How to be a good landlord during the festive season

Christmas is the time to gather with family, relax around the fireplace and enjoy some time off, but before you do, you will need to make sure everything is in order with your properties, so that you and your tenants can have the best holiday season possible. Here are our top tips on how to be a good landlord during the festive season.

Complete your winter checks 

Get your winter checks done as early as possible, as any issues will become harder to resolve the closer you get to Christmas. Check the heating system is in good working condition, the gutters are clear of leaves and mulch from autumn, and nothing has frozen over in the cold, such as pipes and door locks. Once you’re certain your property can withstand the cold winter months, you can put your feet up and enjoy a mince pie knowing that you drastically reduced the risk of any weather-related disasters.

Prepare yourself and your tenants for Christmas 

Robberies and theft tend to peak during holiday periods, so get in touch with your tenants and ask what their plans are over the season. If they are going to be away from the property for some time, advise them on how to deter thieves such as keeping their lights on a timer, asking a trusted neighbour to accept parcels and ensure all doors and windows are secure.  

You will also want to enjoy the holiday period, so if you’re going away or will be unavailable over Christmas, make sure you inform your tenants of this and explain how and when they will be able to contact you, should there be an emergency. If you’re planning to take a break for a little while, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone else to be on call instead.

Be fire conscious

During the festive season, homes will be dressed up in lights, candles and all manner of bright, sparkly things to illuminate the dark evenings. To reduce the risk of fires, give your tenants a fire safety refresh and check all doors and handles are meeting legislation standards. Tell tenants not to use old Christmas lights, to never leave any lights or candles unattended, and to try keep them off during the day to prevent overheating.

Discuss decorations 

Most people will want to make their house cosy and festive in the winter months, and tenants are no exception. Let your tenants know they have the freedom to decorate the home but be clear on the conditions and any boundaries you may have. It’s important that you establish this early on to avoid any disputes.

Plan for the year ahead 

As this year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning out the year ahead, whilst also reflecting on the past 12 months. Take the time out to think about everything that went well for you this year and how you can improve going forward so that you can enter the New Year with a fresh mindset and an improved strategy.

Send season’s greetings 

Last but not least, show your tenant’s your appreciation for taking care of your property by sending them a seasonal card, or maybe even a small gift to thank them for being a good tenant. 

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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