Month: October 2022

This two-minute read looks at some simple steps landlords and tenants can take to reduce the risk of condensation causing mould, damp and disputes.

What causes condensation?

When moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, AKA: condensation.

This can often cause unsightly mould and, in extreme cases, be unhealthy. Not just in terms of physical health but because it’s a common breeding ground for disputes between landlords and tenants.

Why should landlords take it seriously?

Condensation is more likely to strike when the weather gets colder outside and people start warming up their homes. So, October to February are the main ‘problem’ months to be aware of when it comes to condensation.

The issue is a recurring reason why landlords and tenants have disputes. This is because avoiding condensation can fall under the tenant’s responsibilities. Think of it as an upkeep issue. While certain other types of dampness are usually beyond a tenant’s reasonable control (usually rising and penetrating), making it the landlord’s responsibility.

If the cause of it is unclear, it’s fertile ground for a fallout.

Also, most rental property insurance policies don’t cover dampness caused by condensation.

What’s the difference between damp and condensation?

Condensation that leads to mould is usually easily treated and predominantly caused by poor ventilation. Rising damp, which often spreads up walls, differs from penetrating damp caused by outside water seeping into the building. While both are curable, they can be costly to resolve.

How to combat condensation

By being proactive and helping tenants be fully informed about the causes of condensation and its risks, landlords insulate themselves from more significant problems in the future.

These simple steps go a long way to keep condensation at bay.

• Open windows whenever reasonably possible (at least once a day, even if it’s for five minutes).
• Keep trickle vents in windows open.
• Don’t dry clothes inside (a big cause of winter condensation).
• Wipe away any moisture after a bath or shower.
• Never overpopulate a property.
• Consider using moisture-absorbing products (plenty on Amazon).
• Good extractor fans are an excellent investment for landlords to install.

If a tenant takes reasonable care and a landlord is proactive, the C-word shouldn’t be something to worry about.

When we move new tenants into rental properties in South Devon, we always discuss how to combat condensation and their responsibilities.

Thanks for reading, and if you’re a landlord seeking a letting agent who makes your life easier – give us a call.

 

 

They say the best things in life are free, so here’s a quick and easy way to brighten someone’s day that won’t cost you a penny – but will make you feel good.

He may have been known as ‘Cranky Franky’, but crooner Frank Sinatra is responsible for popularising a very cheery message that has stood the test of time.

Sixty years ago, he enjoyed a hit with When You’re Smiling, a tune best known for the catchy lyrics “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you”.

Cynics may think the song’s theme is a little cheesy, but research has shown it’s actually true. Smiling is contagious and good for our health. Let us explain why.

The science behind smiling

Researchers have discovered that when we smile, our brain releases the feelgood chemicals serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. In other words, flashing a cheeky grin improves your mood and lowers your blood pressure and anxiety levels.

And as we humans are hardwired to mimic the mannerisms and facial gestures we see around us, chances are the person you smile at will smile back – and also enjoy a dose of positive chemicals.

World Smile Day

This brings us to World Smile Day, which is today (7 October). The event was started by Harvey Ball, who designed the iconic yellow smiley face image that has appeared on countless badges and t-shirts (and inspired the smiling face emoji).

Ball created the image in 1963 but never trademarked it (he says he was never money driven). However, by 1999, Ball felt that the original meaning behind the symbol (friendship and kindness) was getting lost, so he started World Smile Day. It aims to encourage people to spread good cheer through random acts of kindness.

So now it’s over to you. How will you mark World Smile Day? You could:

• Flash your pearly whites at passers-by as you go about your daily business.
• Give up your seat on public transport to someone.
• Stop to chat to a neighbour who you rarely talk to.
• Dish out thoughtful compliments to people whom you encounter in person and online.
• Donate to a local charity that is doing positive work in your community.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, stay safe and keep smiling.

 

You’d be forgiven for adopting a head-in-the-sand approach to current affairs.

Listening to a news bulletin filled with the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, cost of living surges and political uncertainty are enough to put anyone on a downer.

The clouds of gloom and doom have gathered over the South Devon property market.

“Will there be a house price crash’ is a common feature for many involved in the media to discuss.

Some ‘experts’ are confident we are heading into a property market going bust. But many of these experts have been predicting this for the past decade.

That’s despite (or perhaps because of) the past two years seeing prices increase and more homes sold than ever before in many parts of the UK.

But some more melodramatic commentators have predicted the housing market grinding to a halt.

This won’t happen. The market may slow, but it will not totally stop.

The only time it has totally stopped is for around two weeks post the initial lockdown. However, even after that first fearful fortnight, we started receiving enquiries from people wanting to move.

While the chances of a crash are always possible, never say never, the likelihood is prices may remain stable.

This is mainly because we have a national housing shortage.

Demand drives the property market. So it’s another D to add to the traditional 3Ds.

The 3Ds have been around for as long as people have bought and sold places to call home.

They are:

Death – When someone dies, and their home becomes for sale.

Divorce – When people split up, and property is involved.

Debt – Some people need to sell their home for financial reasons.

But along with demand, the 3Ds are now joined by downsizing.

Older people, in particular, are selling their former family homes to move to smaller and more cost-effective places to run, especially in light of soaring energy bills.

So the 3Ds are now four. But all play a part in keeping people and the market moving.

When reading or listening to the property market doom-mongers, it’s worth remembering this famous quote from the author Mark Twain.

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Call us today for solid advice based on our years of experience selling homes across South Devon.

It’s fair to say that tenants’ needs have changed in recent years. With more people working from home than ever, has your rental property got the tech to appeal to top tenants?

In the current digital age, there are countless smart apps and devices that can help your property stand out in a crowded market

In this quick read, we look at some easy ways to become a tech-savvy landlord, attract the best tenants and save money. 

Broadband

Let’s start with the basics. Everyone wants to be connected, so ensuring you offer the fastest broadband at your property is a must. While there’s no obligation to provide tenants with broadband, it’s much better to get it installed before a property is occupied rather than receiving irate calls from fed-up tenants struggling to connect (or letting them do it themselves).

Smart meters 

If your rent includes bills, then a smart meter is an excellent way to understand how much you’re paying and identify potential savings. Similarly, if your tenant is responsible for bills, a smart meter will make them aware of their energy usage and spending. Smart meters are being rolled out to anyone responsible for paying energy bills and are an essential budgeting tool in the current cost of living crisis.

Smart heating

This wireless thermostatic device is a great way to save money and energy. It allows tenants to control the property’s heating from their phones, so if they’re going to be home later than expected, they can adjust the thermostat accordingly. The temperature can be controlled on a room-to-room basis and uses artificial intelligence to learn people’s heating needs.

Smart doorbells 

These not only improve the security of your property but make a home more attractive to renters as they can see who’s coming and going and manage deliveries. With the added ability to record and store footage, this is a great safety feature.

Smart lighting 

Smart lighting is a great asset if you own an HMO with communal areas. It allows you to control the times when lights come on and off or when motion is detected – saving money and reducing energy expenditure. Landlords of high-end properties can take smart lighting to another level, offering tenants mood lighting – all controlled by an app.

Smart smoke detectors 

Installing smoke detectors is a legal requirement for all rental properties. But why not go one step further and install a smart smoke detector that will notify you if there’s a problem. This is helpful if your property is vacant or your tenants are away, as you can act quickly to ensure the safety of your rental.

If you’ve got a property to let out, contact Chamberlains so we can find you the right tenants.