Buy to let property investors urged to think ahead this winter

Buy to let property investors urged to think ahead this winter

The National Landlords Association (NLA) is reminding buy to let property investors on the UK to ensure that their properties and tenants are prepared for the winter months.

During last year’s particularly cold winter, a significant number of properties were damaged by burst pipes because tenants didn’t know how to shut off the heating system.

Landlords should make sure that tenants are shown how to shut off water to the property, especially if they are to vacate the property over Christmas, to prevent any damage caused by frozen pipes, says the NLA. Alternatively, the heating system thermostat should be set to prevent it from freezing.

Tenants should also be shown how central heating systems work and where the gas boiler is located, along with where the emergency gas shut off valve is.

The NLA is also encouraging landlords to make energy improvements to their properties. Many initiatives will be accessible through the Government’s Green Deal, set to be available from autumn 2012.

Some key ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency include loft insulation .....