Are you ready for Winter?

With the end of the year approaching and the weather turning colder, it's a good time to make sure your property is ready for winter. This season is when issues tend to surface, from faulty boilers to overflowing gutters, and it often leads to a spike in urgent repair calls. A bit of preparation now can help you avoid those costly surprises.

Heating systems
Boiler maintenance is especially important at this time of year. As a landlord, you're legally required to have a yearly gas safety inspection for a gas boiler and provide your tenant with the certificate. If possible, try to book this for the autumn and have a full service done at the same time.

If your property has an oil boiler, plan for an annual service as well. Regular checks help prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and highlight any problems with the tank or supply lines before the cold weather hits.

It's worth checking on other heating sources too. Open fires and wood burners should be inspected and swept by a qualified professional, and you should receive a certificate to confirm this. It reduces the risk of chimney fires and keeps the flue working as it should.

Take a moment to look at the rest of the heating system. Radiators that haven't been used for a while may need bleeding, and colder temperatures bring the risk of frozen pipes. Inspect any exposed pipework for cracks or damage that could worsen in freezing weather.

Gutters and drains
Now that most leaves have fallen, it's a good time to clear out the gutters. Blocked guttering can lead to leaks and damp issues, so clearing it early helps avoid problems later in the season. Do the same with drains, remove any debris that might cause blockages once the weather gets wetter.

Fences and gates
Look over fences and gates around the property. Bad weather can loosen joints or panels and repairing them now can save time and money later.

Check your insurance
It's sensible to review your insurance documents regularly. Landlord-specific cover can be invaluable if winter weather causes damage. Similar to a standard home policy, it can offer protection against things like escape of water or storm damage, and some policies include boiler cover, usually with age and servicing conditions.

Make sure your policy includes public liability cover. This is important not only for day-to-day risks but also for any contractors who enter the property to carry out work. It protects you if someone is injured or if damage occurs during repairs.

Specialist insurance may also include emergency accommodation for tenants if the property becomes uninhabitable, which protects both them and your reputation. While landlord insurance isn't always a legal requirement, some lenders do insist on it as a condition of the mortgage. 

For more information, you can contact our Property Management team today using the button below.