Being a Landlord can be an exciting and prosperous time. However Landlords have a whole new list of responsibilities, namely the maintenance of the property. Maintenance issues can often creep in over time, or sometimes they are there from the outset. Either way, without being dealt with issues escalate and hen cause further problems for both yourself and your tenants.

There are a few basic renovation jobs that you can do that will keep the house in good condition, and keep the property in good condition for a long time. By staying on top of these relatively simple jobs you can save yourself from having to manage repairs and further maintenance jobs once your tenants have moved in.

Damp

Damp can cause big problems for both landlords and tenants. It is one of those problems that can escalate very quickly if left untreated, but if you spot the signs early on then it is easily treatable. But the best way is to prevent it from forming in the first place.

To prevent damp and mould from arising we recommend Zinsser Perma White Interior. Its moisture fighting properties it is ideally suited for areas with persistent humidity and poor air circulation, such as bathrooms, basements and also laundry rooms. Using this product, especially in areas where there is a high risk of damp or moisture, can protect the property. As the Landlord you will obviously not be spending as much time in the property as the tenants, which means it may not be clear to you immediately when an issue such as damp has come about. Because of this, preventative measures are always going to be the way forward. Products like Perma White  contain biocides which protect the dried coating from fungal degradation.

If damp and mould has already become an issue and you are looking for ways to fix it then we suggest using a product like FK111 to remove any mould and contaminates from the surface. This should make it neutral enough to paint, then you should put Durbocem over the top to prevent further spread of damp and protect the wall from further damage. Finally overcoat it with Perma White to utilise the mouldfighting capabilities and protect the wall from further issues.

Roofing

When something goes wrong with the roof  it can be daunting. Fixing and replacing a leaky roof can be very expensive, which is why maintaining it before it gets to a more extreme stage of dilapidation is important. Using the right products can keep your roof can protect it and keep it in sound condition for a much longer time. Mathys Dac Hydro Plus is excellent for pitched roofs: it’s flexible and durable, so it’s ideal for renovating a protecting roof tiles.

Flat roofs often present a lot of issues, because rain and debris can pool on top of it and cause problems. Obviously if there is a big hole in the roof, there’s not much that a coat of paint can do to help. However if you have a leak, or a small crack along the surface of the roof then use Fillcoat or Fillcoat Fibres. This a waterproof, elastic paint can cure under water, and provides the ideal solution to small leaks.

If you are able to prevent leaks and other roofing issues then it helps to maintain the rest of the house too.

Windows

There are 2 main things that you need to check with windows. Firstly you need to know what condition they’re in. Very old windows may need completely replacing, but often, assuming the windows were decent to start with, just make sure they’re sealed properly. Any small sealing issues can be fixed using Elastofill.

The other issue, that a lot of landlords don’t consider until it’s too late, is how accessible the windows are to unwanted intruders. Anti-Climb paint is a great way of protecting the house from thieves. For the most part, these paints work as a deterrent, and are very effective in preventing people from entering the house uninvited.

Best advice for all Landlords:

Obviously you cannot prepare for every eventuality. These few tips and areas to focus on should prevent you from needing to do any drastic repairs, but there is no way of knowing for sure. As the property owner the best thing you can do is visit regularly enough that you will spot any arising issues before they escalate. Most problems develop over time, and the sooner that you’re aware of them the easier they are to fix. Regular inspections and keeping in contact with the tenants is the best way to keep the house well maintained.

If you have any specific problems that you are looking to fix, or you have any concerns about your property then call us on 01902 429190.