Everyone in the UK will have noticed how much the temperatures have plummeted recently… Not to mention the blanket of fluffy stuff that most of us have received.
It’s time to make sure that your portfolio properties, and their occupants, are geared up to weather the winter months.
Here are our top tips on how to weather-proof your portfolio.
General Maintenance
This might be a really obvious place to start but by making sure that the general condition of your properties is good, you’ll be avoiding headaches further down the line.
Check for leaks and cracks. Get your letting agent or tenants to check the interior and exterior of the property for any signs of leaks or cracks, especially around windows, doors, and pipes. It’s good to get to these and carry out any repairs sooner rather than later to prevent water damage and potential mould growth.
Insulate
Old and inefficient properties can become incredibly costly to run! Regulations vary in different areas but broadly, the required minimum temperatures for each unit of accommodation in an HMO is 18-20 degrees. As part of our HMO refurbs, where required, we install the relevant insulation to the walls and roofs of the properties. It can also have a positive effect on the acoustic regulations for the property.
Clever Technology
Landlord smart thermostats can save you a great deal of money. The settings can be altered remotely by the account holder only, which means that tenants can’t be cranking up the heating all day with the windows wide open!
Most of them do have a “boost” feature if tenants do require heating outside of the set heating times.
Communicate
Provide your tenants with clear instructions on how to operate the heating system, including how to set the thermostat, adjust radiators, and bleed radiators.
Encourage tenants to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use. In HMOs, installing motion activated lighting to communal areas of the building such as the kitchen, bathrooms, landings, and hallways, you’re much less likely to be burning surplus energy. A win for the environment and a win for your bottom line!
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