Managing Cold Weather and Winter in Rental Properties
As Storm Bert took hold on parts of the UK, there are still a number of National Severe Weather Warnings in place for snow and ice. It is therefore important to think ahead and prepare how the weather will impact landlords and tenants. The Met Office is working with the Cabinet Office and their Weather Ready partners to help prepare for and cope with severe weather.
As temperatures drop, rental properties face unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant damage, costly repairs, and tenant dissatisfaction. Landlords have legal obligations under Sections 11–16 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to ensure that their properties are kept in a safe and habitable condition.
COP 26 starts in Glasgow
What is Cop 26 ?
The Cop, or conference of the parties, is the overall decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is its 26th annual meeting, where decisions are made by 197 countries to prevent “dangerous” human interference with the climate.
The conference officially started on Sunday 31st October 2021 and is scheduled to finish on November 12.
The conference will be held at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow.
In 2019, Glasgow city council set their target of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030. The city was awarded the status of a “global green city” by the Global Forum on Human Settlements last year.
Adopted at Cop21 in 2015, the most significant conference in recent years, the Paris agreement is a legally binding treaty on climate change in which countries are supposed to increase their efforts every five years and submit new targets to keep global temperatures “well below” 2.0C above pre-industrial levels and “endeavour to limit” heating to 1.5C.
With leaders and dignitaries from almost 200 countries attending, Cop26 is effectively acting as a deadline to secure tougher targets from countries that have not already submitted them and fulfil the aims of the Paris agreement.
Condensation or Damp? How to help Tenants Manage during the Winter Months.
It doesn’t matter whether you live in a Victorian Semi or a newly built development, condensation can have a huge impact on the property, the tenant and the landlord.
The problem may start off quite small, but it can quickly escalate if not dealt with correctly and cause longer-lasting problems. These can include damp and mould, which can damage walls, furniture, clothing and subsequently become detrimental to one’s health.
This mini guide help understand the causes of condensation, how to prevent it, and what to do to keep mould and damp away.
What causes Condensation?
Condensation occurs when warm air collides with cold surfaces, or when there’s too much humidity the dwelling. This is especially common in winter, when the central heating system is used more frequently.
While condensation is rarely a problem in the summer, the amount of water in the air (otherwise known as the humidity) inside our homes is higher during the colder months. This is because we tend to have the heating turned up high and the windows closed. That’s why condensation is a bigger problem during the autumn and winter months, as it’s no longer confined to the bathroom. When the outside temperature drops, water can start to appear on windows and walls.
Boiler Safety and Maintenance Tips Landlords need to know
One of the pitfalls of being a landlord is the hidden costs that can spring up at any given time.
Some, you simply cannot plan for. For instance, a broken-down boiler can occur without warning, and that is a major strain on finances. Simple repairs might not cover the extent of the problem and if you need to replace an appliance, then it is going to be a four-figure sum as a bare minimum. Property Reporter claims that the average cost of repairing a boiler is 60% more than an average month’s rent in the UK. As a landlord, that is a big hit to take.
Aside from the financial obligation, you also have a responsibility to your tenant to ensure their well-being, and the heating system is your responsibility. A poorly maintained boiler can cause untold problems for a tenant, which includes gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as we explained in our article Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation. Luckily, there are some basic maintenance tips you can take that will help prevent major catastrophe at an intrusive time for both you, and your tenant.