If you’re a landlord reading this, you already know how critical it is to keep an eye on your properties to ensure that your tenants are taking proper care of them and keeping up with maintenance issues. As poor property care can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. These tips will work for any homeowners (or tenants) who are unaware of what to look for during an inspection.
Smoke Detectors
The most important thing to remember when it comes to safety is that you want to be sure that your tenants are safe and secure. This means that you need to check that all smoke alarms are working correctly and have a proper power source, just as you would in your own home. If they were required for some reason and did not function, you may be putting your tenants in grave danger.
There are many other things that can be done to ensure safety as well, but these are just some examples of the most common ones that can and should be done by landlords who care about their tenants. You can consult with estate agents in North Kent for a holistic approach you need to follow before letting your property.
Electricity
If you’re renting out your property, it’s important to make sure that the wiring is safe and up to code. You must check that all electrical outputs, such as smoke alarms, function properly and in accordance with all health and safety regulations. Any electrical problems could jeopardise your tenants’ safety, so use extreme caution. You should also have a qualified electrician check over any wiring or appliances installed by previous owners. If there are any problems, they’ll need to be fixed before you rent out the property. If you decide not to get an electrician involved, make sure that you inform tenants about any potential hazards or risks associated with their living in the property.
If you own a boiler, then you know how important it is to keep it in good working order. Boilers can be expensive to repair, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure they’re safe and that they’re working well. Start by visually evaluating your boiler to make sure it’s in good working order. From here, it’s worth paying an engineer or plumber once a year to inspect the boiler and ensure that it’s operating safely. This will help you catch any problems before they become too serious, and also confirm that everything is operating as it should be.
Fire Exit Routes
Fire escapes are an important part of any building’s safety system. They allow people to escape from a building if there is a fire or other emergency. This includes staircases and fire escapes, which must be able to support the weight of people using them. The number of people using each escape route should also be taken into account when planning for fire safety.
You must check that all fire exits are operational and free of obstructions such as furniture or rubbish. Failure to do so could result in the loss of lives and money, therefore inspect all fire escapes thoroughly. You should also ensure that your premises are equipped with a fire alarm system and smoke detectors. Also, make sure that all alarms are tested regularly to ensure that they work properly when required.
Appliances
Appliances should be thoroughly inspected to verify that they are working properly, from the kettle to the washing machine. Although such equipment does not pose the same danger as malfunctioning smoke alarms, they can cause significant inconvenience to your tenants if they do not function properly. And, as you may know, upsetting your tenants isn’t a good idea if you want to keep their lease or get a nice rating when they leave. Remember that your reputation matters, and if others perceive you as a bad landlord, you may miss out on prospective tenants. If your property is in Sittingbourne then take the help of letting agents in Sittingbourne to handle most of the letting and related issues for you.
Pets
You may or may not allow tenants to bring their pets onto your property; in either case, you must keep an eye out for animal damage. Animal waste is a common thing to look out for because it can cause long-term damage. Smaller creatures such as hamsters and mice, on the other hand, may be hidden by renters and do harm to the wiring.
Smoking
Indoor smoking poses a number of hazards to your home. To begin with, it is a significant fire hazard, as unattended lighted cigarettes are one of the top causes of house fires. Second, smoking indoors can leave permanent stains on walls, drapes, and other household items. As a general guideline, we recommend keeping a close check on anyone who may be smoking on your property.
By vetting prospective tenants and what to do when they leave, selling a property and the various legal agreements you might have to draw up, these tips will help on how to save when you carry out improvements.Be sure to follow all safety issues you will need to consider if you rent out your property.