Winter is on the way, and as the mercury starts to fall cold weather can cause a number of property-related issues. Here, Jack Vlasto, of NRLA partners Rentguard Landlord Insurance runs through what landlords need to do to ensure their rental properties are protected during the winter months.
'As a landlord, no matter what the season, it is crucial to stay on top of property maintenance. This can help to nip any issues in the bud and can help you avoid having to claim on your landlord insurance.
Having a policy in place, such as the one we provide at Rentguard, can provide cover against a range of property perils, including those that may be more prevalent during winter. If you are looking to find out more, you can obtain a quote from our website.
On top of having a suitable policy in place, we have produced a new winter property care guide for landlords, updated for 2021.
What property hazards should I look out for in winter?
Each property can differ when it comes to key weaknesses during colder weather. However, a common issue to watch out for is blocked gutters. As the leaves fall from the trees, they can become clogged, preventing rainwater from draining properly. If left unchecked, this could lead to issues with your roof, including internal leaking.
Also keep an eye on the boiler in your rental property during the winter. The last thing you want is for your tenants to be left without heating and hot water, especially when the temperature has dropped.
Another issue is that if water is left in the pipes and the heating is not on, the water could freeze and later lead to burst pipes.
How can I protect my property from these winter perils?
A good place to start is regular maintenance checks. By taking a look around the interior and exterior of the property, you can keep an eye on its condition. The sooner you spot an issue, the better your chances of fixing it before it gets worse.
You should especially consider performing a maintenance check soon after any extreme weather, such as heavy rain or snow.
Understandably, you can’t be at the property all the time to notice such issues. However, you could encourage your tenants to be extra vigilant.
Tell them to look out for signs of leaking pipes, damp patches, and mould. You’d expect them to be in touch if these problems occur anyway, but there might be some areas that they don’t go into often, such as a loft, attic, or hard to reach areas where the pipes are. Encouraging tenants to report any maintenance problems might also allow you to catch them early.
Help to avoid burst pipes by keeping the heating on at a constant temperature or by having the property professionally drained down if it is left empty for a while. For more tips please download Rentguard’s property winter care guide.
Sometimes damage to a property is inevitable, and you will have no choice but to pay for repair work. Having suitable landlord insurance in place might also provide you with the financial protection you need.
Download Rentguard's Winter Property Care Guide here
How can suitable landlord insurance help?
Some landlord insurance policies will provide cover against perils that can be more prevalent in winter. For example, buildings cover can include damage caused by escape of water, storms, and floods.
Your policy might also include a heating clause for when properties are empty, reminding you to maintain a minimum room temperature during the winter months.
How do I find a suitable landlord insurance policy?
Finding suitable cover for your financial investment is important. Consider not only the price of the insurance but the level of cover the policy provides. You can visit our website to learn more about our Landlord Insurance and obtain a quote.