Preparing buy-to-let properties for the Winter months
We hope you have a great Winter!
The winter months are nearly upon us and if we have similar conditions as the last few years, rental properties can become a drain on Landlords cash flow. As Landlords, we are in the business to make profit and preparing buy-to-let properties for the winter is a good way of protecting cash flow. It may be as easy as going through a checklist. Here's ours;
- 1. Boiler serviced
- 2. Central Heating checked and radiators bled
- 3. Fireplace Chimneys swept
- 4. Aerial checked secure
- 5. Exterior doors and windows fitting and in good condition
- 6. Gutters Cleared
- 7. Drain covers fit
- 8. Decking and block paving jet washed to avoid slips and spills
- 9. Outlet areas secured to prevent rodent ingress (they like staying warm)
- 10. Fences secured where loose
- 11. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector installed and working
- 12. Exposed plumbing pipes insulated
- 13. Trees, shrubbery well away from property
- 14. Tenants informed and understand which on this list they are responsible for
The temptation with a list like this is to wait and see, it may never happen, unfortunately it does;
Boilers do breakdown and just the hassle of sorting this emergency is bad enough let alone the extra cost.
Tenants slip on decking and in todays world go for a no win no pay claim, which invarably means you the Landlord pay.
Be safe; inspect your properties, with this list in mind, organise and make sure the jobs that you see need doing are done. You'll reduce the risk to your property and your wealth.
If you would like us at Martin & Co to inspect your properties, keep your tenants informed of their responsibilities and organise the work for you all you have to do is click here and complete our enquiry form