Recommended annual property maintenance checks

Every six months it's a good idea to make sure that your property is in a good condition as small leaks, for example, can cause major problems if they aren't quickly fixed. It may be that your letting agent will do these checks as part of their management fee.

To help you, here's a handy list checks you should have carried out on your property every 6 months-

Outside the property

Roof Maintenance

Check for missing or broken tiles and replace them as soon as possible.

Chimneys

Make sure that the brickwork is in good condition and that at the bottom of the chimney stack the flashing (lead) or the concrete is completely sealed. You can do this via a visual check using binoculars.

Guttering and Drains

Ensure that they are clear of debris and that the water is draining away effectively. Ideally visit on a day when it's raining so you can spot leaks more easily!

Brickwork

Check for any new cracks or if there is any mortar missing or damaged and investigate the cause and fix.

Damp Proof Course (DPC)

This should be visible from the outside of the property at the bottom of the brickwork. Check that no debris has built up which covers the DPC as it may cause it to fail.

Windows and Doors

Check the locks are working and that they open and close easily. If wooden, check whether any painting is required. Make sure none of the windows/doors have any broken panes and if they do, fix immediately.

Inside the property

Gas, Electrics and Plumbing

Have the boiler serviced annually and ensure you have a gas safety certificate. Check all the radiators or heaters are working properly and make sure that there aren't any leaks anywhere. See if toilets flush effectively and taps are working well. Ensure that all the electric sockets and wiring are safe, ideally get a professional electrician in for this job.

Internal Walls

Make sure the walls are dry and there is no sign of damp. Check that the condition of the walls and decoration is the same as the inventory and there are no cracks appearing. Check for any holes appearing in walls that may allow any unwanted visitors in from the outside!