All landlords are responsible for providing a safe and fully working environment for their tenants. This means fixing any maintenance issues as soon as they occur. There will be many problems that arise which are unavoidable, and the more properties you own, the more you are sure to be faced with.
Issues can also occur when it comes to tenants. Most property renters respect and take care of the building they are paying to live in. Still, every so often, there can be difficult tenants. They may cause damage to your property accidentally or deliberately. Hence, an awareness of these issues and how to deal with them is crucial so you can ensure your property stays in the best possible condition.
Here are some top maintenance tips for landlords:
1. Plumbing
This is the most frequent maintenance issue you will face as a landlord. Depending on the size of your property or the number of properties you own, you could be responsible for a great deal of plumbing. In one building alone, there could be multiple bathrooms. This is why it is worth your while knowing how to address any issues in this area. Depending on a tenant’s plumbing knowledge, they may be flushing harmful waste down the toilets or sinks that block the pipes.
If you find you keep having the same problems, then you can install signs above your toilets and sinks to remind your tenants of what they can and can’t put down the drain. It may be a simple case of heading round with the plunger. However, ongoing harmful items in your waste system can cause much more expensive problems with your entire plumbing system. Having your drains checked for contamination can help with these issues.
2. Boilers & Heating Systems
Ensuring you have a fully working and efficient heating system in your properties is beneficial not only for those paying the bills but for landlords too. The lower the energy bills, the happier the tenant, and the more likely they will have more money for rent increases. Your tenants have the right to hot running water on demand, especially when paying for the privilege. You must make sure that any problems with the boiler are amended as soon as possible.
You must also get your boilers serviced by a fully qualified gas engineer so it is registered gas-safe for your tenants. Heating systems and radiators can run into issues now and again. These may involve minor tweaks such as bleeding your radiators, or they could require more attention. If there are problems with your heating and it isn’t the boiler, then you may need to arrange for your system to be flushed, or worse, buy replacement radiators. Kiasu offers a range of plumbing and heating services, including repairs and installations for your London-based property.
3. Fire Safety
This is the most important aspect of renting out a property. You must ensure that your tenants have everything they need to help prevent, put out and alert them of fire. When you first acquire your rental property, you should perform a full risk assessment. This helps ensure you are doing everything to keep any future tenants as safe as possible. Arranging for a fully qualified company to perform these assessments and address any fire risks in the property will make this easier.
4. Structural Repairs
It is worth carrying out structural surveys and maintenance to ensure your property is in top condition between changing tenants. Some of these can be time-consuming tasks that cause a disturbance, so it is better to do them when the property is vacant. However, this sometimes cannot be avoided. Do not worry; tenants are still required to pay rent, even if construction occurs. If they are needed to move out for repairs or refurbishments to happen, you can discuss their fees directly with them.
5. Deep Cleaning
At the end of any tenancy, those renting your property are legally required to perform a thorough clean. Depending on the terms of your contract, you may deduct money from the deposit to pay for any outstanding necessary cleaning. It is always worth hiring a professional cleaning company to deep clean your property. They are trained to use slightly harsher chemicals to eliminate bacteria causing health issues such as Legionella. It is now more important than ever to ensure your property is safe from germs and viruses to help avoid the spread of Coronavirus.
If your property requires any of the above maintenance, you can arrange for our expert team at Kiasu to come and carry out the work so you don’t have to. We have a considerable task force with a broad range of skills in all property maintenance areas, so you can be sure to find the help you need at just the click of a button. Contact us today to arrange maintenance for your London-based property.
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