Is your flat kept safe?

These dark days see the number of burglaries across Britain increase by up to 25% each year*, sparking a need for tenants to make their properties safe this Christmas. Don't get caught out and take a look at our tips below to stay safe: 

1. Locking up properly

It may sound obvious, but leaving without fully locking doors makes burglars’ work easier. To be safe, use both Yale and mortice locks whenever possible.

2. Safeguarding your valuables

If you’re planning to be away from home for any length of time, 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. There are plenty of facilities locally that offer both large and small storage space.

3. Securing your windows

Closing all of the property’s windows and engaging any latches makes it harder for burglars to enter your home. Where possible, also lock your windows for added safety.

4. Switching the lights on

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

5. Bringing your property in from the cold

Consider storing bicycles which you normally keep in a communal stair inside your flat, especially if they won’t be used during colder weather. If that’s not an option, check your home insurance policy to ensure they are covered for theft.

6. Telling someone you trust

Ask your landlord, a neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on the property whilst you’re away. If you know them well enough, it’s worth leaving a key (without your address listed on it) with them for emergencies.

7. Not telling everyone

Who can see your social media profile? An announcement that you are off on holiday may be just what the burglars have been waiting for, so unless you are sure that your page cannot be seen by the general public, keep your absence quiet. 

What do you really learn at uni?

Disney has asked students what they really learn when leaving home and starting uni - turns out housing and cooking are among your priorities.

House or flat hunting came 9th out of 50 and making spaghetti bolognese came 23rd, while making scrambled eggs and using the cooker and grill are also on the list.

Judging by the interest in our first ever student cookery demo last month, food is certainly one of your top priorities. We hope this Top 50 makes you chuckle - keep an eye on our blog, Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events.

What makes a good landlord?

We'd like to hear your thoughts on what makes a good or a bad landlord. To get you thinking, here's some inspiration from a recent survey.

Easy communications have come top of a list of what makes a great landlord, followed by dealing with any issues quickly. 

The survey by Upad also found that landlords scored high by giving tenants plenty of notice before entering a property, consulting on suitable times for repairs being carried out and generally keeping in touch throughout the tenancy. 

Tenant dislikes included landlords moaning about the cost of repairs, so-called accidental landlords being too precious about their previous homes, excessive admin fees and cheap furniture.

Learn to cook from the professionals with Mamma's Pizza and Cullen Property

Fancy learning how to make quick, tasty meals at home? There are still a few spaces left on our student cookery demonstration at Mamma's Pizza on 22 October. 

Find out how to make a quick pizza, tasty fajitas and a lovely lasagna - as well as a chocolate cheesecake. 

The event starts at 4pm sharp, and Cullen Property student tenants can attend for free. Tickets for others are £10 per person and each guest will receive a goody bag containing a £10 voucher towards a meal at Mamma's, recipe cards and more. 

For more info, click here or email us directly to book your space.

Can't cook, won't cook? Calling all student tenants...

We've teamed up with the professionals as Mamma's Pizza to show our student tenants how to make tasty meals at home.

Find out more and join us on 22 October!

Getting your flat ready for the winter

The nights are starting to draw in a little and after a rather spectacularly sunny weekend, we've had the first few autumnal days. Are you thinking of turning on the heating? We certainly are.

Now is the time to check your energy tariff and make sure it's the best it can be for you and the property you're in. Which? have a wealth of advice on saving energy and some really great practical tips. Did you know this one, for example: defrosting freezer food in the fridge acts like an ice pack, allowing the fridge to spend less energy on keeping food cool.

If you find that you should be switching energy suppliers, there is plenty of advice available online, too. The National Union for Students offers student-specific guidance.

Checking a property's energy efficiency rating

However, being clever about saving energy starts even before you move into a flat: check the energy efficiency rating of the property - it should be part of the actual advert. Modern, double-glazed windows help save energy, too. And if you have traditional, single-glazed sash & case windows, purchase some draft excluders to ensure any heat is staying in.

Whilst you don't want to be losing energy to drafty windows and doors, you do have to ensure that your property is not only heated but also vented to stop condensation building on walls and ceilings. Sounds complicated? Feel free to get in touch with our team if you'd like more detailed advice. We're here to help!

Staying safe in your home

It's Gas Safety Week this week. A great opportunity to remind you, our tenants, of our maintenance services and what to do if something isn't right in your flat.

As a matter of course, all gas appliances in any property let through ourselves are checked annually. It's simply one of the things we have to do as lettings agents to stay on the right side of the law. However, checking something annually doesn't prevent it from breaking in between checks.

After all, you wouldn't be overly surprised if your car needed to be fixed in between MOTs. So, what should you do as a tenant?

As a Cullen Property tenant, your appliances are checked regularly. Should you smell gas or think an appliance is faulty, please contact our team who are happy to make arrangements for a 'Gas Safe' registered engineer to come to the property. There are also direct contact details for emergencies on our website.

If you are unsure about your home's safety, check with your landlord. Don't feel awkward - it's your safety that's at stake here. Any responsible landlord will be able to provide a copy of the gas safety certificate, if they haven't done so already and will be happy to explain emergency and maintenance procedures further.