Five property care tips for tenants

While it is a landlord’s legal obligation to maintain a let property so that it’s fit for human habitation, it’s important for tenants to understand what they should and shouldn’t do to keep their home in a good condition.

Gallagher, the NRLA’s trusted Landlord Insurance partner, has provided tips on what to remind tenants about throughout the year, to help avoid issues arising. Reducing the risk of property damage can help to avoid large maintenance costs. However, having suitable insurance can provide a financial safety net, just in case.

Making sure all doors and windows into the property are locked securely at night and when tenants leave the premises is vital, but even when locked they can be broken into.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reports that in incidents of domestic burglary where the offender entered the dwelling, they gained entry through a door around 70% of the time and through a window around 30% of the time.

Tenants are responsible for locking up and securing the property when they’re out or at night. Technology such as smart lighting can help to make it look like someone is in when they’re not, so it’s worth suggesting this to tenants.

Damp and mould in a home can be a serious health concern, but there are ways tenants can prevent and manage such issues.

Condensation is a common form of damp in rented properties. It’s often worse in winter when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or a wall, which can then cause mould growth. A common cause of condensation and mould growth is poor ventilation or heating, or inadequate insulation.
 

Tips for minimising condensation:

• Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Closing internal doors when cooking or showering.
• Don’t keep furniture flush to external walls.
• Avoid drying clothes indoors.
• Opening bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes in the morning.

Heating the home properly, ideally not allowing the temperature in a room to drop below 15 degrees. In cold weather it is recommended that the heating is left on as often as possible.

Roofs, guttering, and drains should be kept in good working order, and checked after heavy rain, storms or snow.

Landlords are responsible for the repair and maintenance of a property's structure and interior, but tenants should be mindful of fallen leaves clogging up drains and guttering. If there are leaks, it is important that your tenants alert you or your assigned property manager as soon as possible.

When a tenant blocks a sink, toilet, shower, or bath, they can attempt to fix it by using off-the-shelf products for a simple and quick solution. If this doesn’t work, then a professional plumber may be needed to avoid the problem escalating and causing water damage.

Remind your tenants of what should go toilets and drains. For example, don’t flush wet wipes, and avoid putting fats, oils, and greases down the sink.

Unless converted into a living space, lofts and attics are typically only to be used as a storage space. Since tenants may not go up into them often, maintenance issues could go unnoticed.

Suggest to your tenants to check any pipes for leaks in those parts of the property. They should also look out for signs of pests, such as nests or droppings.

Review your tenant contracts

A comprehensive lease can help to set expectations when new tenants move into the property. Also, when you go to renew a tenancy, you can remind current tenants to review the terms and conditions, to help ensure they’re doing all they can to look after your property.

With vast experience handling insurance policies for a wide range of landlords, and with relationships with some of the leading insurers, Gallagher aims to simplify your insurance arrangements and help to protect your property, its contents and your liabilities.

Alternatively, speak to the specialist Gallagher team on 0800 612 0094.

The sole purpose of this article is to provide information on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited and National Residential Landlords Association, an Introducer Appointed Representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.

National Residential Landlords Association is an introduce appointed representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 55 Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland. Company Number: SC108909.