Landlords should prepare for the worst in winter
LANDLORDS could face hefty repair bills for their rental properties as temperatures reach record lows and snow blankets the North West.
With the Met Office issuing several severe weatherwarnings and the cold snap showing no sign of relenting, letting agent Jordan's, is urging landlords to make sure their property is winter proofed.
William Jordan, managing director ofJordan's residential letting agents, said: "Too many landlords fail to carry out essential checks on their properties.
"This can really backfire especially during the cold weather as the damage done to a property can escalate."
"As well as preparing the property, they should make sure tenants know where to find the water shut off 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, the loft and water tanks are insulated to prevent freezing and bursting."
"Special attention should be paid to driveways, gutteringand tiling."
"Landlords and tenants who are in any doubt should speak to their agents to get advice about howto protect their properties."
"It's far better to be prepared before problems arise than pay out later."
Internal water damage makes up as many as 30 per cent ofinsurance property claims.
The most common claim is for internal water leaks due to burst pipes inside a building.
William offers landlords five tips to help 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's 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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