Protect your property this autumn by making property maintenance a priority. Autumn is an ideal time to conduct property maintenance for landlords due to the mild, dry weather. This makes it easier to carry out general maintenance such as clearing gutters or repairing fences before the winter weather kicks in. Protect your property further by investing in landlord insurance by CIA Landlords that is compared with nine leading insurers to ensure you get the best price possible.
- Conduct exterior maintenance: Inspect roofs, gutters, and exterior paint to prevent winter damage and protect your property.
- Service heating systems: Schedule inspections and maintain HVAC systems to ensure functionality throughout the colder months.
- Winterise plumbing: Drain outdoor taps and inspect pipes to prevent freezing and leaks during winter.
- Educate tenants: Provide clear guidelines for tenants on maintenance responsibilities and processes for reporting repairs.
- Prioritise communication: Maintain open lines of communication with tenants about maintenance schedules to enhance satisfaction and reduce disruptions.
Property maintenance for landlords is really important, not only to protect their property but also to prevent costly repairs, reduce costs and keep tenants satisfied. Satisfied tenants have a better retention rate which will save you money and hassle in the long run. This article will take you through how to maintain your property this Autumn. From inspecting the roof to servicing the heating system and checking for leaks.
Exterior maintenance checklist
Property maintenance for landlords involves both interior and exterior tasks. We will begin with exterior maintenance tasks that you’ll need to conduct this autumn. Here are some of the most important tasks to carry out.
- Inspect the roof and gutters: check for loose or missing shingles and clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Check exterior paint: look for peeling paint or cracks and repaint or seal where necessary to protect from winter moisture.
- Clean and repair driveways: fill cracks in concrete or asphalt and remove moss, leaves, and debris to prevent slips.
By carrying out these exterior property maintenance tasks every Autumn, you will ensure your property is free from any further damage. This can help reduce any larger problems occurring and it will also keep your tenants satisfied.
Interior maintenance tasks
After completing your exterior property maintenance tasks, interior maintenance is next. From checking smoke detectors to servicing heating systems, there are various tasks to complete.
- Service heating systems: schedule HVAC/furnace inspections and replace filters and check for airflow issues.
- Inspect windows and doors: check for drafts, cracked glass, and damaged seals and add weather stripping or caulking where needed.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: replace batteries and ensure all units are working properly. Read more in our Landlord’s Fire Safety Regulations and Risk Assessment for Rental Properties article.
It is legally the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that all smoke alarms in the property are in working order and are regularly tested.
Plumbing and water systems
Plumbing and water systems are next on the list of property maintenance for landlords. Here are some of the tasks you should complete this Autumn.
- Winterise outdoor taps and sprinkler systems: drain and shut off outdoor water lines and protect from freezing.
- Check for leaks and insulate pipes: inspect for under-sink and basement leaks and add insulation to exposed pipes.
By carrying out these property maintenance tasks this Autumn, you can reduce any problem from rising in winter and any associated costly repairs.
Property maintenance tips for tenants
As a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure that your tenants know what property maintenance they should carry out. Here are our top tips for property maintenance to help tenants keep a safe and comfortable living environment.
- Report repairs: provide your tenants with contact details and a process for reporting repairs. Encourage them to let you know as soon as they suspect a problem. Then it is your responsibility to act on this as soon as possible.
- Create a schedule: create a schedule for all of your property maintenance, repairs, and jobs to ensure that your tenants know exactly when things will take place, helping to give them peace of mind.
- Keep a record of repairs and upgrades: Be aware of any repairs or upgrades tenants make to ensure appropriate maintenance is carried out.
- Open communication: Always check that your tenant has approved whether or not you can visit to make these repairs or to carry out maintenance. This will avoid any disturbances and keep your tenants happy.
Property maintenance for landlords this Autumn is key to maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for your tenants. It is always better for landlords to carry out preventative property maintenance to avoid any costly repairs and reduce any tenant inconvenience later on. By carrying out the property maintenance tasks we have included, you will ensure your property is protected for years to come.
