External repairs 'important to property maintenance'
Posted by Sue Hopson
Landlords are required to keep their properties maintained to a sufficient standard in order to provide safe conditions for those who let their assets, and these measures range from fire detection systems to properly protected electrical fittings.
And with Aviva urging homeowners to pay as much attention to the outside of their houses as they do the inside when carrying out repairs over the bank holiday weekend, landlords could also benefit from the advice designed to prevent any unforeseen structural problems arising.
"With the longer, lighter evenings there’s a perfect opportunity to get outside and have a check around the garden and take a good look at the bricks and mortar, plus your roof and tiles," said TV personality and DIY expert Craig Phillips.
In this respect, property owners may decide to check for missing roof tiles and guttering defects rather than just focusing on any exposed electrical fittings inside their rooms.
Buildings insurance for landlords can serve as a means to cover any financial costs that have to be met as a result of any damage that needs repairing, and properly checking for any structural issues can also enable minor problems to be tackled before they develop into something more pressing.
Indeed, properly maintaining a property can avoid any disruptions to a tenancy and allow landlords to build a good relationship with their tenants which could help avoid any disputes in the future.
With buy-to-let properties continuing to provide a good source of income to property investors throughout the UK, being well versed in the steps needed to ensure that any assets are in a safe condition can be integral to complying with the law.
"Many of the common and expensive problems that affect homes often begin outside the home," added the company's director of home insurance, Heather Smith.
With this in mind, it appears landlords can learn from the advice offered to British homeowners to keep their own properties in good working order.
Social media