If you are thinking about getting your rental property on the market, it is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that your future tenants will be safe.

It is better to carry out all the tests before you enter a contract, as you might face a liability insurance claim that can reduce your profits, or - if you don’t have this covered- you will end up in court. Below you will find a few tips on how to ensure your rental property is safe.

Roof Inspections

It is crucial that you get your roof inspected and ensure that it is repaired and checked regularly. A leak due to a storm will not only cause damage to your property, but also your tenants’ belongings.

This will, in turn, trigger a compensation claim, which will cost you. Make sure that you are checking the guttering, too, as the leak can damage your wall and structural stability, as well as the look of the house.

Electrical Safety

Of course, one of the main causes of accidents around the home is electrical fire. You can easily prevent this if you get your fuse box checked and get a contractor to check your wiring is able to cope with the energy consumption of your tenants.

If you are letting the house out furnished or part furnished, every electrical appliance needs to be tested. Get in touch with PAT Testing Bristol so you can get the certificate you need to safely let your house out.

Heating and Air Conditioning Tests

Another area of your home that you need to get tested is your heating and air conditioning system. By law, you will need to get regular checks carried out. Make sure that you work with a qualified engineer who can identify and fix the problems and is available when your tenants need help.

Pest Control

As a homeowner looking to make money off your property, it is important that you take care of basic pest control jobs.

It might be out of your control what your tenants do in the property, but you will have to give them the tools to prevent infestation and damage. Get a contract with a trusted pest control company like Pest Control Experts, or a similar company that operates in your locale, and get them to carry out regular checks.

Individual Alarm and Home Monitoring

If you know that your tenants will be busy professionals, you might even offer to set up a home alarm for them and give them the code. This might sound like an invasion of their privacy, but it is there for their protection.

You might also offer home automation that will keep an eye on the home when nobody is there. Most young people would rather move into a smart home that can be controlled through apps than an old fashioned one. Alternatively, you could hire a property guardian or house sitter to look after your home while it is unoccupied.

Being a responsible landlord means that you will have to check everything that can pose as a risk. You are also advised to take out legal and liability insurance, so - when things go wrong - you can protect your finances.