Empty Property Winter Safety Tips
Do you rent out a house during the summer months only? Or are you taking the chance to renovate a flat over the coming months? If you have any property that will stand empty this winter, read our guide to help keep it safe and sound.
Security
Empty homes can be a target for thieves, vandals and squatters. Try to keep the property looking like it is lived in. Don’t allow the garden to become overgrown, pick up post and have a cleaner go in once a month. You should also consider installing a burglar alarm and motion sensitive lighting for extra security.
Our dedicated team are always available to help – either on the phone or online. Call us on 0117 955 6835 now to discuss your insurance needs for your peace of mind all winter and throughout the year.
Burst pipes
Pipes that have frozen in the cold and split can leave a trail of disaster when they thaw out. Even worse, in an empty property they may go undetected, resulting in additional problems such as rot taking hold. Prevention is best. Leave heating on in the house at a low temperature to help prevent pipes from freezing in the first place.
You can also lag pipes and tanks in cold areas like the roof, and leave the loft hatch open so warm air can keep this space above freezing. More guidance can be found at Housing Executive website. If pipes do freeze or you have a leak, check out the Water Safe list of approved plumbers and get it fixed, fast.
Damp problems and mould
Keeping heating on at a very low setting won’t be enough to prevent condensation, which can result in mould and mildew. To prevent that, you’ll need to heat the property to at least 12 degrees centigrade.
Vermin
Mice and rats don’t like the cold any more than we do. They can squeeze through even the smallest gaps and take up residence in your property. With a penchant for chewing wires, the damage they can cause can be significant. Try to block up gaps to stop them finding a way in (wire wool can be effective for this) and lay baited traps. You’ll need to check on traps regularly, or you could find yourself confronted with quite a stench if bodies are left to decompose.
Storm damage
Check slates and tiles are secure. If any blow loose in high winds they can cause damage to neighbouring property and could also allow water to get into your roof space. High winds can also turn items in the garden into potential missiles, so make sure you safely store anything that could get blown around.
Deep clean before leaving the property empty
Making sure everything is clean before your property is shut up for the winter will help to prevent odours and mustiness taking hold. Clean everything thoroughly, including inside and underneath the fridge. And leave cupboard doors open to encourage ventilation.
Try to visit regularly and undertake maintenance
Visiting the property regularly, or asking someone else to do this for you, can help you to identify problems and resolve them quickly. Also undertake regular maintenance, such as servicing the boiler, checking gutters for blockages and inspecting windows for cracks.
Ensure you’re insured
Sometimes, no amount of planning can stop the winter weather causing damage. Comprehensive empty buildings insurance will give you peace of mind that no matter what happens, your property is protected.
Is your insurance valid?
You might think you’ve got insurance covered, but it might surprise you to learn that some insurance policies are invalidated if a property is left empty for a period of time. The reason for this is that a property is at an increased risk of more substantial damage if left empty. Always make sure you have specialist insurance for landlords, or make sure your insurance company is aware the property is being left empty. You might want to consider specialist unoccupied property insurance.
Check your builder is insured if you’re having major work done
If work is being carried out on your property, check that your builder has appropriate insurance. If damage is caused during the building process, your own insurance might not cover you. Speak to your broker for more information.
Effective insurance means peace of mind for property owners and landlords
The specialist property owner’s insurance team at Park Insurance have an in-depth understanding of your specific needs and can advise you on all the insurance options available. Part of a large business, with 30 years trusted experience, Park Insurance is the preferred broker for some of the UK’s leading insurance companies and can negotiate better deals on your behalf. The result? You get the right level of coverage with no hidden surprises in the small print at a great value price.
Our dedicated team are always available to help – either on the phone or online. Call us on 0117 955 6835 now to discuss your insurance needs for your peace of mind all winter and throughout the year.