Christmas is a joyful season, which is why it’s important to minimise any risks of anything going wrong due to lack of precautions and weather damage. In addition to guaranteeing that your insurance is in place or replacing any faulty electric wiring, there are a few steps that any property owner should take around Christmas to prevent any damage.
Is Your Tenant Leaving for Christmas?
An empty property has an increased chance of being at risk of being damaged by the weather and of being targeted for criminal activities. Your tenant should advise you when planning to leave for Christmas and New Year; if you are aware of any absences, occasional safety visits to the property are vital to guarantee appropriate safety measures are in place. If you’re concerned about having the lights off, interior lights on a timer help to make your property seem as if someone is in.
When the festive season rolls around, make sure not to leave any Christmas presents in areas with high visibility from the windows, as thefts rise by 25% around Christmas. Not discussing any plans on social media networking websites is also vital. Don’t forget to check doors, windows, locks, and any other security features in your home to know whether they require being replaced.
Don’t Forget Basic Maintenance
While good maintenance practices are required throughout the year, properties are more vulnerable during the colder months. Boilers are often expensive to replace without regular maintenance to ensure all components are working properly. Plumbing in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms also require basic and regular check-ups.
Inspecting your property for damages that can worsen over time will save you on repair or replacement costs. Roofs, gutters, and windows can often leak, which leads to mould and damp to potentially damage your walls. Mould is also a health hazard, as it can cause and worsen illnesses like asthma.
Expecting the Unexpected
When pipes freeze, they can easily burst and cause extensive water damage to the property and the possessions inside it. Pipes require appropriate insulation to prevent this issue, and heating timers need to be set correctly to heat up your home at intervals.
With your tenants away there’s no one to ensure these issues are resolved as soon as they appear. Around Christmas of last December, storms caused a total of £1.3 billion of emergency payments to the British insurance industry. Keeping an eye on your property will ensure that any issues or damages are minimised.
Whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, we know how important it is to be able to enjoy Christmas while ensuring your property is safe. If you want to know how we can help you, you can get in touch with us on 0121 212 0122. Our friendly team is always happy to help!
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