Falling temperatures, frost, ice, snow and storms - it’s the time of year to take stock and look over your rental portfolio to winter-proof your homes before the worst of the bad weather hits. Burst pipes, blocked drains and broken gutters can all result in significant damage to homes, and, of course, significant repair bills, so landlords are advised to check they are in good repair.

Talk to your tenants about anything they are having problems with such as windows, doors, walls, dripping taps

The first port of call should be to ask your tenants if there is anything they are having problems with such as windows, doors or walls and ask about any dripping pipes. A quick conversation now could save hassle, time and expense later.

Inspect your property

Pay particular attention to include the roof, pipes, heating system, garden and outbuildings.

Check the roof, including the eaves, fascias, soffits and slates and look at the guttering. Ensure gutters are clean from leaves and debris to avoid structural damage and damp. Blocked gutters can also cause excess water, which can freeze to form dangerous patches of ice so it is vital you are vigilant.

Does your property have an open fire? If so, make sure the chimney has been swept. And test your carbon monoxide alarm. The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 state private landlords must have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a coal fire or wood burning stove – and these appliances are likely to be in use during colder weather. There must also be a working smoke alarm on each floor of any rented property and they must be checked to ensure they are in working order at the start of each tenancy.

Servicing the boiler is also a good idea, along with bleeding radiators and checking pipes and storage tanks are properly lagged.

Frozen pipes are the big fear once the temperature falls, but there are things you can do to protect your home. Again, ask your tenant about dripping taps – a quick repair now can save blocks in the waste pipes. Even a gentle trickle of water could freeze and block the pipe which may cause the basin, sink or bath to overflow.

Insulate all pipework in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages and lag any cold water storage cisterns in your loft.

Get the garden sorted

If your property has a garden now is a good time to check it is also safe for tenants during the winter months.  Secure garden furniture and inspect fencing – it’s cheaper to replace a single panel now rather than an entire fence after strong winds.  It is also advised to check for damaged or dangerous tree branches that need to be trimmed.

Check that your outside lighting is working, something that is particularly important if your rental property has steps or other features which make it difficult to get around when it is dark and slippery. Also check any steps and handrails.

Advice to give tenants

Make sure your tenants know how the boiler works, the location of the stopcock and how to change the thermostat. Encourage them to leave the heating on a timer, or low setting if they are leaving the property empty for a few days – for example over the Christmas holidays – to ensure pipes do not freeze. And give them a list of helpful contact numbers, in case of an emergency.

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