The season is almost upon us, and with it comes the expectation of a quiet time for many landlords. The holidays can be a time of excitement and cheer for some, but for others, they can be exhausting or even overwhelming. If you’re a property owner, this article is designed to help you handle the holiday season in style—with less stress and more peace of mind. Read on to learn about some key considerations you should make as a landlord during the festive season.
Check your property’s utilities:
It is vital to keep a close eye on gas, electricity, and water usage during the holiday season. Likewise, it’s essential to consider energy usage when renting to individuals with specific energy needs, such as elderly tenants or those with medical conditions. Keep in mind that it’s not just about electricity. For example, landlords who have gas appliances in their rental units can run into issues with appliance safety or having run out of gas. Keeping an eye on it and having it sorted ahead of time will prevent your tenants from facing unwanted problems. Also, you may consider looking for estate agents in Watford to assess your property while you’re away.
Be flexible with tenant requests:
If your tenants are expecting you to make a particular type of food during the holidays, you should know that they may not be as adamant about it as they might be during other times of the year. Or suppose your tenants have requested something specific (such as typical food or beverages) that is not typically available. In that case, consider making it available for guests who are visiting from out of town. If you don’t want to take on a large commitment, you may consider offering a seasonal menu that accommodates the limited options your guests might have.
Ensure your tenants are aware of the reporting process:
It’s imperative for your tenants to be aware of their rights and how to report issues when they arise. For example, if a plumbing issue arises, your tenants should know they have the right to notify a city inspector or even the police (if it happens during business hours).
Create a holiday safety plan:
Many landlords will have a specific safety plan in place for tenants to follow during the holiday season. If this is the case, you should make sure your tenants are aware of it. For instance, in a situation where there’s an outside fire or someone has fallen, your tenants should know precisely how to handle the situation. Also, you should instruct your tenants on what they should do if their neighbours appear intoxicated or present a threat.
Keep in touch with your tenants:
While you may be busy with the holidays and other important things in your life, keeping in touch with your tenants is still essential. For example, you may want to send them a friendly reminder about how to report an issue or about safety precautions for their unit. Or you may also find it helpful to send a holiday note along with seasonal items. This could be something as simple as a set of holiday decorations or a special holiday recipe you’ve put together. It’s also a good idea to follow up with tenants a few days after the holidays to ensure everything was okay and see what else they would like to see added to the property.
Appoint an agent while you’re holidaying:
If you’re planning to go on vacation, you might consider appointing an agent to look after your tenants. These agents will make sure that the property is kept clean and that any repairs or updates are carried out while you’re away. Plus, they’ll be equipped to deal with any emergency that may arise. By appointing an agent, you’ll be able to relax and know that your property is in good hands. Plus, if there are any problems with tenants while you’re away, the agent will be able to resolve them quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion:
When you own a property, making sure it’s in good shape can help you stand out from the crowd and attract potential tenants. But it can also be stressful for you, as well as for your tenants. However, from checking your property’s utility usage to having a safety plan ahead, following the above tips can help you and your tenants avoid problems and improve relationships.
