Time for a health check

Ongoing maintenance goes hand-in-hand with being a landlord, but conducting an annual survey will help identify any repair and maintenance issues which need to be rectified before they turn into costly problems. Having a schedule for planned and preventative maintenance will save costs and inconvenience in the long term. It also provides a platform for the landlord to ensure equipment which should be annually serviced, is checked.

Start with the exterior of the building, giving it a thorough examination. Check roofing hasn’t been damaged by the winter storms, looking out for loose tiles and slates and any rips in the membrane. Defective roof coverings and damaged or poorly maintained gutters can cause major problems. Ensure the gutters are cleared of any debris and check for any signs of damage to pipes which could burst.

If the building is already leaking, it’s vital that repairs are carried out before the problem escalates into a flood. If this was to happen, the insurance company will want to know that all preventative measures have been taken to avoid the situation. Protect your investment by ensuring you have buildings cover, which will cover your premises against all insurable risks and any professional fees which are incurred.

When checking the building’s exterior, also look at the walls for signs of decay to the masonry and mortar joints. Look out for any new cracks, which could be an indication of subsidence. If the crack is minor, repoint it with an appropriate mortar to prevent moisture entering. If it opens further after pointing, seek the advice of a chartered structural engineer.

Clear away any bushes and trees that have grown close to the building. They can cause problems in the future and may also prevent you from thoroughly inspecting the premises. Taking a note of growth can also help prevent future damage to the building tree roots and similar.

The landlord is responsible for managing risk hazards. The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires anyone with some level of control in premises must take steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape in the event of an incident. In a tenanted building, this applies not only to common areas but the entire premises. This means a landlord should carry out an annual fire risk assessment to identify any possible dangers and provide items such as fire blankets and the appropriate extinguishers.
Fire certificates are also required and it is likely you and the tenant will be asked for a copy by your business insurance providers. In premises occupied by only one business, it’s the tenant’s responsibility but if there is more than one company functioning in the building, then the landlord is required to obtain a certificate. Either way, ensure it’s up-to-date. If you do update your fire alarm system, make sure you inform your insurance provider as it will need to be noted on the policy.

Don’t overlook other equipment within the building, such as the boiler and heating system, the air conditioning units and the wiring systems. As common and shared systems, they are the landlord’s responsibility to check and are considered a risk. Checks on the heating system should be examined by a qualified, Gas Safe registered installer. For electrical testing, ensure the contractor is NICEIC registered, which will provide a six year, insurance-backed warranty on their work. Air conditioning should also be annually serviced, ideally before being switched on for the summer.  

The landlord also has some responsibility for health and safety issues. Make sure the premises are in safe, working order and in particular areas such as lifts, stairways, walkways, corridors and any outside footpaths. Check hand rails on the stairs and steps are in good condition and make sure any broken walkways are repaired to prevent slips and trips for which you can be held responsible. Your business insurance policy should include property owner’s liability, which provides cover if you become legally liable to pay damages for injury to a person or accidental loss or damage of their property in connection with your premises.

In order to retain the value of the property, regular maintenance and repairs should be carried out, which will also ensure that as a landlord, you are adhering to your responsibilities. And remember: dealing with small problems as they are identified avoids them escalating into bigger, more costly issues at a later date.

Chris Little is managing director of Premierline Direct. Visit: premierlinedirect.co.uk