As a landlord it isn’t just how your tenants look after your property or pay their rent on time that you need to think about.
A major concern should be looking after your investment so that it rents easily, rents longer, gains capital growth and doesn’t eat into any profit with expensive repairs. Maintaining your rented house is the easiest way to ensure all of this and to give you long term piece of mind.
Winter, and especially this time of year, can not only be cruel on the wallets and waistlines but also on your property investment!
With more than ten years’ experience in property management here are my top tips to ensure that you can focus on Christmas and the family without worrying about your tenants too!
1. Clear out the gutters! If your gutters/downpipes/drains are blocked then this can lead to wet walls, mould growth and redecoration of the affected areas. Anything over head height is a landlord’s responsibility to clear so get that build up of vegetation and leaves removed before it costs you money!
2. How is your roof? Have you checked it recently for slipped slates/broken tiles/loose or missing pointing or rendering that will allow water to leak into the property during heavy rain or snow? The heavy winds of recent days might have caused some issues.
3. Are your tenant’s knowledgeable? Do they know that it is their responsibility to leave the heating on low to stop the pipes freezing and bursting if they are going on a Christmas holiday? If the oven stops working on Christmas Day do they know to check the fuse box for tripped fuses or the timer/clock if there was a power cut? Have they got your contact details if you are travelling to spend the holidays with family? Do they know where the Water Stop Tap is in an emergency?
4. What condition is your boiler in? Has it had a service recently? Will it last the Winter so that you are not having to potentially pay for your tenants to stay in a hotel due to a lack of heating and hot water? Do your tenants know how to top up the pressure and bleed the radiators?
If you would rather just concentrate on your Christmas shopping and spend a relaxed, loving time with your family and friends over the Christmas period then please visit homes4harrogate.co.uk or call me on 01423 637637 to discuss how I can deal with all of this for you. Leave the hard work and stress to the experts and enjoy your Christmas.
