Landlords - Prepare for Winter Weather

As we come into the season where snow is starting to be forecast, we advise our landlords to get their winter preparations in place.  

For landlords, severe winter weather can pose major challenges when trying to deal with urgent maintenance issues.  

We at Nock Deighton recommend having a good network of trade contacts as essential for a landlord, and that is even more important when the snow hits. You really don't want calls from your tenant in the middle of the night, telling you that they need an emergency plumber!

The cold weather also highlights the importance of having well-maintained heating systems and boilers.

Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring all gas appliances are safe, and every appliance must be inspected once every 12 months, otherwise you risk being landed with a heavy fine.

The inspections must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and it’s always a good idea to get those inspections planned into your calendar when you first start letting a property.

You don’t really want to be trying to contact a plumber in the grip of winter when they will be busy rushing to emergency jobs, because boilers have a habit of breaking down when the snow falls!