The work itself is straightforward. What slows a let property down is usually the arrangements, and most of that is avoidable with a little thought about what is actually needed.
How little access is required
Less than most people assume, and it is worth saying to a tenant up front. The work is in the roof space, so what is needed is the loft hatch. There is no need to be in every room, no disruption downstairs, and the tenant does not have to leave the property.
The proofing visit afterwards is mostly external and often needs no internal access at all — just clear space around the outside of the building.
Notice
A tenant is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property, and access for repairs is arranged with reasonable notice in writing rather than assumed. In practice a tenant who is being kept awake is generally the most cooperative person in the transaction, so this is rarely difficult — but the notice still gets given properly, and it is agreed rather than imposed.
What to ask the tenant for
- The times they hear it, over a few days, and which room it is above
- What kind of noise — heavy or light, gnawing, rolling, squeaking
- Any photographs from the ground outside, or from the hatch if they are comfortable looking
- Where the hatch is, and whether the route to it is clear
- Whether the loft is used for storage, and whose belongings are up there
The tenant is the best witness in the building. They hear it every morning and they know which room it is above. Asking them for a few days of notes is not an imposition — it is the single thing that makes the visit productive.
Practical points that save a wasted visit
- Clear the landing, or the airing cupboard, or wherever the hatch is
- Say in advance if the loft is boarded, converted or heavily stacked
- Say if there is no loft ladder
- Move cars away from the wall being worked on, for the proofing visit
- Keep pets in and away from the work area
- Make sure somebody can let the technician in, or agree key arrangements in advance
The gap between the visits
There is normally a short interval between the control work and the proofing, and the tenant is the one gathering the evidence during it — quiet mornings, or not. Tell them that is what the gap is for, and ask them to report either way. A tenant who thinks nothing is happening chases; a tenant who knows what the interval is for reports usefully.
Belongings in the loft
Worth establishing whose they are before anything is cleared. Contaminated soft items are generally better discarded than cleaned, and that is a conversation to have in advance rather than after the fact. Tenant belongings are ordinarily a matter for their own contents cover.
Questions
Does the tenant need to be home?
Somebody has to provide access to the hatch. The proofing visit is mostly external and often needs nobody inside.
How much notice is needed?
Reasonable notice in writing, agreed rather than assumed. A tenant losing sleep is usually keen to arrange it quickly.
Can the work be done with belongings in the loft?
Generally yes. Say in advance if the space is heavily stacked or boarded, because it changes how long the looking takes.
Squirrel Control Kesgrave
Squirrel control in Kesgrave is £280 fixed cost. Proofing work, where it is needed afterwards, is £180. Call 01502 630 122 and tell us what you have heard or seen.
For squirrel control in Kesgrave, call 01502 630 122, or read the Kesgrave squirrel control page.