Independent estate agent, Chartsedge reveal what internal checks should be carried out on your holiday-lets.
Ceilings: If you have a leak in the roof, the first sign is damp on the ceiling. Be aware if your ceiling begins to look uneven because this may indicate a more serious problem, particularly for older ceilings.
Decoration: Repaint all old and peeling paintwork. Remove any old wood chip paper to create a more modern feel. Try to redecorate one room every year to avoid undertaking a large job in one go.
Fireplaces, chimney breasts and flues: You should arrange for a qualified specialist to regularly sweep all used open chimneys every year. Also, make sure that bricked-up flues are ventilated. Flues to gas appliances should be checked annually by a qualified gas technician.
Services: Arrange for an appropriately qualified technician to check and test all gas, oil services, boilers, heating systems and connected devices once a year. If you are letting the property out, a gas safety certificate is mandatory.
Electrical installations should only be replaced or modified by a suitably qualified electrician and tested as specified by the Electrical Safety Council (recommended minimum of a 10 year period if no alterations or additions are made, or on change of occupancy).
