As the winter weather at last begins to show its face, landlords across the UK are being warned to ensure empty properties are protected from the harsh weather.
Although 2011 has been a bumper year for landlords, many property investors will find themselves with empty properties in the winter period. Holiday lets in particular will be empty at this time of year and the seaside tends to attract some of the most inclement weather. Already Scotland and the North of England have experienced snowfall this week and snow and ice usually bring with them burst pipes and flooding.
Many insurance companies have sent reminders to their clients in the last few weeks giving them advice on how to “mothball” their homes. Jolene Shaw, a technical referral advisor from a well known insurance company, said “Taking action to protect vacant properties from damage caused by burst pipes and ice is essential for avoiding expensive repair bills in the New Year. We also recommend checking your landlord insurance policy to make sure you are covered for all eventualities.”
Landlords should consider turning off the main water valve in any void period but especially in winter, this will automatically reduce the chance of flooding from within the property. Water in the pipes should be drained off and the electricity supply to any water heaters and pumps should also be neutralised. In some cases landlords will struggle to get to their properties if they are in holiday resorts and well away from their own domicile. In this case insurance providers recommend the landlord employs a professional tradesman to shut down the property in the correct manner.