Landlords, get your Cardiff rental property summer-ready
It might not feel like it every day (thanks, Welsh weather!) but summer’s just around the corner, which means now’s the perfect time for landlords to give their rental properties a once-over. At CPS Homes, we manage hundreds of homes across Cardiff and know from experience that a little bit of seasonal TLC now can save you a lot of headaches (and costs) later. Whether you manage your own property or work with a letting agent like us, it’s essential to make sure everything’s in top shape before the summer months.
Inspect for pests
As temperatures rise, so does the chance of pests making themselves at home. A quick inspection for signs of pests (like nests, droppings, or chewed woodwork) can nip any infestations in the bud. Common entry points like gaps or cracks around pipes, doors and windows should be sealed up properly. If you’re unsure or spot anything suspicious, it might be worth getting a pest control expert involved before it turns into a bigger issue.
Keep an eye out for leaks
Leaks aren’t always obvious straight away, but the damage they cause can be expensive. Check around taps, under sinks and anywhere plumbing is hidden away. Bathrooms, kitchens and basements are the usual trouble spots. Even something as simple as a small drip should be dealt with quickly, as a little leak can turn into a lot of water damage before you know it.
We always encourage our tenants to report leaks early and help guide tenants on what to watch for to help protect your investment.
Freshen up the garden
A well-kept outdoor area gives tenants another reason to enjoy the property (and stay longer). Remind tenants to mow lawns, trim hedges and keep the garden tidy. Clean gutters to maintain proper drainage and prevent water damage or damp (gutters should be cleared at least twice a year for best results). Inspect the roof for loose or missing tiles or any winter damage and fix issues early to avoid leaks during summer storms. Check fences, gates and paving for signs of wear (like wobbly fence panels or cracked paving stones) and make any necessary minor repairs to keep the property safe and secure.
Windows, doors, and insulation checks
A quick check of your windows and doors can make a big difference to how comfortable your property is during summer and it’ll save energy when colder months return too. Open and close every window and door to make sure they’re operating smoothly, locks are secure and seals are intact. Replacing worn-out sealant around frames will help keep the property cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s chilly.
It’s also worth checking for any signs of mould or condensation around window sills, as proper ventilation now can stop small issues becoming big problems later. Tenants do have a responsibility to help manage mould and condensation day-to-day, so it’s important to remind them to ventilate rooms properly and report any issues early.
As part of our property management service at CPS Homes, we regularly send tenants tips and guidance on managing ventilation properly, helping to prevent issues before they become costly problems for landlords.
Freshen up with a spring clean
Nothing says “summer-ready” like a freshly cleaned home! We’re talking about deep-cleaning carpets, wiping down skirting boards, airing out rooms, scrubbing bathrooms and giving kitchens a good de- grease.
We encourage regular tenant cleaning throughout the tenancy, but a professional deep-clean at the end of a tenancy can help set the right standard for incoming renters.
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Keeping the lines of communication open with your tenants makes seasonal maintenance much smoother. Make sure tenants know what to look out for and feel comfortable reporting small issues early. It also helps to double-check everyone’s clear on who’s responsible for what when it comes to basic maintenance.
A reminder for our managed landlord clients (student homes)
We always advise our Cardiff landlord clients to plan ahead when it comes to summer maintenance for student rentals. Contractor availability fills up fast - particularly through July - and with many student tenants moving in again by August, it’s essential to get any necessary works booked early. June is often the ideal time to carry out maintenance and re-decorating jobs - properties are quieter, contractors have more availability and there’s less chance of new damage before tenants move in.
We proactively inspect our managed properties, advise landlords on recommended works and offer quotes from trusted local contractors to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Looking for more tailored advice on looking after your rental property?
Whether you’re after a full property management service or just a little guidance now and then, our expert team at CPS Homes is here to help. Give us a call on 02920 668585, drop us an email to lettings@cpshomes.co.uk. To learn more about our managed landlord services in Cardiff, click here.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
