Not only should landlords prepare their own homes for the colder weather but they need to appreciate that they have legal obligations to ensure the comfort, safety and warmth of their tenants.
This means that money can be saved in the long-term by visiting their rental property to see what needs to be done.
Save money by fixing those small jobs
Remember: it's easier to resolve small jobs now rather than waiting for them to become big and more expensive problems to resolve.
Indeed, the Scottish government has launched an excellent campaign urging people to get ready for the winter.
The main thing for a landlord with a property to rent is to ensure that the pipes are properly protected so that they will not burst in the cold weather.
In addition, it's also important that the tenant knows where the stopcock is to turn the water supply off if necessary.
The second most important issue, and landlords can begin working on this now with a view to the law changing in 2018, is to make their rental property more energy efficient.
Laws of rental properties being energy efficient
In a few years, all rental properties will have to meet a minimum standard on energy efficiency so if a landlord has an old, draughty and cold property then now is the time to begin thinking of this issue.
In addition, making a property as energy efficient as possible will make it cheaper to heat during the winter.
This is also a good time for a landlord to check their insurance policies to ensure that they are covered for flood damage as well as the costs for putting tenants in temporary accommodation, if necessary.
Many landlords also take out specialist insurance to cover the boiler and heating system with the likes of British Gas and other providers.
Be prepared for all eventualities
The other important issue for a landlord is to provide their tenant with a list of useful contact numbers.
This could prove crucial in an emergency and will alert a landlord to a problem as soon as it arises.
In addition to this list of numbers, a landlord should also provide information that shows a tenant how to turn off the gas, water and electricity, and oil fired heating if necessary, even in the dark.
This is also a good opportunity for a landlord to sign up with the Floodline service so that they will be aware of any potential flooding issues in their area.
So while this article may not spell out how a landlord can save money with tips to improve their property for winter, the issue is that they will save money should the worst happen and they have made the necessary preparations.
More information
The National Landlords Association has produced a tenant information pack which has everything a tenant needs to know.
Register for the Floodline service with the Environment Agency.
