Common summer problems for landlords

The harshest season for any property to endure is winter, with its freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather – but did you know that summer can also present its own risks? If you’re a landlord, you need to be aware of the potential issues that your property can face in hot weather, and the steps you can take to minimise them.

Animals

With the warm weather, the birds are literally coming home to roost, and they might choose to set up home in your rental property. Birds can build nests under eaves, in gutters and chimneys and on balconies, which can cause blockages and mess that might damage your property. Insects such as bees and wasps might also move in, and this could be a particular nuisance for your tenants. If you’re having a problem with animals in your rental property, don’t try to remove them yourself. It’s best to call a professional who will know how to remove or deter them in a way that is safe for you, your tenants and the animals themselves.

Leaks

Roof damage may be more likely in winter, but it is still a possibility in summer. Hot weather and high humidity lead to dramatic summer storms, and a sudden downpour can cause a leak in the roof where there wasn’t one before. It’s a good idea to tell your tenants to be on the lookout for leaks or damp patches on ceilings, and to contact you if they spot anything, so that you can get the problem fixed before it causes lasting damage.

Concrete damage

High temperatures can cause concrete to shrink, which can lead to loose and wobbly stones in paths, driveways and walls. If this happens on a surface people walk on, it could be a tripping hazard, and loose stones can also become a problem as the weather gets colder, and rain and ice get into the cracks and make them even bigger. If there is a period of particularly hot weather, it’s worth doing a quick walk-around of your property and identifying any concrete that needs repairing.

Lawns

Lawns needs extra protection in summer, particularly in long spells of hot weather, so if your rental property comes with a lawn then it will need looking after. Unless it has been agreed in the contract, you cannot require tenants to tend to a lawn, but you could provide a good-quality lawnmower and ask them to cut the grass now and again. You could also install sprinklers to come on in the early morning or the evening (but not during the heat of the day, as this can harm the grass). And if the garden is a real selling point for your property then you should consider hiring a gardener to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Do you have a property to let in Bristol this summer? Contact Gough Quarters today to find out how we can help.

Image sources:
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Photo by Daniel Watson on Unsplash