Winter is when tenants really appreciate a proactive landlord who ensures their rental property is safe and comfortable during cold, wet weather.
Maintaining your investment property in Adelaide doesn’t just involve building upkeep and appliances checks. It also means putting time and effort into providing a comfortable, safe and energy efficient home for your tenants, showing that you value not just your asset, but the relationship and their wellbeing.
Take these steps to foster a positive landlord-tenant relationship, and provide your tenants with an environment that they will want to remain in.
Service Appliances
A pre-winter professional service of the heating systems and reverse cycle air conditioners is ideal, but it is never too late if you haven’t done it yet. Servicing the heating and cooling systems helps to keep them running efficiently and reduces the risk of an appliance breaking down when it is needed most.
Clean Gutters and Downpipes
Even if the property doesn’t have overhanging trees, gutters and downpipes can become blocked with built-up dust, dirt and debris which blows in and eventually turns to sludge. A blocked gutter or downpipe can cause damage to the property and disruption or inconvenience to your tenants, so ensure gutters and downpipes are clean and clear during the rainy season.
Test Smoke Alarms
In South Australia, rental property regulations require hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup. As most house fires occur during the winter months, smoke alarm checks and regular battery replacements are essential for tenant safety.
Check Exhaust Fans
In the cold of an Adelaide winter, the windows in your rental property may remain unopened for weeks or months on end. As good ventilation helps prevent unhealthy mould and mildew from forming, it is important to check that exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms are working well and that the filters are clean.
Provide Good Insulation
Many tenants in Adelaide are struggling with the cost of living, so helping to keep their energy costs down will certainly keep them happy! Ensure the property has good quality insulation in the ceilings and walls, and consider installing blockout blinds or curtains on windows and glass doors to prevent heat loss. Solar panels and double glazing also help!
Reduce Draughts
A draughty house is a cold house in winter. If gaps around doors or windows are channelling cold air, you can fill the gaps and prevent cold draughts with specialised draught sealing products from your local hardware store.
With all of these things done before or during winter, your tenants are sure to be happy, safe and comfortable in their rental property.
The helpful and knowledgeable Boffo Real Estate Property Management Team are always available for a chat if you need further ideas about how to keep your tenants happy this winter. Don’t hesitate to call us, email or visit – our office is warm and the coffee is brewing!
