by Rosie McLean 
After the harshness of winter and the damp squib that has been spring, your rental property might require a little TLC if you are to show it off at its best this summer.
Ensuring you keep on top of seasonal maintenance is essential to attracting new tenants or keeping existing ones, as well as protecting your investment. But where to start?
Check for winter damage
If you haven’t previously done so you should give your property a thorough once-over for issues caused by winter weather. Is the roof sound or are there signs of slipped tiles that could escalate into a bigger problem later or potentially cause injury to tenants? Are trees and shrubs secure and healthy or do they need cutting back or digging out?
Empty gutters
The wind and rain may have dislodged moss from your roof which could block gutters or provide a breeding ground for small plants to grow. These can flourish quickly, putting strain on your guttering and preventing water from draining properly. These need to be cleared so that water can escape freely.
Prep your garden space
One of the best ways to make your rental property look attractive for the summer months is by sprucing up your outside space. Add colour and interest with plants and tame shrubs that have gone wild and that might be cramping space. Zone your garden to provide clear uses for your tenants to enjoy. If you’re targeting the family market, for example, then ensure your garden space has a safe area for children to play, as well as somewhere for the parents to sit and keep an eye on them.
Deep clean inside
It might not be the most appealing job when the sun’s out, but you need to pay close attention to the inside of your rental property, too. Warmer weather means that you can throw open windows and doors which is the perfect opportunity to deep clean everything from carpets and hard flooring to curtains since they will dry quicker.
The same is true of freshening up your property with a new paint job. The added advantage of this deep clean is that you should spot the little odd jobs that your tenant may not have let you know about or hasn’t yet noticed, such as a leaking tap or a broken drawer.
Check the loft
Your loft space is an often-neglected area but it’s worth popping your head in here, too. Condensation and mould can quickly occur over the winter months so check that your property hasn’t fallen victim in the loft as well as elsewhere. If your tenants are using the space to store their things, are loft vents still clear to allow adequate ventilation? Check also for any possible leaks over the winter period which could be a sign of damage that needs to be investigated further. Pests can also take up residence in these dark confined spaces so keep an eye out for unwelcome visitors, such as wasp nests, which could cause you and your tenants challenges at a later date.
