Most of us love at least a few aspects of winter, whether it be cosy nights around the fire, the promise of snow or crisp, bright days.
There’s also thoughts of Christmas and other holidays coming too and plans for festivities can make you forget the potential effects of winter on your rental properties. This is why you need a winter maintenance checklist to make sure your properties – and your tenants – are in great shape for the cold months ahead.
Your essential winter maintenance checklist
Your boiler
The boilers in your rental properties will be working hard during the winter months, so make sure they’re all serviced. If any or all of your boilers are gas-fired, make sure that their gas safety certificates are all up to date.
Your radiators
Even if you only need to give them a quick check and a bleed, you should make it a priority so that your tenants are getting all the heat they need from your radiators.
The water pipes
While it’s unlikely that water pipes will freeze over in the south east, it’s always wise to make sure that both internal and external pipes are lagged just in case. At the very least you’ll reduce the amount of heat lost.
Insulation in your properties
Check all of the windows and doors in your rental properties to make sure there are no perished seals and that doors close properly without letting in too much of a draught. If your property has a loft, check over the insulation to make sure it’s effective.
Extractor fans
It’s especially important during the winter to ventilate properties as they’re more prone to condensation, which can lead to dampness. Talk to your tenants about using extractor fans in bathrooms and opening windows after showers or cooking.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Check all of your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and monitors to make sure they’re all working properly.
The guttering
If the gutters on your rental properties have a build up of leaves or other debris then this could prevent rainwater from draining away from the property, leading to leaks and damp in the walls. Make sure your gutters are clear and, while you’re up at roof level, look out for any missing or cracked roof tiles.
Other external issues
Watch out for peeling exterior paint, which could indicate moisture getting into walls, as well as cracks in driveways or paths which could get worse with frost or ice. You should also make sure that any external lights and motion sensors are in good working order.
