4 Tips to help protect your property this Winter

Things to think about & 4 tips to help protect your property this Winter

• The problem: Burst Pipes
  Frozen water expands, leading to burst pipes if it has nowhere else to go.

The measures: If you know that your property is going to be empty, then either ask your tenants to keep the heating on low or timed until they return or make sure of this yourself. Heat will better circulate around the rest of the property if internal doors are left open, providing they’re not fire doors.

Read: Escape of Water and how to reduce your risk.

Leaving any roof hatches open can help prevent water tanks in the loft area from freezing.

• The problem: Storm damage
  Loose tiles, external fittings can be damaged or cause damage if left to face the elements unsupported.

The measures: Get your roof checked either yourself, if you have just one property to concern yourself with, or an external agency if you have multiple properties. If any loose tiles are picked up before any bad weather sets in, they can be secured to help prevent damage. Similarly, any external fittings such as aerials need to be well secured, not only because they could be damaged but also because they may cause injury if they come down.

Read our article about Flood Insurance here.

Afdditionally you can read more about storm damage from the Association of British Insurers ABI here.

• The problem: Damp caused by rainfall
  Of course buildings keep the rain off but they need a little help from gutters in doing so. Gutters that are blocked with leaves or that are damaged don’t do much to help keep rainwater away from the house, and heavy rainfall could soon lead to the onset of damp if not addressed.

The measures: Hedges are your tenants’ responsibility, but not gutters. As the Landlord, you need to make sure that gutters are kept free of leaves and other debris. This should not need to be done often but will need to be checked frequently to prevent heavy rainfall causing damage to the building.

• The problem: Theft and vandalism of your property
  Properties left empty are more vulnerable to break-ins, which can lead to theft, damage and even arson. And the window of opportunity need only be small.

The measures: Encourage your tenants to leave a light on if they are going out, and if they’re going away suggest that they might want to cancel any deliveries. Check that all locks are in good working order and consider having an intruder alarm fitted if there is not already one.

An extra tip protect your property this winter for Commercial Landlords

Some commercial buildings may be part of a business park which has its own security measures. If not, make sure no windows or doors are left unlocked and take away any opportunities to break in on higher levels, like vehicles parked close to a lower level roof. Consider fitting CCTV and motion sensor security lights and ensure any refuse areas which could be set alight are secure.