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2021 Winter Tips
Here are some helpful tips for landlords to prepare your property for the winter season!
Gutters
One of the most common winter household maintenance issues is clogged gutters. This can cause leaking and water damage after a heavy downpour. Landlords should ensure that gutters are free from leaves, twigs, and other debris to avoid water-related damage to the property.
Roofing and eaves
Check for cracked or loose roof panels and tiles before the weather turns. This can cause leaking and water damage which can quickly spread to other areas of the property following a winter storm. Also look for rotting or water damaged eaves, as they can lead to salt damp or mould issues on interior and exterior walls.
Trees and shrubs
Prune loose or dead branches or trees that could potentially injure a tenant if they were to fall during strong winds. Landlords should check with neighbouring property owners of shared or boundary fences in case of overhanging branches, as they may be a joint responsibility.
Likewise, check if there are any branches that overhang the building and consider pruning. This maintenance can be dangerous, and while it may incur a nominal cost, it could be worthwhile bringing in a professional to ensure both your safety and that of your tenants.
Heating and hot water
A tenant’s comfort in a property can often determine if they have a positive rental experience. In the current COVID environment, tenants are tending to be at home more often and they want to feel comfortable in their rental properties.
Landlords should ensure their property’s heating is functioning correctly to help keep their tenants warm during winter.
Checking the hot water system is running efficiently could save tenants money in energy bills and help keep them happy. Landlords should consider servicing their investment property’s heating and hot water systems before winter.
Condensation and mould
Mould is not only unsightly but can pose a health risk to tenants if not addressed appropriately. If ignored it can be very difficult to remove. Landlords and property managers should pay close attention to wet areas during property inspections and act quickly if mould appears to be forming.
During winter, damp and mould can worsen due to condensation caused by heated roofs with poor ventilation and wet clothes drying inside.
Landlords could also give their tenants tips on how to reduce damp and condensation in the home over winter, including airing out the home regularly and wiping condensation from windows.
Fireplace/Gas heaters/Split systems
If your property has a wood fire, have the chimney inspected annually to be sure it’s clear of birds nests and soot. Gas heaters can be lethal if they are faulty and we recommend having these, and split or reverse-cycle air conditioning systems serviced annually by qualified tradesmen.
Utility bills
Remember that your tenants won’t appreciate higher electricity bills due to faulty or inefficient appliances. If your rental property could do with a more modern heater (including wood heaters), do the right thing and upgrade. Your tenant will thank you for it!
Tenant reminders
Finally, at this time of year it’s worth a polite annual reminder to tenants about the importance of checking electric blankets for wear and tear; not leaving wet towels or clothes ‘drying’ too close to a radiator (or at night when the household goes to bed), and certainly no smoking indoors.
by Tupito Merrall
Business Development Manager | 0412 809 220
2021 Winter Tips palmbeachfn.com.au June 2021 First National Palm Beach Ph: 07 5559 9600 