Ten money saving tips: Tips for keeping property safe when occupants go on a trip

AT THIS time of year lots of us are planning a trip away – to visit relatives or take a winter break. But leaving a flat empty can be risky – particularly in cold weather.

Here Steve Coyle, Operations Director at Cullen Property gives his top tips for keeping your home safe. He says: “Leaving your flat over the winter months shouldn’t cause problems, if tenants and owners take precautions before they head off. Taking the time before you leave helps save time and prevents nasty surprises when you return.”

1 Keep the boiler running

There’s no need to heat your property all the time, but running the central heating for an hour in the morning and again in the evening prevents problems with frozen and burst pipes and stops dampness developing.

2 Safeguard your valuables

If you’re leaving on a road trip, consider taking valuables such as jewellery, laptops and cameras with you. If that’s not practical, storing them in a safe deposit box may be an option.

3 Lock up

It may sound obvious, but don’t leave without fully locking your flat door. This includes mortice and Yale locks.

4 Secure your windows

Close all of the property’s windows and ensure any latches are engaged. Where possible, also lock your windows for added safety.

5 Tell someone

Ask your landlord or a friend to keep an eye on the property while you are away. You can also give them a key to have a quick look around on the inside, checking for leaky pipes and taps.

6 Arrange bill payments

If you are planning a longer break make sure you set up direct debit payments to take care of bills coming in when you’re away. Alternatively, many online banking facilities allow you to arrange payments on a certain date, making sure your salary has come in before payments are going out.

7 Bring them in from the cold

If there is anything you normally keep in a communal stair, such as bicycles and prams, it’s a good idea to store them inside the flat while away. Do take care not to mark the walls, though!

8 Switch appliances off

Disconnect any electrical sockets that won’t be needed when you’re away. This cuts your electricity bill and minimises the risk of fires developing.

9 Leave some lights on

Putting one or two lamps on a timer switch helps make the flat appear inhabited while you’re away. Choose times when you would normally be home, such as afternoons and evenings to programme the timers.

10 Empty the fridge

Plan your meals so that you use up the contents of your fridge before your departure. Anything left over that is likely to be out of date and mouldy by the time you come back should be thrown in the bin.