It is hard not to notice that Summer is now over. Whilst Autumn is my favourite month, with the beautiful colours, chunky knits and cosy evenings, it does tend to spell problems in the lettings industry.
A failure to carry out routine maintenance checks on your property can lead to expensive repairs and unhappy tenants who may think about moving elsewhere at the end of the tenancy.
Here are my tips on how to get your property ready as we head into the colder months:
1. Gutters and roof: Check gutters for grass growth or leaf debris which can lead to leaks. Whilst having the gutters cleared check your roof for slipped slates which can also cause leaks.
2. Heating: Get your boiler serviced by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Ensure your tenants have a clause requiring them to adequately heat the property to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
3. Windows: Ensure your tenants are ventilating the property well to prevent a build up of condensation.
4. Insurance: Ensure that your landlord building and contents insurance is up to date and includes white goods and carpets, in case of floods. Also check what your policy says regarding empty periods when the tenants may be on holiday.
5. Emergencies: Make sure that your tenants have emergency contact details for over the Christmas period when contractors may be closed and that someone has a spare set of keys.
To see how I can take the hassle and stress away and manage your property whatever the season please visit the website at www.homes4harrogate.co.uk or email me at sarah@homes4harrogate.co.uk
