Manage a rental or hire an estate agent

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This reminded me of a friend of mine who rents out 5 properties. Christmas Day 2016, she's at the dinner table with her family, knife poised to carve the turkey,

I wonder what would have happened if she'd gone on holiday abroad - would she have been expected to fly back?

Don't landlords supply their tenants with a "what to do in the event of a problem at weekends/bank holidays/if I am unavailable"?

Could the tenants not have turned off the supply at the mains and/or called an emergency plumber themselves?

G_M

If on holiday, I leave a friend/family member as contact.

W/ends, night-time etc are strictly emergency only, otherwise "I'll sort it out for you on Monday."

Yes, tenants should switch off at mains if there's a risk of damage, and yes, instructions on how to do that are in the tenant's Property Pack. And yes they can manage till morning with the water off - the attic tank is probably full. And yes I check the stopcock(s) annually to make sure they work/have not siezed up - what else are inspections for but to make sure things work?

But no, they can't call an emergency plumber unless either I've agreed for them to do that or they pay for the plumber themselves (and don't expect re-imbursement).

Adly812

Thanks for more great advice. I'll be sure to incorporate all these into a property pack in event that the tenants can hopefully refer to if needed.
My property is a leasehold so building insurance is covered in the fees I pay. Would I therefore look at getting rent cover . Contents for (boilers etc) accidental damage and employers liability for workmen in case they need to attend to fix items etc?

Dorian1958

Up to you if you get rent cover; you have to balance risk against cost. Personally I don't bother, I try and minimise rent loss by being picky and cautious through the tenant vetting process. Same goes for boiler cover; an annual service and a call out if needed, no contract. You might not be able to get boiler cover anyway depending on it's age. As for occupiers (not employers) liability insurance, that might be covered with a contents policy, you would need to ask your broker. I have contents insurance even though the properties are unfurnished; this means fixtures & fittings are covered, not anything belonging to the tenant who are responsible for arranging their own contents cover ( as stated in the agreement). I recommend you joining a Landlords Association where you can get access to specialist insurance (and advice).