Hamptons International give advice on how to protect properties in winter
With winter on the way Tom Michell, property manager from Hamptons International’s Brighton and Hove branch offers tenants and landlords advice to help protect their properties from some of the problems that may occur during the winter months, here are his Top Tips:
Heating & Hot Water Winter is a busy time of the year for Plumbers, planning ahead with an Autumn service, will prepare your boiler for the months ahead and increase the chances of replacement parts being available. Where fitted, test your Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Detectors, boilers work harder over the winter and gas fires are used, so for your safety check the batteries regularly. If you go away leave the heating on low to help prevent leaks and burst pipes. Finally lag or isolate outside pipes and taps to prevent from frost damage.
Gutters & Rain Water Drains It may come as a surprise that for most tenancies the responsibility for keeping the drain and gutters free of debris falls to the tenant, so as the leaves fall, ensure they are kept clear over the autumn months, speak to your property manager for guidance.
Condensation When heating systems are in operation, trapped moisture in the atmosphere will condense onto cold surfaces such as windows and walls, so keep the property well ventilated: always use extraction fans, open trickle vents and windows to allow fresh air into the property. This can help prevent the build up of condensation and mould.
Empty Property Tenants, if you are planning on being away from your property for an extended period of time, advise your property manager or Landlord, failure to do so could breach the terms of your Agreement as well as the landlord’s insurance policy. You may need to arrange for a friend to visit the property during your absence.
Hamptons International Let and Manage properties throughout the Brighton and Hove area. If you are new to the market or require a second opinion then please call our office on – 01273 737777.
