The leaves are dropping from the trees and school’s begun. Autumn is fast approaching, which means it could be time to put your house in order and shore up the maintenance of your property before winter sets in.
The recently published Fixflo Report revealed that November is the busiest month for repairs issues, so make sure you don’t wait too long. Focus on these key five autumn property maintenance areas to ensure that leaves are the only things falling down this year.
Servicing the boiler
Boiler maintenance should be at the forefront of any autumn property maintenance program. Boilers should be checked by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer, as leaky or faulty boilers can have devastating consequences. Tenants should also be asked to keep an eye on boiler functions to make sure any issues are picked up promptly. Repairs and maintenance management software allows tenants to report this or any other repairs or maintenance issues on a 24/7 basis and be assured of an immediate response.
Cleaning out gutters and drainpipes
It’s important to get gutters clear before the cold weather sets in, otherwise water may find its way into the property. While a leafblower should take care of debris and leaves, loose gutter and pipe connections should also be checked and downspouts should be positioned far enough away from the property to prevent water being pumped back into the property.
Inspecting and correcting the roof
The roof should be checked for any loose, broken or missing tiles, slate, concrete or mortar to ensure the property’s insulation isn’t jeopardised. Making the most of the last of the summer heat to carry out these checks before the temperature drops will make the task considerably less onerous.
Making sure you're insulated
On the insulation note, landlords should remember that from 1st April 2018, any private rental properties will be legally required to have a minimum E rating on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)* with a civil penalty of £4,000 imposed on those who fall short. You should ensure wall cavities are filled and that your loft insulation is at least 270mm thick. Tenants should be on board with the minor disruption these improvements will cause, given the side effects should be a warmer, more energy-efficient house – and lower heating bills, which are always welcome.
Making the outside areas safe
Now that the weather's going to be taking a turn for the worse, you should ensure that the outside areas of your property won't be hazardous for tenants. Focus on substance over style by making repairs rather than replanting, with footpaths and public areas of any property checked for loose paving and uniformity before winter frost and ice makes an appearance. Landlords can be held liable for any accidents occurring on their property that are their responsibility to prevent.
*Existing tenancies have until April 2020 to get their ratings up.
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