Tenant advice: How to weather-proof homes

Although they do not own their home, there may still be steps that renting tenants can take to ensure their properties will not be damaged by the approaching winter weather.

Cliff D'Arcy, in an article for Love Money, asserts that one priority should be taking out contents insurance and keeping the policy safe, to ensure that should personal belongings be damaged as a result of the weather - such as has occurred in the north-west of the UK following the recent floods - they could still be covered.

He adds that as the temperatures drop, it is also important to ensure central heating is working, which means having a boiler service - something tenants may wish to ask their Landlords about.

Finally, in the event of flooding or a leak, Mr D'Arcy advises that damage could be limited by ensuring all members of the household know where the stop cock is located - which allows them to turn off the water supply.

Britons looking for flats to rent in Hammersmith or another area of London may find this preferable to owning a property as a Landlord can take more responsibility for weather-proofing the home.

Written by Martyn Glynn

Published 24th November, 2009

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