold
During the colder months, problems can develop unexpectedly. Careful inspection is important now: you can catch a potential issue before it becomes a major complication, involving costly repairs.
Look out for signs of mould forming on walls and ceilings and take steps to improve ventilation if necessary.
- Check windows and doors for drafts and seal any cracks.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly. Replace batteries as necessary.
- Bleed radiators that are not heating up sufficiently. Remind tenants to keep the heating on constantly at a low level during cold snaps.
- Make sure that pipes are properly insulated, especially in unheated places such as basements, lofts and garages.
- Prevent heavy build-up of snow and ice – especially on roof areas – by having it safely removed.
SPRING: get ready for warmer days
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up and carry out any remedial work needed after winter storms have passed. It’s the perfect time to clean and clear outside areas in preparation for summer.
- Examine roofs, chimneys and gutters for signs of damage and arrange prompt repairs if required.
- Power-wash exterior walls and windows to remove the build up of dirt and mildew accumulated over winter.
- Clean the front door and tidy the porch area.
- Clear dead leaves and debris from outdoor areas. Turn over the earth and remove weeds so flowerbeds are ready for summer planting.
- Clean patio areas and check that decking is in good, safe condition.
SUMMER: make the most of dry weather
A The summer provides the ideal opportunity to power through essential tasks so everything in the property looks good and functions well.
- Check exterior paint finishes and repaint where surfaces are faded or cracked.
- Look out for common pests, from rodents to wasp nests, and call in a pest removal expert to eliminate them.
- Inspect and clean barbecue equipment.
- Ensure that outdoor lights and security systems are working properly.
- Run basic checks on all safety equipment in the property, including alarms, entry systems, fire extinguishers and CCTV cameras.
Can good maintenance add value?
An attractive, well maintained house or flat will attract more renters and earn higher rents. Plus, when the time comes to sell, your property is more likely to sell quickly and easily, passing the surveyor’s inspection with flying colours.
As experienced letting agents and property managers in Ilford and Wanstead, we love to share our knowledge and experience with landlords and investors.
If you are thinking of renting out an east London property, why not contact our friendly lettings team?
Simply get in touch via our website or phone 020 3972 7341 or email info@oaklandestates.co.uk to speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable agents.
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