Specialising In Home Improvements in the North East

Property Repairs and Maintenance

Buy to let properties can be a great investment opportunity. Caution is advised though, as many see buy to let schemes as an easy way to make money and commit themselves without realising the extent of responsibly attached. As a Landlord you are responsible for the safety of your property and for ensuring that no damage or injury is caused to your tenants, their neighbours or members of the public. As well as having to maintain the structure and exterior of the house you may also be responsible for the repairs and upkeep of the fixtures, fittings and furniture. You must make sure gas, electric, water and heating are all installed, CORGI checked and working safely. Natural light and lighting must be maintained, windows must be operable for ventilation, mould must be dealt with and sanitation and drainage must be maintained.

Knowing and being prepared for what you are responsible for can help in ensuring your buy to let scheme works for you and your tenants. However, you must also be prepared to carry out property repairs and even full refurbishments due to accidents in the home, plumbing problems, tenant damage to property or damage caused by storms, fire or flooding.

Clearing up after a flood or fire must be approached with caution. You will need to ensure that your tenants are aware that photos must be taken for insurance purposes before the clean up and restoration process can begin. Flood water, caused by plumbing accidents or weather related, can be particularly hazardous to clean up. Flood water may be contaminated with bacteria and as such protective clothing, goggles, masks and disposable suits should be worn at all times. Items should be rinsed thoroughly in clean running water before being disinfected and cleaned properly.

Clearing up from fire damage is equally a hazardous process. You must never enter the property before obtaining permission from a Fire Marshall, as although the flames may have died down, charred materials may still be omitting poisonous gases or odours. Cleaning and restoring textiles and furniture after a fire is a specialist process which should be carried out by professionals. Soot will need to be removed from items and materials using heavy duty vacuum cleaners and rooms/possessions should be treated with industrial cleaners.

As you can see the clearing up involved from storm damage, fire damage or flooding can be an extensive process that is better dealt with by professionals. Quality reputable companies will carry out repair or refurbishments using the correct equipment and working to highest professional standards, which should mean that as a landlord you are fulfilling your legal obligations to your tenants and within your property.

Statistically speaking at some point accidents will occur, tenants may cause damage to properties, either accidental or intentional, this can include instances such as broken glass or damage to sanitary systems. Being a buy to let landlord means having the correct home insurance. All home insurance policies are not created equal and you must ensure you know in detail what your policy has to offer. For example you may find that buy to let insurance policies do not cover unoccupancy cover, damage to fences or gates due to storms or floods, accidental damage, malicious damage or acts of vandalism by tenants. Usually also day to day maintenance is excluded.

However, if you shop around you may be able to find specialist Home insurance that will encompass more than regular policies – leaving you able to relax more and enjoy your time as a landlord without the extra worry.