Maintenance on holiday lets

Not surprisingly given the current situation, more of us are looking at staycations and UK holidays again this summer. Research done last year by Cambridge & Counties Bank showed Cornwall, Devon and Dorset in the top 10 UK destinations expected to see the greatest rise in UK holidaymakers over the next two years.

The boom in holiday lettings sites, such as Airbnb, has added to the holiday let market growth here in the South West. Many of our farming Members across the South West are responding to this growing tourism market and converting agricultural buildings into holiday lets.

So now is the time, before restrictions are lifted, to carry out essential maintenance work and property inspections, to help prevent accidents and meet legal requirements.

Gas safety and boiler inspections

All landlords, including holiday let owners, are legally required to have an annual gas safety check by a registered Gas Safe engineer. A copy of the Gas Safety Certificate is issued following an inspection and should be displayed where guests can see it. It is also mandatory to commission a boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer at least once a year.

Electricity checks

While there isn’t legal requirement for landlords to hold an Electrical Safety Certificate, you do have to ensure the safety of your property’s electrics. So, it’s a good idea to employ a qualified electrician to carry out a full inspection at least every five years, checking appliances against current UK standards.

You must also carry out regular checks on all electrical appliances available for guest use. This involves looking for defects or signs of wear and tear, acting on any hazards immediately.

If you have a regular stream of guests using appliances throughout the year, it’s worth considering more frequent inspections from a qualified electrician.

Fire safety

All landlords, including holiday let owners, must comply with fire safety law and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including a fire risk assessment.

Risk assessments can be carried out by a landlord or a qualified fire consultant but must be up to date and ideally renewed every 12 months. The risk assessment should identify who is at risk as well as recognise, remove or reduce hazards.

Smoke detectors must be on every floor and in every room of a holiday let, except bathrooms. A carbon monoxide detector is also required in every room with a fossil fuel-burning appliance, including a boiler, oven or log burner. All detectors must be tested frequently.

Upholstered furniture must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations and checked regularly to ensure it meets the required standards. 

The industry body, HETAS, recommends having a chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood and annually for fires using smokeless fuels.

Out-of-season maintenance jobs

Conducting thorough checks and undertaking repairs during the low season can ensure the property is in a good state of repair and helps keep guests safe.  We recommend landlords carry out a regular assessment of the following:

• Assess outside spaces, such as footpaths and steps for loose paving slabs, trip hazards or overgrowing vegetation
• Check roofs for loose tiles and evidence of damp coming into the property
• Ensure all doors and windows are fully operational and can be locked
• Clear drains and gutters to prevent blockages
• Check staircases and carpets for trip hazards and make sure handrails are secure.

Make sure a property is suitable for its users. For example, family groups are at higher risk of accidents, so consider installing socket covers and childproof locks.

A checklist of appliances and potential hazards helps the changeover team check and inspect all aspects of the property that could cause guests discomfort or injury during their stay.

Cornish Mutual offers specialist landlord insurance, which includes comprehensive cover for let property and contents.