When the UK winter sets in, rental properties face their toughest test. Freezing nights, driving rain, and high winds create the perfect storm for property damage, from burst pipes and leaking roofs to damp outbreaks and heating failures.
The numbers speak for themselves. Rightmove’s latest figures show that average rents outside London now exceed £1,300 pcm, meaning tenants are paying more than ever and expect safe and efficient homes.
For landlords, the message is clear: prevention pays. A structured winter property maintenance checklist doesn’t just protect bricks and mortar; it safeguards rental income, tenant wellbeing, and long-term property value. At CJ Hole, we’ve built this guide to help landlords stay ahead of winter before the problems start.
Related: Great winter property maintenance tips for your home
Start with the Heating System
When tenants think of winter comfort, they think of warmth. Nothing sours a tenancy faster than a broken boiler.
Instead of waiting for problems, schedule boiler servicing early in the season. A Gas Safe certificate is a legal requirement, but more importantly, it’s reassurance for tenants that their home is safe and comfortable. During inspections, engineers can spot small issues, such as a corroded pipe or a faulty valve, that could escalate in freezing weather.
Preventative servicing often costs under £100, while emergency call-outs can be several times higher. Even straightforward measures such as bleeding radiators or checking thermostats significantly improve efficiency and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Pipes: The Silent Winter Threat
Frozen pipes rarely make the headlines until one bursts. It is reported that burst pipe claims rose by around 75% during recent cold winters, highlighting just how common and costly this issue can be.
Think of your property as a network of veins. When water flow stops, damage spreads quickly. Lagging pipes in lofts and garages is essential. In older properties, even the stopcock can seize up if left unused. We always advise landlords to test it with tenants before winter. It’s a five-minute check that can save landlords hundreds in repair bills and avoid weeks of inconvenience.
Roofs and Gutters: Protecting from Above
The roof is often overlooked, as it tends to be out of sight and out of mind. But winter storms expose weaknesses. A single missing tile can allow water to seep into insulation, creating damp and mould.
Gutters matter just as much. We often see gutters overflowing with autumn leaves, turning into ice dams when temperatures fall. This doesn’t just affect drainage; it pushes water back into walls and ceilings.
Book a roof and gutter inspection every autumn. To avoid facing mid-winter calls about leaks or damp patches. Related: Winter is coming: How to reduce condensation.
Damp and Mould: More Than a Cosmetic Problem
Few issues frustrate tenants more than mould. Beyond its appearance, it raises serious health concerns, and landlords can find themselves liable under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.
The truth is, mould isn’t just about the tenant’s lifestyle. Poor ventilation, structural cracks, or persistent condensation play a huge role. At CJ Hole, we recommend landlords tackle it from both ends:
- Provide extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Seal cracks where water ingress is possible.
- Encourage tenants to ventilate and heat rooms consistently.
Related: Winter is coming: How to treat damp walls internally
Safety and Legal Obligations: The Non-Negotiables
Each winter, reports emerge of tenants harmed by faulty boilers or fires from outdated electrical systems. In addition to the serious human risk, landlords can face substantial fines if they neglect their legal responsibilities.
Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, gas safety certificates, and electrical condition reports aren’t optional extras. They are your legal duty. And in winter, when heating systems and electrics are working overtime, they’re critical safeguards.
At CJ Hole, we often help landlords get these checks completed and recorded correctly. The fines for non-compliance can reach £5,000, but more importantly, lives are at risk without them.
Energy Efficiency: A Winter Priority
With rising energy bills, tenants now pay more attention than ever to EPC ratings and insulation. A draughty property isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s harder to let and more likely to see tenant turnover.
Sealing draughts, topping up loft insulation, or upgrading to double glazing are investments that pay off in happier tenants and fewer voids. Government discussions around minimum EPC standards mean landlords who act now will be better placed to comply with future regulations.
Related: Your guide to understanding EPC certificates
Communication: The Overlooked Step
Finally, remember that maintenance isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about people. Landlords who communicate with tenants reduce risks and disputes.
Provide simple winter guidance: keep heating on low in extreme cold, ventilate rooms, and report leaks early. Share emergency contacts so tenants know who to call if something goes wrong.
We’ve found that tenants who feel supported are more likely to stay longer, look after the property, and report problems before they escalate.
FAQs
Q1. What should a landlord’s winter property rental checklist include?
Boiler servicing, pipe protection, roof and gutter checks, damp prevention, safety obligations, insulation, and tenant communication.
Q2. How often should landlords service boilers before winter?
Once a year, ideally in autumn before demand peaks.
Q3. How can landlords prevent frozen pipes and leaks?
Lag pipes, maintain background heating, fix drips quickly, and ensure tenants know the stopcock location.
Q4. Who is responsible for damp and mould in a rental property?
If caused by structural or ventilation issues, landlords are responsible.
Q5. What safety checks must landlords complete every winter?
Smoke and CO alarms, gas safety certificates, and electrical reports.
Conclusion: CJ Hole’s Winter Advice
Winter doesn’t forgive delay. The landlords who plan better save money, avoid stress, and build good tenant relationships. And, those who wait until the first emergency call-out often pay far more than they would for routine maintenance.
At CJ Hole, we help landlords take a proactive approach, whether through our fully managed lettings services or free property valuations. If you want peace of mind this winter, speak to your local CJ Hole branch.
