Winter Home Safety Guide in a Rental Properties

If you are going away this winter, here are a few things to think about:

1. Reported any dripping taps?

Dripping taps can cause the drains to freeze, filling the sink with water, which could lead to overflow. Ensuring this issue is reported allows those responsible remove the risk.

2. Advised our Property Management Team or your Landlord on how long the property will be empty?

Doing this can guarantee measures are in place to maintain the property in your absence if needed.

3. Leave the heating on low continuously for the period you’re away.

Leaving the heating on low while means your pipes remain at a reasonable temperature and when you return and turn the heating on, the pipes don't break and cold parts of your home don't thaws causing dampness.

4. You could leave the loft open to keep the roof space above freezing point.

Similarly to the above, leaving the loft open to the rest of the house keeps your boiler and other important house features from freezing. Lofts are often insulated to retain heat, so by opening the room to heating, you will be losing minimal heat.

5. Make sure that outside taps are isolated and drained and don’t have anything attached to them.

Isolating outside taps are isolated and drained prevents other pipes from inflecting damage to them and visa versa. Also, making sure nothing is attached can prevent damage to other property, such as a hose.

6. Do you know where the stop tap is?

Important to know generally. The stop tap is important in making sure your home is safe no matter the external conditions.

7. Leave the key with someone you trust, who can regularly check on the property for you.

You would never want to go away, to come back to a flooded home. If you can get a friend, family member or trusted colleague to visit your property while you are away, you'll be able to rest easy knowing all is well.

1. Clear the gutters and drains of debris

Leaves and mud can block the drains, causing leaks into the roof and walls.

2. Ensure you have your boiler serviced regularly

Keeping warm in the winter is a must, ensuring your boiler is serviced and insured is the best way to enjoy the season. 

3. Keep your heating on a timer

If you’re going away, leave it on a constant low temperature as this will stop your pipes freezing if the temperature drops.

4. Prepare your windows 

Extreme temperatures and wet weather can cause untreated wood to expand and rot, so treating windowsills will help to prevent this. Fill in any cracks and re-paint if needed to protect them.

5. Keep your pipes warm

Apply lagging to any pipes and water tanks in exposed areas such as lofts, garages and utility rooms to stop pipes from freezing and bursting in the cold weather.

6. And finally, make sure you’re insured!

Sometimes no amount of planning and preparation can prevent the weather from damaging your property. Building insurance offers peace of mind, so ensure your policy is up-to-date and covers what you need it to. Our Financial Advisers can guide you with this - simply click here to speak to one of the team.