At Roberts Residential, we believe that a well-looked-after home benefits everyone. Taking a few simple steps during the warmer months can help prevent avoidable maintenance issues, reduce energy costs and ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the summer. We've put together the following guide to help you get the most from your home while protecting it from some of the challenges that hot weather can bring.
Here are our top tips for looking after your rental property during hot weather.
Keep Your Home Cool the Smart Way
It's tempting to throw every window open all day, but that can actually make your home even warmer.
Instead:
- Open windows early in the morning and later in the evening when the outside air is cooler.
- Close windows, curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day, particularly those facing the sun.
- If you have windows on opposite sides of the property, open them together to create a through-draft that naturally cools the home.
This simple routine can make a noticeable difference without increasing energy bills.
Keep an Eye Out for Drying Cracks
Extended hot weather can cause timber doors, wooden floors and even plaster to expand, shrink or develop small cracks.
Most minor movement is completely normal during periods of extreme heat. However, if you notice:
- Large cracks appearing.
- Doors or windows becoming difficult or impossible to open.
- Significant gaps around windows or external doors.
Please let us know so we can investigate before the issue becomes worse.
Water the Garden (If You're Responsible)
If your tenancy includes responsibility for the garden, regular watering during dry spells can prevent unnecessary damage.
Focus on:
- Newly planted shrubs and flowers.
- Pots and hanging baskets.
- Recently laid turf.
Grass naturally turns brown during prolonged hot weather and will usually recover once rain returns, so don't worry if your lawn isn't perfectly green.
If you're heading away on holiday for more than a week, consider asking a neighbour, friend or family member to water any plants that require regular attention.
Check Outside Taps
After using an outside tap or hosepipe, always make sure it has been fully turned off.
A dripping outside tap can waste a surprising amount of water over the course of the summer and may lead to higher water bills.
Help Prevent Pests
Warm weather naturally brings an increase in insects and other pests.
To reduce the risk:
- Avoid leaving food uncovered.
- Empty kitchen bins regularly.
- Clean up food and drink spills promptly.
- Keep food waste and recycling containers sealed where possible.
- Consider using fly screens if you regularly keep windows open.
Simple preventative measures can help avoid more significant pest problems later in the season.
Watch for Wasps and Bees
It's common for wasps to begin building nests during the summer months.
If you notice a small nest forming under roof eaves, in sheds or around windows, please let us know as soon as possible. Early treatment is usually much easier than removing a fully established nest.
For your own safety, please do not attempt to remove a large wasp nest yourself.
Continue Ventilating Kitchens and Bathrooms
Although the weather is warmer, condensation can still occur after showering or cooking.
Continue to:
- Use extractor fans where fitted.
- Open windows after showering.
- Wipe excess moisture from windows if required.
Maintaining good airflow throughout the property helps prevent condensation and mould from developing.
Help Your Fridge Work Efficiently
Your fridge has to work harder during hot weather.
To help it operate efficiently:
- Avoid overloading the shelves.
- Allow hot food to cool before placing it inside.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the appliance.
- Check that the door seals are clean and closing properly.
These simple steps can help reduce electricity consumption and prolong the life of the appliance.
Take Care with Barbecues
Barbecues are one of the most common causes of accidental fires during the summer.
Please remember:
- Never use disposable or charcoal barbecues on balconies or decking.
- Position barbecues well away from fences, sheds and buildings.
- Never leave them unattended while in use.
- Dispose of ashes only once they are completely cold.
Many apartment developments also prohibit barbecues on balconies for fire safety reasons.
Dry Clothes Responsibly
Take advantage of the warmer weather by drying washing outdoors where possible.
If drying clothes indoors:
- Open a window where practical.
- Use a clothes airer rather than placing items directly onto radiators.
- Maintain good ventilation to reduce excess humidity.
Drying clothes in poorly ventilated rooms can quickly lead to condensation and mould growth.
Keep External Drains Clear
Summer thunderstorms can arrive with very little warning.
If it is safe to do so, removing leaves or debris from external drains can help prevent localised flooding after heavy rainfall.
If you notice damaged or overflowing gutters, please report them so that we can arrange an inspection.
Keep Your Home Secure
Many opportunistic burglaries occur because windows or doors have been left open.
Whenever you leave the property, even for a short period:
- Close and lock accessible windows.
- Ensure external doors are fully locked.
- Avoid leaving valuable items visible through open windows.
A few simple precautions can significantly improve the security of your home.
Going Away?
If you're leaving the property for several days or longer:
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Empty internal bins before you leave.
- Turn off unnecessary electrical appliances.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the property if possible.
If you expect to be away for an extended period, it is always helpful to let us know.
Report Small Problems Early
Summer is often the ideal time for maintenance work to be carried out before autumn and winter weather arrives.
If you notice any issues such as:
- Leaking taps.
- Damaged fencing.
- Broken windows.
- Faulty appliances.
- Loose roof tiles.
- Water ingress or damp.
Please report them as soon as possible. Early reporting often allows repairs to be completed more quickly and can prevent larger, more costly problems from developing.
Enjoy the Summer
Looking after your home doesn't need to be difficult. A few simple habits can help keep the property comfortable, reduce energy costs and prevent avoidable repairs.
If you're ever unsure whether something needs reporting, we'd always rather hear from you sooner rather than later. Early communication allows us to resolve issues quickly and helps keep your home in the best possible condition.
We hope you have a wonderful summer and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Roberts Residential team.
