Want to enjoy a safe and stress-free festive season without an emergency call from your tenants? With a little planning, you can prepare for Christmas and minimise the risk of unwelcome surprises. Use this handy checklist to ensure your property is ready, and you can relax knowing you’ve done everything possible to avoid tenant emergencies.
Christmas is fast approaching, but as a landlord, there’s still some work to do. While emergencies are rare at a rental property, they can occur – even on Christmas Day. A burst pipe, a fallen fence, or a boiler breakdown can quickly disrupt your holiday.
However, with a bit of preparation, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of getting that dreaded call while you’re enjoying Christmas dinner. Here’s how you can prepare for Christmas and ensure your property is ready for the festive season.
Chat with Your Tenants
Start by having a friendly conversation with your tenants. Ask if there are any minor issues at the property that need attention before the holidays. A quick fix now could prevent a major issue later.
If your tenants are travelling during the festive period, discuss home security tips to keep the property safe. Also, ensure they know where to locate the stopcock. In the event of a burst pipe, they can turn off the mains water and prevent significant damage until a professional can step in.
And of course, don’t forget to wish them a Merry Christmas!
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Winter weather can wreak havoc on properties. Before Christmas, check that fences, gutters, roof tiles, and pipes are in good condition. Clear gutters of leaves to prevent blockages, and secure any loose fence panels that could come down in strong winds.
The boiler is another essential to address. If you have any concerns, call a Gas Safe engineer now to ensure it’s working efficiently. A broken boiler over Christmas is not only stressful but can also be expensive to repair during the holidays.
Get Organised
The busy lead-up to Christmas can make it easy to overlook landlord admin, but being prepared is key. Have emergency contact details for trusted plumbers, locksmiths, and electricians ready, so you’re not scrambling in the event of a problem.
Additionally, check that your landlord insurance is up to date and includes storm and flood cover. This will give you peace of mind in case of extreme weather over the festive period.
Or Take the Most Effective Option
Want to truly enjoy a peaceful holiday season? The best way to prepare for Christmas is by partnering with a top letting agent.
A professional agent will already have emergency tradespeople on standby and can handle any issues that arise, leaving you free to focus on your festivities. With a trusted agent managing your property, you can switch off your phone, put your feet up, and enjoy a stress-free Christmas.
Need Help with Property Management?
If you’d like to learn more about our property management services, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you ensure your property is well-prepared for the holiday season – and beyond.
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