Good winter property maintenance helps landlords identify problems before colder, wetter weather turns them into costly repairs or uncomfortable conditions for tenants. Heating systems, pipes, roofs, gutters, ventilation and alarms deserve particular attention before winter begins.
Preparation is not simply about protecting the building.
A well-maintained rental also reduces the risk of heating failures, water damage, damp, mould and other problems affecting the people living there.
This guide provides a practical winter checklist for rental property owners, while clearly separating landlord responsibilities from the everyday things tenants can reasonably do.
Winter Property Maintenance: Start Before Winter
Do not wait for the first freezing night before checking the property.
Late summer and autumn are useful times to review:
heating;
boiler condition;
exposed pipework;
gutters;
roofing;
external drainage;
ventilation;
damp or mould;
smoke alarms;
carbon monoxide alarms; and
emergency contact arrangements.
Problems identified early are generally easier to schedule and resolve than emergency repairs during periods of high demand.
1. Check the Heating System
A reliable heating system is one of the most important parts of winter preparation.
In England, landlords are responsible for keeping installations for heating and hot water in repair and proper working order.
Before winter:
☐ Turn the heating on and confirm it operates normally
☐ Check thermostats and heating controls
☐ Check radiators heat appropriately
☐ Investigate unusual boiler or system noises
☐ Check for visible leaks
☐ Confirm tenants know how to operate the controls
☐ Arrange professional repairs where required
Do not assume that because the heating worked in March it will automatically work correctly six months later.
Show Tenants How the Controls Work
Sometimes heating problems are actually control problems.
Make sure tenants understand:
the thermostat;
timer or programmer;
radiator valves;
hot-water controls; and
any smart-heating system supplied.
Clear instructions can prevent unnecessary call-outs and help tenants heat the property appropriately.
2. Check the Boiler
If the property has a boiler, winter is the worst time to discover that it needs attention.
For gas appliances supplied by the landlord, current safety rules require safe installation and maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer, together with an annual gas-safety check on relevant appliances and flues.
Boiler Checklist
☐ Confirm the annual gas-safety check is current
☐ Review any recommendations from servicing or inspections
☐ Check for warning lights or error codes
☐ Check visible pipework for leaks
☐ Confirm pressure is operating normally where applicable
☐ Ensure tenants know who to contact if the boiler fails
☐ Keep contractor details readily available
A landlord should not encourage tenants to dismantle or attempt technical boiler repairs themselves.
Gas work must be dealt with appropriately by qualified professionals.
3. Protect Pipes From Cold Weather
Frozen pipes can interrupt water supplies and potentially cause serious damage if a pipe bursts.
Inspect vulnerable areas such as:
lofts;
garages;
external walls;
outbuildings;
cupboards;
and exposed external pipework.
Check whether appropriate insulation is in place.
Pay Particular Attention to Empty Properties
An unoccupied property can become vulnerable quickly during freezing weather.
If a property will be vacant between tenancies, consider:
appropriate heating settings;
water arrangements;
insurer requirements;
periodic inspections;
and who will respond to an emergency.
Also check your insurance policy, because unoccupied-property conditions can differ from those applying when tenants are living there.
4. Clean and Inspect Gutters
Autumn leaves can block gutters and downpipes.
Blocked drainage can allow water to overflow against:
external walls;
windows;
roofs;
fascia boards;
and foundations.
Before winter:
☐ Remove leaves and debris
☐ Check downpipes are clear
☐ Look for loose or damaged sections
☐ Check joints for leaks
☐ Make sure water drains away appropriately
☐ Investigate staining on external walls
Government guidance on safe rented homes specifically includes drains, gutters and external pipes within the structure and exterior that landlords are expected to maintain.
Do not expect tenants to climb ladders or work at height to clear gutters.
Use an appropriate contractor where necessary.
5. Inspect the Roof
Small roofing defects can become much more serious after heavy rain, wind or freezing conditions.
From ground level or through an appropriate professional inspection, look for signs such as:
missing tiles;
slipped tiles;
damaged flashing;
damaged chimney areas;
sagging;
water staining;
and signs of previous leakage.
Landlords in England remain responsible for the property’s structure and exterior.
A tenancy clause should not be used to transfer responsibility for structural roof repairs to the tenant.
6. Check External Doors and Windows
Winter weather can expose problems around windows and doors.
Inspect:
☐ Frames
☐ Seals
☐ Locks
☐ Hinges
☐ Visible gaps
☐ Damaged glazing
☐ Signs of water penetration
Poorly fitting windows and doors can contribute to draughts, heat loss and moisture problems.
However, distinguish between genuine defects requiring repair and normal ventilation requirements.
A property still needs adequate fresh-air ventilation.
7. Take Damp and Mould Seriously
Damp and mould should never be treated simply as a cosmetic winter problem.
Government guidance for rented housing providers states that landlords should ensure measures are in place to minimise damp and mould and investigate underlying causes rather than assuming occupants are automatically responsible.
Potential causes can include:
leaks;
defective roofing;
damaged gutters;
inadequate ventilation;
plumbing problems;
cold surfaces;
insufficient heating;
building defects; and
condensation.
