Winter-proofing your rental: A landlord's maintenance checklist

The months before winter is when preventive maintenance is most commercially valuable. A problem identified and fixed in October costs less, causes less disruption, and takes less time to resolve than the same problem reported by a tenant in December when tradespeople are harder to reach and demand for emergency callouts is at its highest. Working through the following checklist before temperatures drop gives your property the best chance of getting through winter without significant issues.

Heating and boiler

The boiler and central heating system are the priority. Arrange a boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer before the cold weather arrives. An annual gas safety check is a legal requirement for landlords, and the service appointment is the natural opportunity to address both. The check covers all gas appliances, the boiler, flue, and pipework, and results in a Gas Safety Certificate that must be provided to tenants.

After servicing, bleed any radiators that have cold spots, check that heating timers and thermostats are working correctly, and confirm that the heating controls are clearly understood by the tenant. If the property has a smart thermostat, ensure the tenant knows how to operate it.

Gutters and drainage

Autumn leaves quickly block gutters and downpipes, causing water to overflow against the building and potentially penetrate walls. Cleaning gutters before the worst of the leaf fall is more effective than clearing them mid-winter. While the gutters are being checked, confirm that downpipes are discharging freely and that any gullies or drains around the property are unobstructed. Standing water around the base of a building increases damp risk inside.

Roof and exterior

Check the roof for loose or missing tiles, paying particular attention to areas around chimneys and flashings. A minor tile issue ignored in autumn can allow water ingress that causes significant internal damage through winter. Check fascias, soffits, and barge boards for any deterioration.

Inspect window and door seals for gaps that might allow draughts. Draught proofing around external doors and accessible windows improves tenant comfort and reduces heating costs.

Pipes

Exposed pipes in unheated areas such as lofts, garages, or external runs are vulnerable to freezing. Lagging these pipes with foam insulation is inexpensive and avoids the risk of a burst pipe during a cold snap. Check any external taps and isolate or drain them if they are not frost-protected. Confirm with your tenant where the property's stop tap is located so that the water supply can be turned off quickly in the event of a leak.

Damp and condensation

Winter brings higher condensation risk, and the NRLA's guidance on seasonal maintenance highlights extractor fans and ventilation as a key landlord check. Confirm that bathroom and kitchen extractor fans are working, that trickle vents on windows are open, and that there are no existing signs of damp or mould that need addressing before cold weather worsens them. Under Awaab's Law, as it applies to the private rented sector, landlords will face defined timescales for investigating and remedying damp and mould hazards.

Alarms

Test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in the property. Replace any batteries that are low. If alarms are hard-wired, confirm they are functioning.

Communicating with tenants

Share emergency contact details before winter begins, including who to call outside office hours. Provide guidance on what minimum temperature to maintain when the property is empty to prevent frozen pipes and encourage tenants to report any maintenance issues promptly rather than waiting.

Talk to our lettings team about managing your properties