5 Things Landlords Should Be Aware of In winter

Every winter, thousands of landlords and property owners have to face the icy chill and freezing temperatures, battling icy winds and rains with leaks and water damage throughout their homes.

The harsh weather can cause problems to your tenants as well as indoor plumbing systems, such as frozen pipes. Here are five things landlords should be aware of.

1. Routine maintenance

Winter can cause major issues if given the opportunity. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to do routine maintenance on your rental property. Anything from repairing a leaky pipe or boiler to replacing a roof can be expensive and cause you and your tenants unnecessary stress during the cold period. A good way to avoid this problem is by implementing preventative maintenance on your property.

2. Check the trees

This time of year is when trees pose a risk to renters. Fallen branches and pine needles can block gutters or blow particles into the air, moving to other parts of the property. Take some time this winter to check the trees on your rental property for any wind damage and remove any branches that could fall onto your building.

3. Ventilation

Maintaining ventilation in your property is crucial, especially if you live in an older property. Blocked ventilation can lead to condensation build-up, which, when mixed with water, can cause the growth of mould and damp. This, in turn, can lead to potentially dangerous situations for tenants and is a genuine health hazard.

4. Insurance policy

In the winter months, there is plenty to keep track of. Most landlords worry about keeping their rental property warm, but in reality, there is a lot that needs to be up kept as well. One important area is insurance. Covering windows, doors, heating and boilers in the winter can be complex, but it’s essential that you make sure you are adequately protected.  

5. Extreme weather damage precautions

In the winter months, there is also extreme weather such as storms, high winds, and blizzards that can cause extensive damage to property. Property damage in the form of broken doors cracked windows, and damaged roofs are examples of some of the problems landlords should be prepared for when this time of year rolls around.

Final thoughts

Landlords have enough to worry about in winter. With the weather getting colder, pipes freezing and heating systems breaking down, it can be easy to forget about those little details that make a big difference when it comes to protecting your investment. Landlords should take important precautions before the winter season to ensure their investment is protected.