Winter Damp Checklist
☐ Check previous mould reports
☐ Inspect around windows
☐ Check bathrooms
☐ Check kitchens
☐ Inspect external walls
☐ Look around plumbing and pipework
☐ Check roof spaces where appropriate
☐ Confirm extractor fans operate
☐ Confirm ventilation openings are functioning
☐ Investigate recurring damp rather than repeatedly painting over it
A mould-resistant coat of paint does not repair a leaking roof or defective ventilation system.
Fix the cause.
8. Check Ventilation
Ventilation becomes especially important during winter because people naturally keep windows closed more often.
Check:
bathroom extractors;
kitchen extractors;
trickle vents;
air bricks;
other permanent ventilation;
and landlord-supplied ventilation systems.
GOV.UK specifically includes gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation among areas for which landlords remain responsible under relevant repair obligations.
If mechanical ventilation is defective, arrange appropriate repair rather than simply telling the tenant to open a window.
9. Check Smoke Alarms
For relevant rented homes in England, landlords must ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on every storey where there is a room used as living accommodation.
The regulations also require landlords to ensure prescribed alarms are working at the start of a tenancy and to repair or replace an alarm when informed that it is faulty and the fault is confirmed.
Before winter:
☐ Check required alarms are present
☐ Confirm they are correctly located
☐ Check their condition
☐ Replace faulty units promptly
☐ Follow manufacturer instructions
☐ Keep appropriate records
Additional requirements can apply to HMOs and particular building types.
10. Check Carbon Monoxide Alarms
This section needs to be accurate because older rental articles frequently contain outdated wording.
In England, since October 2022 relevant landlords must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, except a gas cooker.
That can include rooms containing:
gas boilers;
oil boilers;
log burners;
coal-burning appliances;
and other fixed fuel-burning appliances.
The requirement is not limited only to solid-fuel appliances.
CO Alarm Checklist
☐ Identify rooms containing fixed combustion appliances
☐ Confirm required alarms are installed
☐ Check that alarms are working appropriately
☐ Follow manufacturer placement guidance
☐ Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly
Do not wait for the tenant to purchase a required alarm themselves.
11. Review Electrical Safety
Cold weather can increase use of:
heating equipment;
lighting;
tumble dryers;
kitchen appliances;
and other electrical equipment.
Landlords must make sure the electrical system is safe and that electrical appliances they provide are safe.
In England, electrical installations in relevant private rented properties must generally be inspected and tested by a qualified person at intervals of no more than five years.
Winter preparation is a good time to check whether:
the inspection remains current;
previous remedial actions were completed;
tenants have reported damaged sockets or switches;
and landlord-supplied equipment appears damaged.
Electrical repairs should be completed by appropriately competent professionals.
12. Review External Drainage
Heavy winter rain can expose drainage problems.
Check:
gullies;
drains;
downpipes;
drainage channels;
and areas where water pools against the building.
Leaves and debris can quickly create blockages.
Standing water can also become dangerous during freezing weather.
Where drainage defects form part of the building’s repair responsibilities, arrange appropriate work.
13. Check Paths, Steps and External Lighting
Shorter days mean tenants may arrive home in darkness.
Inspect external areas for:
loose paving;
broken steps;
unstable handrails;
inadequate lighting;
slippery surfaces;
and other obvious hazards.
Councils use the Housing Health and Safety Rating System to assess hazards within rented homes, and landlords are expected to keep properties safe and free from serious hazards.
Do not wait for somebody to have an accident before addressing an obvious defect.
14. Prepare Emergency Contacts
Winter problems often happen outside convenient working hours.
Landlords should make sure tenants know how to report:
loss of heating;
serious leaks;
electrical emergencies;
gas concerns;
security problems;
and other urgent property issues.
Keep an up-to-date list of appropriate contractors such as:
Gas Safe engineers;
plumbers;
electricians;
roofers;
drainage contractors;
and property-management contacts.
Do not rely on trying to find a contractor for the first time during a freezing weekend.
Create an Emergency Information Sheet
Consider giving tenants a simple document containing:
Routine repair contact
Emergency property contact
Where the water stopcock is
Where the consumer unit is
What to do if heating fails
Gas emergency information
How to report an urgent leak
Keep the information practical and property-specific.
Landlord Responsibilities
This section should be visually prominent in the RentWizz article.
In England, landlords remain responsible for key aspects of the property regardless of winter.
These include repairs to:
structure and exterior;
heating and hot water;
sanitary fittings;
pipes and drains;
relevant gas appliances, pipes and flues;
ventilation;
electrical wiring; and
damage caused while carrying out repairs.
Landlords also have safety responsibilities concerning gas, electricity, fire safety and required alarms.
Winter Does Not Transfer Those Duties to the Tenant
A landlord should not tell a tenant:
“It’s winter, so repairing the boiler is your responsibility.”
Nor should a tenant normally be expected to:
repair structural roofing;
service the boiler;
repair electrical wiring;
clear inaccessible gutters;
repair defective landlord ventilation;
or fix landlord-owned gas equipment.
For the complete legal overview, link to RentWizz’s Landlord Responsibilities in England: 2026 Guide.
