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Letting my property during the winter months

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Our monthly ‘Advice Clinic’ series shares the answers to questions our landlords have been asking. This month, Anita Mehra, Managing Director, looks at getting your property ready for winter.

Letting my property during the winter months

Winter can be a slower time for property rentals in London. The darker nights, not to mention the frost, ice, wind and rain don’t tempt many renters into looking for a new home unless it is absolutely essential. Instead, many tenants prefer to stay put and renew their existing tenancy. So landlords planning to let their property at this dark and gloomy time of year should consider how they can bring a little sunshine to their rental apartment and maximise its tenant appeal.

Creating a cosy interior to tempt tenants

The dull, grey backdrop of a London winter presents real challenges for landlords when it comes to presenting their rental property. The cool, grey light can make even the most stylish interior look cold and uninviting but introducing warmer, stronger colours can counteract this.

The Danes call it ‘hygge’; to translate: creating a warm and cosy glow. It’s a concept that is taking the UK by storm currently and is a way of embracing our harsh, winter months. For landlords, one of the most cost-effective ways to create this welcoming feel is by adding new soft furnishings and accessories in vibrant colours. Beautiful throws and cushions in rich, jewel shades will add an instant lift, ideally in a mix of soft, tactile fabrics – velvet, wool and silks. A striking piece of colourful artwork will create a real glow too. And while the contemporary, wooden flooring found in most new-build apartments looks beautiful, in winter it can be a little stark so a bright and cheerful rug will add warmth.

If the property is currently empty but viewings are scheduled, it is important to make sure the temperature is comfortable – around 20C. It’s all about turning those plain four walls into a cosy, winter haven the moment a prospective tenant walks across the threshold.

Essential winter maintenance for rental properties

Next there are basic maintenance issues that landlords should address. For landlords who use their letting agent’s property management services, maintenance and repairs are handled for them so they have one less problem to think about. But for landlords managing their property themselves, there are several essential tasks.

Landlords should check the gas boiler and other appliances have had their annual service – this is a legal requirement. They should also check the central heating is working efficiently – a breakdown in January in sub-zero temperatures is unlikely to endear the landlord to their freezing tenant. If the property is empty, the central heating should be kept on at a low level – at least 10C – this will also prevent pipes becoming frozen. It could be useful to invest in a smart heating control system which connects to an app on a phone or iPad so the central heating system can be controlled remotely. The heating can be turned on or off, up or down, from anywhere in the world.

Another problem during winter is condensation. This can cause real problems with damp inside the property but the solution is simple. Rooms, particularly kitchens and bathrooms, should be well-ventilated by opening a window or using the extractor fan. Older properties may need additional winter weatherproofing.

Period conversions and older houses may require further work before winter sets in. Landlords must check their rental property is weathertight and that the roof is in good condition to prevent water damage – with no broken or loose tiles. Broken gutters should be fixed and swept of debris such as fallen leaves that could cause a blockage and cause water to accumulate, making the property damp inside. Older properties must have good loft and wall insulation and water tanks and pipes insulated to prevent them bursting in freezing weather. Windows should be in good condition and any broken catches fixed.

Effective property management is the solution

Keeping on top of maintenance and repairs is important to ensure a property meets the needs of tenants as the seasons change. That’s why many of our landlords use our property management services. A professionally managed property gives tenants the reassurance that problems will be dealt with quickly – in fact, corporate tenants usually insist a rental property is professionally managed to eliminate the stress caused by poorly maintained properties.

For more information about our property management services you can post a comment below or email us.

 

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About the Author

For 40 years Anita has been the driving force behind Benham and Reeves’ success as it has grown from a single branch in Hampstead, to one of central London’s oldest, independently owned sales, letting and property management companies. Anita's vision has driven the expansion of the business to offer a complete range of property investment related services from under one roof, from purchase to handover, furnishings and/or refurbishment to lettings and property management. Read more about Anita Mehra here - Read full profile

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