Top property maintenance tips for London landlords include conducting regular inspections, making sure you keep up with current legislation and getting reliable tenants in who will respect your property.
Property maintenance can feel like a full-time job. But as a landlord in London, keeping your property in good knick isn’t just about ticking off a checklist.
It’s about protecting your investment, keeping your tenants happy and of course, making sure you’re being compliant with UK rental laws. With years of experience managing properties across London, the team at J Property Management have pulled together a guide to help you master property maintenance like a pro.
Why Property Maintenance Matters
Good maintenance is an investment, not a cost. Here’s why:
- Tenant retention: Happy tenants stay longer, meaning you’re less likely to have vacant periods or spend lots of money finding new tenants.
- Value protection: Regular upkeep means your property is more likely to retain its value, so you don’t lose money in the long-term.
- Cost efficient: Prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance can save you from expensive emergency repairs.
- Legal compliance: Renting out an unsafe property is illegal. Staying on top of safety regulations means you don’t have to worry about any fines or potential legal disputes.
Another key point is that tenants should always have a clear way to get in contact with you if a maintenance issue pops up. For some landlords this is via a portal, others choose to use phone calls. Make sure this communication method is made clear in the early stages of the tenancy and that you are able to respond quickly to any queries.
Proactive vs. Reactive Property Maintenance
As a landlord, you want to make sure that all maintenance you do is proactive.
Proactive maintenance means keeping an eye on the property and addressing issues before they become bigger problems. Reactive maintenance means dealing with problems once they have already happened.
As soon as a maintenance issue kicks off, it’s almost too late. You want to make sure that you are making regular, small fixes instead of big expensive ones. It’s much easier to fix a small issue than solve a bigger problem.
Bring proactive can also make tenants happier. If a boiler breaks, or the plumbing stops working, this can be very disruptive to tenants’ lives. However, if you are regularly checking these elements, it’s much less likely to happen.
And finally, being proactive means much less stress for you. Last-minute emergencies can be very disruptive, so try and make your life easier by doing it bit by bit.
Your Property Maintenance Checklist
You will want to do regular property checks to make sure you catch any issues before they get bigger. If you employ a property maintenance company, they will do this for you.
If not, you should focus on:
- Plumbing leaks and piping
- Signs of damp or mould
- Roof and gutters
- Electrical systems
- Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Making sure window seals remain tight
- General wear and tear on the exterior and interior of the property
- Servicing key appliances like boilers
- Making sure areas are sealed to avoid infestation
- Clearing foliage from outdoor spaces that may be hazardous
Let’s explore each of these…
Plumbing and Drainage
Plumbing issues are the most common landlord headaches. To stop them becoming bigger issues, try and regularly inspect your pipes for any leaks. Make sure that any external gutters are cleared during the winter months to avoid blockages, and encourage tenants to run the water regularly in the winter to avoid them freezing.
If the tenants are due to be away for a long period of time in winter, encourage them to ask a neighbour (or yourself) to go in and keep the drains running.
Boiler and Heating Maintenance
Boilers are the heart of any home’s heating system. They’re not expensive to service, but they are very expensive to replace.
To keep on top of this, make sure that your property’s boiler gets inspected once a year to stay safe and efficient. You can also check radiators and clear any vents for better air flow.
Finally, you’ll need to give your tenants an annual Gas Safety Certificate. This is a legal requirement, so make sure you schedule this in once a year.
Windows and Doors
A drafty property can mean hefty energy bills and make issues like damp more likely.
Make sure that you inspect the sealing around your doors and windows regularly. You can also install double glazing if you find the current structure isn’t keeping the heat in.
Anything you do to improve the energy efficiency of the house also makes it more valuable. Just make sure you get an up to date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to prove it.
Damp and Mould
London is a very wet city. Damp not only destroys the structure of a property, it can also be dangerous to tenants.
One of the quickest ways to bring damp into the house is through open vents or gaps in windows.
Use dehumidifiers or extractor fans in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Regularly check windowsills, bathrooms and walls for signs of damp. The quicker you resolve it, the better.
Electrical and Fire Safety
Electrical issues can cause fires, so you need to stay on top of this too.
Legally, you need to conduct an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years. This should allow you to spot any issues before they become dangerous.
On a more regular basis, make sure you are inspecting sockets, wiring and key appliances every year. If you see an issue, get a professional in immediately.
To keep your property extra safe, make sure you have working smoke detectors on each floor. That means in case of an unforeseen electrical fault, you can still keep your property (and your tenants) safe!
It goes without saying, but make sure you test these alarms regularly and replace batteries whenever needed.
Outdoor Spaces
If your property has an outdoor space, someone will have to maintain it.
Make sure it’s clear with your tenants where this responsibility lies. Someone will need to mow the lawn, trim hedges and prune trees. Not to mention, if there are any large loose branches, someone will need to come and remove them to avoid damages.
Keep The Inside Looking Good Too
Property maintenance is about the structure, but it’s also about the aesthetic.
A small crack in a wall is easy to fill, but left too long and it can become a costly repair. Make sure you’re regularly keeping both the inside and outside of the property looking good to maintain value and appeal.
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of filler or a lick of paint to keep a place looking new.
Legal Property Maintenance Responsibilities For London Landlords
Property maintenance isn’t just about safety. It’s about the law too. London landlords must do the following when it comes to their properties:
- Gas Safety: Annual gas certification for boilers and gas appliances.
- Electrical Safety: EICR every five years or sooner if issues are reported.
- Fire Safety: You must install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Fit for living: The property must be free from hazards like damp, mould or structural instability.
Failing to meet these laws can lead to fines or legal action, so make compliance a priority.
When To Hire A Professional Property Management Service
Managing maintenance can become overwhelming, especially for busy or overseas landlords. A professional property management company can help by handling:
- Regular inspections and repairs.
- Emergency response to urgent issues.
- Coordination with local and high-standard contractors.
- Compliance with all laws.
- Maintenance reporting to keep you informed.
At J Property Management, we help London landlords maintain their properties to the highest standards.
Ready to simplify property maintenance? Contact J Property Management today at info@jpropertymanagement.co.uk and let us handle the hard work for you!
