Now that the autumn has well and truly arrived, there are some things that you may need to be aware of as you look to keep your rental property in good condition through the colder weather months.
As with most things, the prevention is better (and often cheaper) than the cure, so it’s sensible to deal with any potential problems before the cold weather makes them into bigger issues.
Here are 8 areas of the house to check in terms of property maintenance, and possibly take action on if necessary:
1. Regularly clear out all the guttering and drains external to the property. This is the time of year when leaves can clog up gutters and drains and cause water to overflow if they are not removed from time to time.
2. Lower humidity and cooler temperatures give a good opportunity to paint the exterior of the property if it is a job that you were planning to do.
3. This is also a good time to check the roof, to see if there are any loose tiles or potential holes there. Check for signs of buckling or cracking too. Cold weather, heavy rain and strong winds can all make these issues worse and so it’s worth nipping any weaknesses in the bud before they turn into a bigger problem.
4. It’s a good idea to have a plumber check your central heating boiler to make sure it’s working well, so that it doesn’t break down when the temperature really drops outside, leaving your tenants cold and miserable. He may also want to do a flush of the central heating system to make sure the pipes are clear and that the system is working well. Bleeding the radiators to get rid of air pockets will also help them to be at their most effective.
5. Remember that loft insulation is a good investment, as it reduces heating bills over the long-term. A quarter of heat can be lost through the roof if the property has not been insulated. The work will be effective for at least 40 years and so it is well worth considering. It is possible to install the insulation yourself if the loft is easy to access and is not damp.
6. Fixing any drafts will also save money on heating bills. Consider a letterbox strip to prevent heat being lost through there and also a threshold strip to external doors will make a difference.
7. Checking the carbon monoxide detectors is also a job best done in the autumn time, as the boiler and any gas fires will be used daily. Putting some new batteries in means that you can be confident that the detectors will be working properly. Use the opportunity to check the smoke alarms too.
8. Pressure-washing the paths and patio area will help to stop these areas from becoming slippery when wet.
We hope these property maintenance tips help you with your rental properties this Autumn!
Nick Fox started his property investment career 10 years ago and his portfolio has grown to one of the largest in the UK. Nick now mainly focuses on HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) and works to help others achieve property success too. Visit here to find out how he can help you.
Tags: maintenance, property, property maintenance
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