New analysis from Adiuvo reveals that out-of-hours maintenance callouts can cost up to 51% more than equivalent daytime repairs, highlighting the financial risks of reactive property management.
From burst pipes and electrical failures to gas emergencies and faulty fire alarms, unforeseen issues are a fact of life for landlords and property managers.
But Adiuvo’s data shows that responding outside normal working hours carries a significant premium.
Across London, the South East and major regions including the West Midlands, a typical daytime general maintenance callout costs £175, rising to £255 out of hours – a 37% increase on the base rate. In more remote areas such as Wales, Cornwall and Cumbria, the cost difference is even starker: £195 in-hours versus £330 out of hours, representing a 51.4% jump.
PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT
Emergency calls for commercial gas services in these regions rise from £325 to £450, while fire alarm callouts increase by 16.7%.
Pumps, a common issue in multi-unit buildings, see London and South East callouts rise from £300 in-hours to £400 OOH.
The figures underline the case for proactive management. Planned maintenance, early repairs and system testing can significantly reduce the likelihood of costly emergencies, while a structured out-of-hours response mitigates the risk of overpaying or delays.
ROUND-THE-CLOCK
Colin Stokes, founder and managing director of Adiuvo, says: “Out-of-hours emergencies are unfortunately part of property management, but the key is to minimise their frequency and impact. Our figures show just how much more expensive a late-night callout can be compared to a daytime one.
“That is why proactive maintenance and round-the-clock support are not just operational safeguards, they are essential tools for cost control and service delivery.”
