Hot Weather Property Maintenance Tips for Landlords

Despite the fact that the UK summer heatwave appears to becoming something of a regular fixture, as a nation we still tend to struggle with any form of prolonged extremes of weather. The trouble is that, as the mercury rises, so various property-related issues come out of the woodwork. Landlords may find themselves experiencing issues that wouldn’t usually surface. Let’s take a look at what some of these issues are, and how to tackle them with our top hot weather maintenance tips for landlords.

Heatwaves tend to throw up a host of issues in a property. For landlords, this means taking additional steps to ensure things are kept in check so as to avoid health and safety issues arising.

Bins

It is no surprise that bin odours increase considerably in the heat. If bins are not properly taken care of, there may be complaints from neighbours or even the local authority, which may even lead to a fine.

Be sure to provide your tenants with adequate waste disposal facilities. It is a legal requirement. You should also remind tenants of refuse collection dates, especially following bank holidays when they are often subject to change, and ensure they have the correct instructions as to how to deal with the different types of waste, including what can and can’t be recycled.

Bugs

Hot weather tends to entice out bugs like ants and flies. Whilst ant infestations are not necessarily hazardous, once the little creatures colonise areas of a property, they can be very difficult to eliminate. Ant infestations need to be eradicated as soon as they are detected, because the longer they are left, the more challenging it will be to deal with them. Make certain that your tenants know to inform you if they spot any signs of ant infestations.

Flies are also a common problem in the heat. Known for causing food poisoning, flies should be kept out of a property as much as possible. Mosquito screens are a good idea if your property has patio or bi-fold doors, as they allow the air in but keep the flies out, and annoying biting insects too. It’s a good idea to discuss this and other methods of keeping flies out with your tenants, such as keeping bins in check and away from doors and windows, and ensuring food waste is disposed of quickly and properly.

Lawns

If your property has a lawned garden, you will have to be prepared for the fact that it may be difficult to keep it looking its best during a heatwave. It is not fair to expect tenants to water it several times a day, especially if there is a hosepipe ban.

Whilst you may have set out garden maintenance responsibilities for your tenants, stipulating that they keep the outside space in reasonable condition, you will need to make allowances in extenuating circumstances.

Weeds and invasive plants

Weeds are known to thrive in hot weather, so it’s important that tenants are aware of their responsibilities in keeping them under control. Invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed also become much more virulent during hot spells, so special attention will need to be paid to ensure such plants do not become a problem.

Timber

Hot weather can be damaging to natural wood, often making it brittle and prone to splitting. It is therefore important to keep a special eye on any timber structures or fittings, such as doors and window frames, decking, fences and sheds, during times of particularly hot weather.

A regular maintenance regime for timber is vital, as is reminding your tenants of the importance of reporting any issues to you concerning hazardous timber structures, especially verandas or steps, so that you can arrange repairs quickly. This is one of the most important hot weather maintenance tips to bear in mind.

Before the storm…

It is common knowledge in the UK that heatwaves generally precede storms and torrential downpours, sometimes leading to flash flooding where the overly dry ground is unable to absorb the sudden deluge of water.

Always be prepared for what might be on its way after a heatwave. Be sure you have adequate buildings and contents insurance cover for flood damage, and take steps to ensure your guttering and drains are clear and ready to take the strain of the inevitable rainstorms.

These simple hot weather maintenance tips you can follow as a landlord will help safeguard your property during and after a heatwave. Always being prepared is the key advice.

Relinquish your maintenance responsibilities to homes2let, and enjoy guaranteed rent too.

As a landlord, you have plenty on your plate, not least the preventative and reactive maintenance that’s associated with extremes of weather. If you are looking to relinquish some of your responsibilities in this respect, why not hand over to homes2let where, as well as taking care of all the necessary day to day maintenance, we’ll also guarantee your rental payments.

The homes2let guaranteed rent scheme secures rental payments, even during void periods, as well removing the hassle of property management from landlords’ shoulders.

Interested to find out more? You are invited to get in touch with our expert team to discover how we can make your life as a landlord all the more straightforward.