Cold Weather Warning for Landlords!

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02nd November 2011

Cold Weather Warning for Landlords!

Forecasts of a cold snap and another hard winter should be heeded by landlords and tenants, says local letting specialist Martin & Co. SouthCheshirewas luckier than some other parts of the country but there were still plenty of weather-related problems for rented properties last year.

‘We will shortly be writing to all tenants of landlords on our managed service, reminding them of their responsibilities now that winter is on its way. It’s something that we do every year, and it’s a good example of our pro-active approach to property management. We don’t just sit here and wait for the phone to ring’, says Property Manager Brenda Morris.

‘Our dedicated Property Inspector Aston Humphries sees about 35 to 40 of our managed properties every week to check that they are being reasonably cared for, and he will be reminding the tenants of their duties too.

Keeping drains and gutters reasonably free of leaves to prevent damp and flooding problems is part of a tenant’s duty of care to the property – as is ensuring that sufficient heating is in place to prevent frozen pipes, especially if the tenants are going to be away. Not all burst pipe incidents last year were the fault of tenants, we had a number of occupied and heated properties that still suffered in the exceptional conditions, especially from the breezes that blew freezing air into roof voids and garages. But we will be doing what we can to ensure that tenants are not contributing to the problem.’

Brenda also advises that good insulation and general maintenance (eg draught prevention) are not worth skimping on. After last year’s events, many insurance companies are applying large excesses to escape of water claims – and this is not always being made very obvious to renewing policyholders. Martin & Co recommends that specialist landlord insurance policies are held covering buildings and also contents even on ‘unfurnished’ properties. The costs of replacing carpets, white goods and curtains after a serious flood or a fire can be considerable. These policies will also cover landlords’ liabilities to tenants and the public. Martin & Co now offer a competitive landlord insurance policy with £100 excess as standard, underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance. For a without obligation quote, call:

Nantwich 01270-611333 Whitchurch 01948-690022 Crewe01270-500905.

Brenda also reminds managed landlords at this busy time that there is a dedicated direct dial number to her Customer Services team on:

01270-582435

and a dedicated email address:

creweandnantwich.customerservices@martinco.com

Both these routes will fast track landlords’ enquiries regarding property management and rent collection.