Common winter property problems and how to avoid them: Part 1

Problems with rental properties can occur at any time of year, but during the cold, wet or snowy winter months, they’re particularly common. Although some maintenance problems will always occur randomly and when you least expect them, some of the issues can be pre-empted and reduced by a bit of forward thinking.

Broken boilers

Boilers have a tendency to break down when you least expect them, but it usually seems to happen when the weather is cold and your tenants need heat.  If the heating hasn’t been on for a while, when it’s turned back on, problems can surface, or the boiler can breakdown if its old, being overused and is coming to the end of its life.

Not all boiler issues can be predicted, but if you schedule in an annual boiler service at the beginning of the winter, then some problems could be avoided. In case boiler engineers can’t come out immediately, or have to order parts, then it’s a good idea to have some emergency heaters available for your tenants, so they’re not left without any heat, especially during the coldest months of the winter.

Frozen pipes

With below zero temperatures and decidedly chilly weather, it’s not unusual for pipes to freeze. This isn’t a good scenario for property owners, as when water freezes it expands – and if pipes freeze, this can result in them bursting and causing all sorts of damage to your property.

During the winter months, frozen pipes are a risk, but there are things you can do to minimise the risk. All vulnerable pipes, especially those in the loft or any areas liable to freezing, should be adequately lagged – the thicker the better – as this can help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Problems can often occur when tenants go away, for example for Christmas or on holiday, and turn the heating off. In severe weather conditions, it can be helpful to leave the heating on to help prevent pipes from freezing. Alternatively, you could suggest they leave the loft hatch open, as this can help warmer air from other parts of the house circulate.

If you know your tenants are going to be away for a while and the weather is bad, then you could always schedule in a property visit to check that the pipes are okay in their absence and that nothing untoward has occurred.