What landlords should look out for in summer heatwaves
As the summer season arrives in the UK you can expect longer daylight hours, hot weather and lots of opportunities for outdoor socialising. And now, with heatwaves a common occurrence during British summertime, it’s essential for landlords to be aware of the potential challenges that heatwaves can bring at their rental properties.
In this article, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will explore issues landlords face during the summer months, provide practical solutions to protect their properties, and ensure their tenancies run smoothly.
Managing heatwaves
The UK has experienced increasingly frequent heatwaves during the summer months, and many of our properties are not equipped to handle these extreme temperatures. Heatwaves can scorch gardens, cause cracks in walls where the buildings dry out and lead to significant property damage. Therefore, summer presents an ideal opportunity to keep an eye on your property maintenance tasks. Including property inspections in your tenancy agreement is highly recommended by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme to identify and address any necessary repairs or maintenance work. It is also important to communicate with your tenants about any maintenance concerns they may have noticed and would like you to address.
Garden issues in hot weather
Whilst weeds tend to grow year-round, they really make an appearance during hot weather. And recent changes in the law allow homeowners to sue neighbours who have Japanese Knotweed, an extremely problematic weed, growing on their land, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and address any weed issues promptly.
If your property includes decking, tenants will likely use it regularly during warmer weather. However, decking can become brittle and prone to breakage in hot temperatures, especially wooden balconies on apartments. It is crucial to regularly maintain these features to ensure tenant safety and the overall good condition of the property.
To prevent neglect of outdoor spaces, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme recommends that landlords clarify responsibilities for garden maintenance. Consider including a gardens clause in your tenancy agreement for added clarity.
Flooding and leaks after a heatwave
Following a period of scorching weather, rainfall can become a problem for landlords, particularly in areas with parched and sun-scorched land, increasing the risk of flooding. Furthermore, a sudden downpour after a dry spell can lead to unexpected roof leaks. It is advisable to ask your tenants to remain vigilant for any signs of leaks or damp patches on the ceilings and encourage them to promptly contact you if they notice anything. This proactive approach ensures that any potential issues are addressed swiftly, preventing the risk of lasting damage. Additionally, it is highly recommended to secure a comprehensive landlord insurance policy to safeguard your property.
Pest control: An essential summer task
Summer is a peak season for pests, with insects and rodents being particularly active during the warmer months. So, it's important that tenants report any signs of problems quickly before the situation worsens. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme advises landlords to keep an eye on any outstanding property repairs, too; pests often find their way into a property through broken piping or gaps within building works, so where repairs can be fixed quickly and effectively, it will minimise the likelihood of pests getting into the property.
Bins in hot weather
In addition to being unsightly and another pest attractor, outdoor and indoor bins can emit unpleasant odours during hot weather. This is not only unpleasant for your tenants, but can also become a problem for the general public and neighbouring properties. To prevent complaints being made to the local council, it is crucial for landlords to provide tenants with appropriate facilities for storing and disposing of waste, in compliance with the local council laws.
As a landlord, you must make sure that the property has the correct number of bins for the people living there, that there’s enough space for the bins, and that your tenants use the recycling rubbish collections properly.
Whilst summer weather may bring some challenges for landlords, with proper preparation and maintenance, you can tackle them effectively. Taking necessary measures will ensure that your properties are well-maintained and your tenants are happy.
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