Spring is in the air – top tips for landlords this season

As the weather warms up and thoughts turn to spring cleaning and building improvements, landlords might wish to give their properties a seasonal check.

This is the time of year to consider doing all those small jobs that have been building up and to ensure everything is in the best shape possible.

This will not only help you to attract retain and attract good tenants but will also maintain your valuable property investment.

Here are a few top tips from Norfolk Property Lettings & Management:

Check the gardens and grounds

Remove unwanted leaves, branches and other natural debris that may have gathered and possibly piled up during the bad autumn and winter weather.

Clear paths and patio area to ensure they are unobstructed and their surfaces are not slippery; check and repair any loose paving stones or pieces of concrete.

Prune any trees and shrubs that require cutting back, and decide whether your lawns need attention or beds need planting out as the weather warms up.

Repair any fences, gates or wall that may be damaged.

Check the exterior of the property

Inspect your roof to ensure tiles have not been dislodged and chimneys or flashing damaged during storms or high winds.

Examine gutters and vents to make sure they are not clogged up, and clear them if necessary.

Check all drains, taps, pipes and drains for leaks and to ensure they are flowing properly.

Inspect all your exterior walls and windows for evidence of cracks, loose render and damaged or rotten sills or frames.

Decide whether any external paintwork needs freshening up and whether windows and doors need heavy cleaning.

Check the interior of the property

If you are between tenants, then this is perfect time to carry out any repair, refurbishment or decorative work.

This may also be a good time to have your boiler serviced and to carry out any major heating or plumbing work that is required.

You may wish to bleed radiators and check any internal pipework for leaks.

This might also be a good time to have your gas and electricity certificates renewed, and to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Norfolk Property Lettings & Management can organise repairs and maintenance to an agreed budget for its landlords.

Otherwise, it is important to use accredited trades people to carry out work.