Winter is Coming! A Tenants Tip Guide

Nobody can ignore the fast-plummeting temperatures that accompany the winter months. All too quickly our summer dresses and baggy t-shirts have been swapped for roll neck jumpers and chequered scarfs. While some of us look forward to catching a glimpse of those rare snowy flakes, the majority of us are hurrying home to get tucked up in our slippers and dressing gowns. What’s more, those falling temperatures don’t just affect our day-to-day attire, in which our properties are equally impacted by the change of seasons.

Caring for your property during the winter is a must – that is if you want to avoid any unnecessary maintenance hurdles, or unnaturally high energy bills. To ensure our tenants have the most stress-free and straight forward Christmas possible, Parks have compiled a list of need-to-know tips to keep your property happy.

(!! A side note to tenants who reside in fully managed properties: in the unfortunate event you do experience any maintenance issues, please remember to report these via property file!!)

Heating

• Ensure your radiator is working correctly. Listen out for unusual bangs or gurgles – if these suspicious sounds are drifting through your home, it’s time to release the trapped air inside your heating system (otherwise known as bleeding).
• Check your fireplace/chimney is clean and clear. A blocked fireplace can cause a number of issues including mould and water damage – so a quick check could be very handy.
• Ensure your Gas Safe Certificate is valid and up to date. It is a legal requirement for the Landlord to ensure your property is gas safe – so if your certificate is due for renewal, don’t be shy -send a reminder!
• Keep your heating on a low setting at all times when the weather is cold or very wet. This doesn’t necessarily cost more than switching it on and off.

Insulation

• Have a look at your letterboxes and keyholes – make sure their protective covering is secure and intact.
• Check your windows – there should be no noticeable damage to the panels or glass that could allow cold air to creep through.

Gardens and Outdoor Areas

• Keep your garden healthy and rot free by sweeping up fallen leaves and pruning any unruly bushes.
• Protect your garden furniture by covering it up with a waterproof sheet and storing it away.

Property Exterior

• Keep an eye out for your external pipes and gutters – are they clear from fallen leaves?
• Have a look at the paintwork – if you notice any peeling, this could indicate possible moisture seeping into the building.
• Ensure your exterior lights are in working order – shorter daylight hours mean these are important for your safety.

Plumbing

• Keep the water flowing over the winter – this will prevent pipes from freezing during cold nights.
• Make sure your pipes are properly insulated.
• Ensure the stopcock is working.

Mould

• Prevent mould by decreasing moisture and condensation in your property.
• You can do this by drying clothes outside, airing out your bathroom following hot showers and covering pans when cooking etc.
• Keep your air vents clean and clear to allow air to pass through the property.
• In the instance you do find mould, wipe it off immediately with water. Do not use washing up liquid.

By keeping these top tips in mind, you can expect to have an easy-going winter and the happiest of New Years. Finally, Parks would like to take this opportunity to wish all our tenants a very Merry Christmas! We are delighted to be your trusted letting agency, and we wish you all the best as we head towards 2022 and another year working together.

If you have any questions, queries or want more information about your property, our friendly and professional team are waiting to take your call. You can reach us on 01273 202089 between the hours of 9-5.30 Monday to Friday, and 9-1.30 on Saturdays.

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