Winter property maintenance for landlords

The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp and you’re living in cosy jumpers. Winter is coming.

Beyond the obvious need for a functioning boiler, being “winter ready” can save landlords time and money down the line. With years of experience working with both landlords directly and letting agencies, we’ve picked up a few top tips that we’ll share with you:

Heating and plumbing

The most common winter emergency we’re contacted about every winter is a burst pipe. Here’s how to stay proactive:

✅ Boiler service: has your boiler had its annual service? This is due every year in a rental property, and a serviced boiler is more efficient and less likely to break down during a particular cold spell.

✅ Insulate exposed pipes: check pipes in unheated areas like attics, garages and basements. Lagging these pipes is a simple and cost effective way to prevent freezing and bursting.

✅ Radiator checks: advise tenants to bleed radiators, or offer to do it yourself. It’s a simple job that can save a lot of stress being told “the radiators don’t work” on Christmas Eve.

Exterior maintenance

In our wet and windy winters, the outside of your property is the first line of defence.

✅ Clear gutters and drains: clogged gutters cause water to overflow and seep into your property’s walls which can lead to damp and structural damage. A professional can clear them of fallen leaves, moss and debris so the water can flow properly.

✅ Roof inspection: check for any loose, cracked or missing tiles. Leaks and damage caused by the high winds and heavy rain can quickly escalate if there’s any compromise to the foundations.

✅ Check for cracks: it can be tempting to pretend you’ve not noticed a crack in a wall, but sealing them now can prevent major damp problems in the future.

Interior and safety checks

✅ Ventilation and mould control: with windows closed to keep the cold out, condensation can be a major issue which can lead to mould. Remind tenants to keep the property ventilated (especially high moisture areas like the kitchen and bathroom) and to report any signs of mould or damp immediately.

✅ Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms: the increased use of heating appliances during winter makes fire and CO² safety critical. Under Scottish Law, ensure that all alarms are in good working order and that tenants know how to test them.

✅ Provide emergency contacts: make sure your tenants know who to call in case of emergencies such as a burst pipe or gas leak.

Ensuring your property meets these standards is essential, and we know it can feel like a full-time job. If you’re a landlord looking to protect your investment and ensure your property is ready for the worst a Scottish winter can throw at it, but don’t have time to manage each and every requirement, EPIC can help.

From independent inventories to repairs using our trusted network of qualified tradespeople to managing rental property’s compliance and legislation, EPIC manages everything from quotes to overseeing the work. For complete confidence this winter, contact us today:

01224 645 500 | epicpropertyservice@gmail.com