Articles by Steve Barnes
The complete guide to preparing a property to let for first-time landlords
This comprehensive guide by the NRLA’s landlord insurance partner, Total Landlord, aims to help first-time landlords navigate their way through the crucial steps of successfully preparing a property to let. It covers the key legal obligations and provides strategies for success, from how to decorate your rental property, to what to include in a welcome pack.
The complete guide to preventing burst pipes in your rental property
Even though we've left the coldest months behind us, many households still worry about rising heating bills, and some tenants may be tempted to use the heating more sporadically. But although they may think they’re saving money by switching the heating on and off, this can actually increase the risk of burst pipes. And the last thing you and your tenants want is the inconvenience and expense of frozen or burst pipes as temperatures fall. Steve Barnes from NRLA partner, Total Landlord, tells us more.
The complete guide to protecting your property from electrical hazards
NRLA insurance partner Total Landlord explain more about the importance of protecting your property from electrical hazards, electrical safety regulations and what landlords can do to reduce the risk of electrical hazards in the home.
The complete guide to protecting your property from break-ins
Steve Barnes, Associate Director at Hamilton Fraser Total Landlord Insurance, explains seven ways landlords can protect properties from break-ins.
The complete guide to a landlord’s essential responsibilities
In this guide, Total Landlord have collated their expert knowledge to explain what you need to do to meet your obligations at each stage of the ‘landlord lifecycle’ - from getting the right insurance and preparing your property to protecting the deposit and vacating the property at the end of the tenancy.
The complete guide to spring property maintenance for landlords
As the harsh winter weather subsides and spring begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to check your property for any damage that may have resulted from the damp, cold and frosty winter weather. Spring is a great opportunity for landlords looking to inspect their property as the weather not only becomes milder, but days also get longer, making it easier to check on your property’s health. NRLA Partner, Total Landlord gives us some pointers.
The complete guide to protecting your property from claims in 2023
Many of the issues landlords experience can be prevented through a combination of regular maintenance, periodic inspections, and clear communication with tenants. But unfortunately, no matter how well prepared you are, the unexpected can still happen. As insurance partner to the NRLA, Total Landlord, has written several guides for NRLA members, which are packed with advice to help landlords understand more about the most common causes of claims and how to prevent incidents occurring in the first place.
The Complete Guide to Protecting your Property from Theft
In this guide, NRLA insurance partner, Total Landlord Insurance, draw on their expertise with tips to help you protect yourself and your property and reduce the risk of theft.
The Complete Guide to Protecting your Property from Explosion
In this comprehensive guide, NRLA insurance partners, Total Landlord Insurance, explain everything landlords need to know about protecting their property from explosions - from making sure you are compliant with gas safety regulations and educating your tenants, to what to do in the event of an explosion and how to make sure you have comprehensive cover should the worst happen.
Ten Tips to Reduce Risks and Protect your Property in a Heatwave
With temperatures soaring to record highs, what can landlords do to reduce risks and protect their property? Steve Barnes, Associate Director at NRLA insurance partners, Total Landlord Insurance, shares his ten top tips for landlords, as we face the reality that extreme heat fuelled by climate change is making heatwaves more intense, frequent and likely.
