Essential Summer Property Maintenance Tips for Landlords: 5 Quick Checks
Summer is in full bloom and with temperatures getting warmer, here we round up five quick tips for landlords to help ensure summer is smooth.
Don’t forget, you can download our FREE mid-tenancy inspection checklist if you are planning a property inspection soon.
Arrange an inspection
Although last winter was relatively mild, Storm Darragh in December and Storm Éowyn in January prompted the Met Office to issue two severe weather warnings.
Storms, along with heavy rain and snow, can lead to problems like damaged gutters, loose roof tiles and loose fence panels. To ensure you're meeting your obligations, its important to understand your repair obligations as a landlord.
With warmer weather approaching, now is an ideal time to inspect your rental property for any potential damage and take care of any repairs needed, so your property is in tip top condition for when the next extreme weather event hits.
Get clear on who is responsible for maintaining the garden
If your rental property has a garden, you might find yourself wondering who is responsible for tasks like mowing the lawn and trimming bushes. The answer isn't straightforward, as it largely depends on what's specified in the tenancy agreement.
The NRLA’s Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement makes it clear that landlords are responsible for this, but if your tenancy agreement doesn't clarify who handles garden maintenance, it's generally recommended that you, as the landlord, take care of it to keep the property looking well-maintained. Alternatively, you could hire a gardener to manage the upkeep.
However, it's important to note that the Tenant Fees Act prohibits landlords from charging tenants for gardening services, so the cost must be covered by you as the landlord.
Boilers and radiators
With the weather warming up, most of us are using the heating less, making this a great time to take care of some essential maintenance.
As a landlord, you're legally required to have all gas appliances inspected annually, but summer is also an ideal time to get the boiler serviced, ahead of the colder months returning later in the year.
It’s also a good time to bleed the radiators. If it’s been a while since this was last done, or if tenants mention cold spots on the radiators, it’s a sign they might need bleeding to keep the heating system running efficiently.
NRLA partner Tradepoint has an excellent guide on how to bleed a radiator.
Check for pests
Household pests including ants and flies are more likely to be present in the Spring and Summer months, so when inspecting your property be mindful to look out for any signs of this, identify the source of the issue and manage it as required.
And it’s not just ants and flies you need to look out for.
According to Rentokil, reported bed bugs activity was up by a huge 70% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The British Pest Control Association has plenty of advice for how to deal with specific pest types.
Communicate
It sounds obvious but reminding your tenants to get in touch as soon as they notice any maintenance issues that need attending to can mean issues are nipped in the bud more quickly, ensuring the property is safe and helping you potentially save money on pricey repairs.
As a responsible landlord, you’ll want to ensure your property is well-maintained and safe to live in and with summer approaching, it’s equally important to make sure your tenants know what to do if an urgent maintenance issue arises while you’re away.
Make the most of summer with confidence
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