Winter checklist for your London rental property
With winter well and truly on it’s way now is the time to ensure all is well at your property. See our items to check below, or contact our property management team in London E3 to find out how we can take the hassle out of letting your property.
Check for repairs early and often
The secret to a good tenancy is ongoing maintenance and not letting small repairs or problems turn into major disasters. Repairing large problems can cost thousands and inconvenience both landlords and tenants.
Check all pipes for any sign of dripping or leaking. Look out for excess condensation, now that the weather outside has dropped in temperature condensation can be a problem if not dealt with appropriately. Check if the gutters look full and see who is responsible for cleaning them in the tenancy agreement.
Communication with tenants is key
Now is the time to reach out to your tenants. If there are any small niggling problems tenants should let their landlords know immediately.
Ensure that tenants know how to locate the stopcock for any emergencies. Likewise, they should know how to change the thermostat in order to keep the property warm and dry. See if your tenant has everything they need. More vulnerable tenants could be entitled to some benefits to help their winter pass by in more comfort. Check out whether a winter fuel payment may be accessible to help.
Rental regulations and tenant safety
Safety is the most important factor. All smoke alarms must be fully operational. In this time of darker and colder nights people use more light and heat, this is when we need to be most vigilant. Clean the chimney if your property has one. Test the carbon monoxide alarm and ensure all electrics are up to standard.
Check out the lighting situation outside the property. If there is not sufficient street lighting perhaps consider an outside light. These can be fitted relatively cheaply and can help with tenant safety.
Another very important reminder is insurance. Please make sure that the property is adequately insured against all damage and eventualities. Even with the best maintenance accidents do happen. Insurance is vital for all parties concerned.
Are you a landlord with property to let in E3?
Contact our Bow office to see how we can help with the ongoing maintenance and management of your E3 rental property. Henry Wiltshire offer a full range of service packages to London landlords, from let-only to full property management.
Give us a call today, our expert team are at the other end of the line.
