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Landlords 'should prepare for the big freeze'

02nd February 2012

Waking up on a cold February morning is often not the most joyful of occasions, but imagine staggering bleary-eyed into the kitchen in search of an invigorating coffee to find that your feet are ankle deep in near-freezing water.

Property owners have been told that sweeping Siberian winds will see temperatures plummet and may cause a significant amount of damage to buildings in the UK. The risk of frozen pipes is particularly high in such conditions.

The consequences of a burst water pipe in a rental property may be more pressing than a ruined breakfast and wet slippers.

Rental payments are often landlords' only source of income and minimising periods of under occupancy due to repairs is vital. A broad financial cover such as freeholder insurance may help to provide the protection needed to ensure that pipes are quickly repaired.

A new report from Santander revealed that a quarter of people in the UK are worried about the damage that the icy temperatures may cause to their homes and property.

Steve Burton, head of marketing at the banking group, commented: "In winter many people have more concerns and fears due to darker nights and the effects of harsher weather conditions. People are concerned about a wide variety of risks from the effects of adverse weather or their ability to pay the bills during the winter, but in some instances there are steps that can be taken to reduce the level of risk."

He stated that people should invest in appropriate insurance policies to ensure that they at least have the peace of mind in knowing that they are protected if the worst should happen.

Earlier this month, the Association of Residential Letting Agents said that it was important for landlords to insulate water tanks and outside pipes to reduce the risk of them freezing.