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Protect your properties this winter

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has produced key advice for landlords in order to ensure their properties are protected this winter. A number of serious problems for tenants can arise over the winter period and each year properties are damaged by the cold weather, costing thousands of pounds in repairs and leaving them uninhabitable for the tenant.

The Importance of Adequate Property Insurance

According to NLA Property Insurance, ‘freezing’ related claims such as escape of water through burst pipes made up over a third (35%) of all claims last year despite only affecting properties during the winter months. A stand out claim from last year due to frozen and broken pipes cost in excess of £40,000. The NLA is reminding landlords to ensure they have the correct insurance policy and to take steps to make tenants aware of how to prevent winter-related damage.

David Salusbury, NLA chairman, commented: “Last winter was relatively mild compared to previous years so it’s important that landlords and their tenants aren’t complacent and take action to mitigate any risk of damage to the property. “Importantly, landlords should be aware that most normal home insurance policies do not provide cover in the event of damage in all circumstances. Having the correct residential property insurance is vital”. The NLA has produced advice for landlords in order to reduce the risk and ensure that damage and inconvenience is limited. Landlords should: + Ensure all pipes are adequately insulated + Check overflow pipes are correctly connected and not blocked + Advise tenants to leave the heating on a low setting if the property is vacated for any period during winter + Give the tenant an emergency contact phone number + If flooding does occur, ensure repairs are done as quickly as possible.

Effective Communication with Tenants

Steve Barnes, Broking Manager, NLA Property Insurance, said: “It’s important to start dialogue with tenants if you think they may be away for extended periods during the winter months. Asking your tenants to leave the heating on a low temperature or even contributing towards the heating bill during this period could be far more beneficial in the long-term. “Landlords should make sure their tenants are aware of how to correctly set thermostats, switch off utility supplies and know what to do in the event of an emergency. If away or uncontactable over the winter period, landlords should also provide appropriate contacts for any repair work.”

Article courtesy of Property Investor Today“”