Tips for preparing your rental property for the winter

Before the cold weather really kicks in, tick off these simple maintenance tasks to ensure that your rental property can take on whatever this winter throws at it.

Taking the time to prepare your rental property for bad weather can help to protect it from damage and keep your tenants warm and comfortable this winter.

Here are our top four tips for preparing your rental property for the winter.

Clear the gutters

Your gutters direct rainwater away from your property. When gutters become clogged, water can overflow onto your property, causing leaks and water damage.

Clearing the property’s gutters of leaves and debris is a relatively quick and simple task that can help to avoid very expensive damage to your property.

Inspect or update security systems

Many rental properties go unoccupied for weeks on end over the festive period as tenants jet off on holiday or spend time visiting family and friends.

Vacant properties and shorter, darker days can both leave rental properties more vulnerable to break-ins.

As winter approaches, check that the property’s security systems are in full working order, making any necessary repairs and updating old or ineffective systems.

Inspect heating and bleed radiators

Keep your tenants feeling warm and cosy this year and help to maintain the condition of your radiators by checking that the heating system is in full working order and bleeding the radiators before the cold weather sets in.

This is usually a quick and simple maintenance task that involves releasing the trapped air from inside your radiators.

Inspect the roof

Your property’s roof is its first line of defence against the elements and it can take a real battering during the winter months.

Before the bad weather really kicks in, it’s a good idea to take the time to inspect your roof for broken or missing tiles or other signs of damage. You can then arrange for any necessary repairs, making sure that your roof is strong enough to withstand even the most severe weather this winter.