As we move into the colder, wet weather of autumn, there are three Ts to consider as you undertake your seasonal pre-heating checks for your HMO property: thermostats, TRVs and tenant communications.
By bearing this checklist in mind, you can ensure that the heating systems in your HMO properties are operating effectively and that tenants also understand how to make the most of their heating – ensuring efficiency as well as tenant satisfaction.
Your legal obligations
You also need to ensure you are meeting your legal obligations. Licensing requirements for HMOs – including heating requirements – vary across councils. As a general rule of thumb, HMO properties should include fixed, controllable heating in all rooms. This should enable a temperature of at least 18°C in bedrooms and 21°C in other living areas that can be achieved and maintained when the outside temperature is -1°C. Tenants should be able to programme and regulate the temperature of their individual rooms to meet their comfort requirements.
Thermostats
To control the heating, it’s vital that the thermostat is working correctly. Smart thermostats are the landlords’ friend, especially since the cost of heating is normally included in the rent in an HMO let. Smart thermostats offer precise temperature control that can lower costs and improve energy efficiency while still allowing tenants to live comfortably.
Rental-specific versions also offer greater control by the landlord, such as remote monitoring that allows you to oversee the temperature and adjust accordingly or to react if you see sudden spikes or dips in readings that could indicate a problem with the heating system.
Bleeding radiators, adjusting the boiler flow temperature and even checking the batteries of the thermostat are easy and quick maintenance checks to help ensure hassle-free heating.
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
Setting your thermostat at 21°C allows you to provide a comfortable environment for your HMO tenants. But not all tenants will have the same preferences over the temperatures they enjoy. Some heating systems will offer the option of zone controls, allowing precise temperatures to be set in different areas of the HMO property. However, tenants should be able to adjust the controls in individual rooms. This is usually done via thermostatic radiator values (TRVs) which allow the temperature to be adjusted, and these should also be checked to ensure they are working correctly. Programmable versions allow remote control of individual room temperatures which can be useful when tenants are out.
Tenant communications
Once you’re sure that your systems are running as they should, it’s also a good time for a quick reminder to tenants about how to get the best from their heating. Rows over heating can be as common as fallouts over the washing-up in an HMO, so it’s important that all tenants understand how to use the system most effectively and what to do if anything goes wrong.
This includes education around the use of thermostats and TRVs, such as preferred set points. Remind tenants what to do if anything goes wrong, including the need to report faults quickly. You should provide them with a 24/7 emergency contact and be able to fix any heating issues they do have fast.
At Progressive Lets we are experts in the rental market in the Peterborough area and help landlords find and manage properties within a 50-mile radius. Get in touch to find out more.
