How tenants can take responsibility during cold winter months

Assuming that your landlord will be liable for damage to the property and your possessions through frozen pipes is often wrong.

With Christmas only just around the corner, some tenants will be going off for a break to visit friends or relatives. However, a tenant does have responsibilities.

In these times of financial squeeze, it’s a great idea to turn the heating down. However, if you are going away for a winter break, in an effort to be prudent, don’t turn your heating off completely.

If you check the small print of your agreement, it is just as likely to advise you that you have a liability in your absence to protect the property from frozen pipes. Maintaining just a small amount of heat running throughout the pipes and property will often eliminate this problem.

Assuming that your landlord will be liable for damage to the property and your possessions through frozen pipes is often wrong.

If you are away for more than a couple of days, turn off as many appliances as possible. Not only will this save you money on electrical costs, but this will also prevent any electrical problems while you are away.

Keep computers and valuable out of site or take them with you. If you are in a house share make sure everyone has an understanding of their joint responsibilities. Make sure you have some form of insurance for either loss or damage. Finally, make sure you have emergency contacts for either your agent or landlord, both emails and emergency contact telephone numbers.

Now is a good time to get to know your neighbours, take around a bottle of wine, and leave a contact number. Ask them to keep an eye on the property, while you are away.

Check and double-check your property when you leave, make sure the doors and windows are secure. Thieves have a habit of finding the smallest weakness in security at a property and breaking in.

A property that is pitch dark, is more vulnerable than one that has lights on, buy a few cheap timer switches for side lights, which switch on at random times.

All the above might seem just like common sense. In fact, they are. However, often in most of us, we find it lacking at the times when we most should be using it.

If you need any help or advice over the Christmas period remember the Home Lettings Scotland team is always on hand.