Things Tenants Can Do
Tenants also play an important practical role in protecting their home during winter.
GOV.UK says tenants should take reasonable care of the property and gives the example of turning off the mains water if they are away during cold weather.
Reasonable tenant actions can include:
Report Problems Promptly
Tell the landlord or agent about:
leaks;
heating failures;
damp;
mould;
faulty alarms;
damaged windows;
dripping pipes;
unusual boiler behaviour; and
other maintenance problems.
Reporting something early can help prevent greater damage.
Use Heating and Ventilation Normally
Tenants can:
use heating controls appropriately;
use extractor fans;
avoid deliberately blocking permanent ventilation;
and ventilate the property reasonably.
But this should not become an excuse for dismissing genuine damp, mould or building defects as “tenant lifestyle”.
Recurring problems should be investigated.
Test Alarms Regularly
Government alarm guidance encourages occupants to test alarms regularly and, where appropriate, replace user-replaceable batteries.
If an alarm still fails, the tenant should report it. The landlord remains responsible for repairing or replacing a faulty prescribed alarm.
Tell the Landlord When Away
Where appropriate and consistent with the tenancy agreement, tenants can let the landlord or agent know if the property will be empty for an extended period during very cold weather.
That can help both sides manage freezing-weather risks.
Know Where the Stopcock Is
Knowing how to stop the water supply can be extremely useful if a pipe suddenly bursts.
Landlords should show tenants where it is rather than expecting them to find it during an emergency.
Things Tenants Should Not Be Expected to Do
A tenant winter checklist should not include hazardous or technical tasks.
Do not ask tenants to:
work on gas appliances;
repair electrical wiring;
climb onto roofs;
use ladders to clear high gutters;
dismantle boilers;
undertake structural repairs;
or investigate dangerous electrical or gas faults themselves.
Those issues require appropriate landlord action and, where necessary, qualified professionals.
Winter Property Maintenance Checklist
Heating and Boiler
☐ Test heating before winter
☐ Check heating controls
☐ Confirm gas-safety requirements are current
☐ Investigate boiler faults
☐ Check visible pipework
☐ Give tenants operating instructions
Pipes and Water
☐ Inspect vulnerable pipework
☐ Check insulation
☐ Locate the stopcock
☐ Tell tenants where it is
☐ Prepare for vacant periods
Roof and Gutters
☐ Inspect roof condition
☐ Check tiles and flashing
☐ Clear gutters
☐ Check downpipes
☐ Investigate water staining
Damp and Ventilation
☐ Review previous damp reports
☐ Check mould-prone areas
☐ Test extractor fans
☐ Check ventilation
☐ Investigate underlying causes
Safety
☐ Check smoke alarms
☐ Check required CO alarms
☐ Review electrical inspection status
☐ Review gas-safety status
☐ Check external lighting and access
Emergency Planning
☐ Update contractor numbers
☐ Give tenants repair contact details
☐ Provide emergency contact information
☐ Confirm water shut-off location
☐ Keep property records accessible
Keep Records of Winter Maintenance
Record significant checks and work carried out.
Useful records include:
service dates;
gas-safety records;
electrical inspection reports;
alarm checks;
invoices;
photographs;
contractor reports;
tenant maintenance reports;
and repair completion dates.
Good documentation makes ongoing property management easier and helps identify repeated problems.
For example, if the same gutter has overflowed during three consecutive winters, another clean may not be the real solution.
The guttering itself may need repair or alteration.
Communicate With Tenants Before Winter
A short seasonal message can be useful.
Explain:
how to report heating problems;
where the stopcock is;
what to do if an alarm develops a fault;
who to contact in an emergency;
and how to report damp or mould.
Keep the message practical.
Avoid sending tenants a long list that appears to transfer building-maintenance responsibilities to them.
Do Not Wait Until Something Fails
Preventative winter property maintenance can reduce emergency repairs, but it should focus on real risks rather than unnecessary work.
Prioritise:
safety;
heating;
water;
building integrity;
moisture control;
drainage; and
emergency preparedness.
A decorative improvement can wait.
A leaking roof or unreliable boiler should not.
Final Thoughts on Winter Property Maintenance
Good winter property maintenance is about preparing both the property and the management process for colder weather.
Landlords should review:
heating,
boilers,
pipes,
gutters,
roofing,
damp and mould,
ventilation,
smoke alarms,
carbon monoxide alarms
and emergency contacts.
Tenants can help by using the property reasonably, reporting problems promptly, testing alarms and knowing basic emergency information such as the location of the water stopcock.
But those everyday actions do not replace landlord responsibilities.
In England, landlords remain responsible for core structural repairs, heating and hot water, relevant pipes and drains, gas systems, ventilation and electrical wiring.
The best winter plan is therefore a shared approach with clear boundaries:
landlords maintain and repair the property;
tenants use it reasonably and report problems promptly.
For broader year-round legal responsibilities, continue with RentWizz’s Landlord Responsibilities in England: 2026 Guide.
This article provides general property-maintenance information. Specific legal references above primarily concern private rented housing in England. Housing and safety requirements differ across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and additional requirements can apply to HMOs and other property types.
