There are several things you will need to think about when keeping your properties and tenants safe and happy this winter. Even though it may seem time-consuming and sometimes costly, it can save you in the future. And remember if you look after your tenants, they are more likely to look after your rental property.

Plummeting temperatures, high winds and temperamental conditions can have adverse effects on your property. But don’t panic, here at Jelf, we are here to provide you with expert advice and can make sure you have the right cover for the cold period.

Issues with property can include:

• Broken boilers
• Frozen pipes
• Blockages
• Electricity cuts

Broken boilers

As a Landlord you have a ‘duty of care’ and if you’re reading this, we can presume you want to do everything you can to look after your tenants and your property. Duty of care covers everything from sufficient heating, water and sanitation to the safe provision of electricity and gas. Keeping this maintenance up to date will not only mean taking care of the property and the tenants but you will be upholding what is legally required of you.

Frozen pipes

Those dreaded words. And two that should be quite simple to avoid with the right maintenance:

• Thoroughly examine all external pipes for leaks, breaks and blockages. If they are showing signs of any of these things, they could potentially freeze, expand and burst
• If you have any pipes that are likely to freeze (think external pipes, taps and water tanks) make sure you fit them with special insulation sleeves or wrapping
• Do your tenants go away for long periods of time? If so, request that they keep their heating at a low level to ensure a constant temperature around the pipes
• Where is the all-important stop cock? Inform your tenants of its location so that they can easily shut off the water supply in an emergency

Blockages

Things such as clearing guttering; making sure the roof is well maintained; checking smoke alarms are working properly; and getting a professional to check the chimney is functioning properly and is fit for use each year are simple, and not too costly things you can do.

There are also a few additional things you could consider doing in order to fully maintain your property, giving your tenants a helping hand to do the same:

• Give tenants a detailed information pack. This should include the location of the stop cock, instructions for the boiler and appliances, and a list of important contacts in the event of an emergency
• Provide tenants with spare internal and external bulbs, as well as a torch to use in the instance of a power cut
• Provide tenants with bags of grit that can be laid down on icy driveways and paths

Whether you’re a private landlord or a company with a portfolio of properties, contact Jelf today on 01905 892387 and we will be able to talk you through exactly what your policy covers, giving you peace of mind throughout the chilly season and beyond.

Why not take a look at our handy infographic covering all our top tips?

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