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The festive season often means tenants are driving home for Christmas to visit family and friends, leaving properties unoccupied for an extended period. For landlords and tenants alike, this holiday absence requires proactive steps to ensure safety, prevent costly damage, and minimise the duration of any void periods.
Security and safety first
An empty home is unfortunately attractive to intruders. If tenants are leaving for the holidays, they should be reminded to lock up securely.
- For safety, all temporary holiday decorations, especially Christmas lights, must be unplugged before hitting the road. This simple action significantly reduces fire risk.
Appliance and utility checklist
Whether the property is vacant or just temporarily empty, managing appliances is crucial for safety and cost reduction.
- Turn off non-essentials: Turn off non-essential appliances and electrical items at the wall. Not only does this reduce energy costs during the period of absence, but it is also a safer option, eliminating the worry of a faulty appliance developing a fire.
Heating and pipes
The cold weather can wreak havoc on heating systems, with frozen pipes leading to bursts and expensive maintenance issues. Proper preparation is key to avoiding these problems.
If tenants are away, don't completely turn off the heat:
- Keep heating on the back burner: Set the heating thermostat to come on at regular intervals. This keeps the property warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Tenants should consult their agreement: Tenants should refer to their tenancy agreement and consult with their landlord or letting agent. They are best placed to advise on the appropriate level of heating required to avoid issues.
- Long absences: If the property will be vacant for a very long time, draining the heating system down may be an appropriate measure, but this should always be done under professional guidance.
Ventilation and moisture
As people keep heat in during the winter, condensation can become commonplace, leading to damp or mould patches.
- Air out the place: It is important to let moist air out and fresh air in to prevent this unwelcome growth. In vacant properties, ensure the property is regularly ventilated to prevent excessive moisture build-up.
Learn more about the causes and identification of damp and mould in our blog.
Don’t forget the outdoors and maintenance
Preparing for wintry weather extends beyond the interior:
- Outdoor hazards: Gardens should be checked for overhanging branches that could blow off in high winds or under heavy snow, potentially damaging guttering, roofs, or windows.
- Tenants should report any concerns to their landlord.
Chimney care: If the rented home has a fireplace or chimney, ensure that responsibility for its maintenance and care has been clearly agreed upon between the landlord and tenant.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, maintaining a property regularly is essential for a successful tenancy and reducing the duration of any true void periods. Landlords and tenants should ensure open communication and keep a record of any issues reported so they can be dealt with quickly to keep the home safe and protected.
Want more help? Arthur has everything you could need to prepare!
