Top things you need to know if you have an empty property this winter
Do you have a property that is sitting empty? With the curtains permanently closed and junk mail stacking up behind the door? Empty properties during the winter months can be problematic. There are many concerns that you need to think about as we move into the colder damp weather.
Do you have a property that is sitting empty? With the curtains permanently closed and junk mail stacking up behind the door?
Is the garden looking sorry for itself? Soggy wet leaves covering the path and lawn?
Empty properties during the winter months can be problematic. There are many concerns that you need to think about as we move into the colder damp weather.
Security: Empty properties can attract unwelcome attention. From break-ins to anti-social damage, if a property is left empty for an extended period, it can become a target.
Maintenance: Maintenance issues can crop up unexpectedly when a property is not lived in and perhaps is not visited from one week to the next. Properties left without heating, and ventilation can deteriorate rapidly. Dampness and mildew can form as the outside temperature drops, and if something needs attention, it will not be noticed until the next time someone visits which could mean the problem has grown.
Leaks: A leak can form from a burst pipe or perhaps due to stormy weather, which could dislodge some tiles. It could even be something as simple as a blocked drain or gutter that causes water ingress into the property. Burst pipes are usually the most damaging as water pouring from the roof space in the property will spill out into almost every part of the house. Often coming from the pipework in the loft, a burst pipe can cause untold damage. Particularly when it may go unnoticed for some time.
If your tenants have moved out and no one has moved in yet, consider these tips to protect your property whilst it is vacant.
So what should you do?
Add a light on a timer. To deter break-in attempts leave a simple light on a timer. If it seems as if there may be someone in the property, the chances of anti-social behaviour are significantly reduced. Of course, this is not a fail-safe protection but a deterrent nonetheless.
Arrange for a visit to the property at least once a week. This way, you will be alerted about any potential issues that may have cropped up and won't be left too long. Top extra tip - if you have chosen to not drain down the water system, flush the toilets each time you visit so that the water in the bowl is not stagnant - this will help to reduce the build-up of limescale that can make cleaning the toilet difficult for when the tenants do move in.
Heating on or drain down the system. A pipe bursts because the water in the pipes freezes in cold weather. The water expands as it freezes, causing a hole in the pipe. As the ice thaws, the water pours through the new hole. To prevent burst pipes, leave the heating on low, so the water doesn't freeze or drain down the system entirely so that the water isn't there. Of course, in a cost of living crisis with gas and electricity prices hitting an all-time high, paying to heat an empty property may not be practical - so consider draining it down instead.
General maintenance of the property whilst it is empty is also advisable, such as keeping the garden tidy and the paths clear of leaves and removing all junk mail from the property.
You should inform your insurance provider if the property is left vacant for longer than a few weeks- make sure that you check your policy. This will likely see a rise in premiums because the risk is higher. Still, if you had a leak whilst it was left empty, there is a chance that they might not pay for any damage and a commercial grade dehumidifier could cost up to £1000 per week just to dry it out, nevermind the cost of putting things back together again!
An empty property is expensive, not only in costs but in lost revenue, so getting a tenant moved in as quickly as possible is vital. By following these tips, ensure that you protect yourself, and your property investment whilst your property is empty this winter.
If you are looking for a tenant for your property and would like some help, get in touch with our team of property letting experts today.