How letting agents can get ready for winter 

Winter can be a tricky time for letting agents, landlords, and tenants. The colder months often bring more maintenance issues, higher energy bills, and even risks to the property’s condition. But with some smart planning, letting agents can stay ahead of the game and help everyone enjoy a smooth and stress-free winter. Here’s how to get prepared. 

Do pre-winter property checks 

Before winter fully sets in, it’s a good idea to ask tenants to give their properties a once-over to catch any potential issues early and make sure boilers, radiators, and thermostats are working properly. A quick service now could also save tenants from being left in the cold later. 

Where the tenant is responsible for clearing out leaves and debris from gutters and drains to stop water from freezing or overflowing, check that they have done so. Otherwise, you should ensure you have a contractor set up to perform this work. 

By spotting and fixing problems early, you’ll save money on bigger repairs and keep tenants happy. 

Get ready for emergencies 

Winter can throw unexpected challenges like burst pipes, roof leaks or broken boilers, so having a plan in place is key. 

Have a list of emergency contacts such as trusted plumbers, electricians, and heating engineers ready to go and let tenants know exactly what to do in an emergency and who to contact. Consider how you are going to deal with emergencies out of hours on or public holidays such as Christmas Day. 

A laminated sheet with details in a prominent place in the tenanted property can be incredibly effective. 

Being prepared for emergencies shows tenants and landlords that you’ve got things under control, no matter what winter throws your way. 

Help tenants stay winter-savvy 

Tenants can help protect their homes too, so it’s worth giving them a few tips. 

Encourage them to keep the heating on at a low level, even if they’re out, to stop pipes from freezing and remind them to ventilate their homes to prevent condensation and mold, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. 

The more informed tenants are, the fewer calls you’ll get about preventable issues. 

Look after empty properties 

Vacant properties need extra attention during the colder months.  

Keep them safe by doing regular checks and visiting the property to make sure the heating is working and there’s no damage from freezing weather. 

Test locks, alarms, and outdoor lighting to keep properties secure. Perform general maintenance, such as arranging for snow clearing or garden upkeep, to maintain the property’s appeal for viewings. 

Well-maintained empty properties are easier to rent out and less likely to face expensive damage. 

Use technology to stay ahead 

Tech can make winter prep much easier. 

Property management software has tools to schedule maintenance, communicate with tenants, and respond quickly to issues. 

SME Professional’s property software CRM has an advanced maintenance area that enables agents to easily receive reports, instruct contractors and accurately track repairs. We also have a powerful integration with property maintenance platform Fixflo that pulls information directly into the SME Professional system.