Landlords urged to winter-proof homes
LANDLORDS should be keeping their rental properties in tip-top condition during the current cold snap.
That's the view of one Bolton lettings agency as temperatures hit record lows.
It is easy to forget that homes can suffer during the winter months and that is especially true during the severe weather we have been experiencing over the last few weeks.
Lack of insulation on pipes or water tanks can cause the water in them to freeze and when they start to defrost the pipes or tank can crack causing severe water damage.
William Jordan is the managing director of Jordan's residential letting agents and he says landlords should be checking their properties for damage and potential damage "Too many landlords fail to canny out essential checks on their properties. "This can really backfire, especially during the cold weather, as e done to a property can escalate," he said.
Mr Jordan said landlords should also ensure tenants know where to find essential things such as the location of the water shut off valve. "As well as preparing the property they should make sure the tenants know where to find the valve if there is a leak or burst pipe.
"Water damage is a common insurance claim in bad weather. "Heating timers should be on if tenants are planning to leave the Property
"Landlords should make sure pipes in the loft and water tanks are insulated to prevent freezing and bursting. Special attention should be paid to driveways, guttering and tiling," he said.
Mr Jordan said landlords and tenants who are in any doubt should speak to their agents to get advice about how to protect their properties.
"It's far better to be prepared now than to have to pay out later," he said.
Internal water damage makes up as much as 30 per cent of insurance property claims. The most common claim is for internal water leaks due to burst pipes inside a building.
Mr Jordan has five top tips to help landlords protect their property during the winter.
Consider insulating pipes, ducts and water heaters
Inspect rooms for any cracks and leaks
Check gutters for dead leaves and clean them out
Apply protecting sealant to any wood that is outside, such as patios or furniture
Check for air cracks around windows, doors, pipes, ducts and other openings and seal any leaks
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