Top Tips for Maintaining Your Rental Property in Winter

As a landlord in the southwest of the UK, ensuring your rental properties stay in top condition during the winter months is crucial to safeguarding both your investment and the comfort of your tenants. The colder, wetter weather can take a toll on properties, leading to costly repairs and potential tenant complaints if not managed properly. With its mix of coastal areas, rural villages, and bustling towns, the South West presents unique challenges for property maintenance in winter, from the risk of coastal storms to freezing temperatures inland.

To help you navigate the season smoothly, we’ve put together some essential winter maintenance tips for landlords in the South West to keep your property warm, safe, and in great shape all winter long. To protect your investment further, CIA Landlords provide comprehensive landlord insurance that covers your property in the event of storms, flooding and more.

1. Inspect and Clean the Heating System

One of the most important aspects of winter maintenance is ensuring that your property’s heating system is working properly. Cold weather in the South West, particularly in rural or elevated areas like Dartmoor or the Mendips, can put a strain on heating systems, so a pre-winter check is essential.

• Boilers: Have a professional service your boiler to ensure it’s running efficiently. Check the pressure gauge, and bleed radiators, and verify that all thermostats are working correctly. If the system is older, it might be worth considering an upgrade to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
• Fires and Stoves: If your property has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure the chimney is swept and clear of debris. A blocked chimney can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup and even fire hazards.
• Portable Heaters: For properties with electric heating or additional portable heaters, ensure that tenants know how to use them safely. Replace any faulty units, and check that safety features like thermostats and timers are functioning.

2. Check for Drafts and Insulate Properly

Winter means more time indoors, so tenants will appreciate a warm, draft-free home. Minimising heat loss not only improves comfort but also helps you avoid unnecessary heating costs and potential complaints from tenants.

• Windows and Doors: Check for gaps around windows and doors, particularly in older properties. Weatherstripping or draft excluders are simple and cost-effective solutions to keep the cold out. You can also apply heavy curtains or thermal blinds to improve insulation.
• Lofts and Roofs: Ensure loft insulation is up to standard. A poorly insulated loft can let heat escape, leaving your tenants cold and your energy bills high. If your property has an attic, check the insulation depth and consider topping it up to the recommended level.
• Pipe Insulation: Exposed pipes are at risk of freezing in cold weather, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and outdoor outbuildings. Insulate pipes in vulnerable spots and advise tenants to leave taps running if they’re in particularly cold areas.

3. Roof and Gutter Maintenance

Heavy rain and snow are common in the southwest during winter, and a blocked or damaged roof can lead to leaks, water damage, and even structural issues if left unchecked.

• Gutters and Downpipes: Ensure that gutters and downpipes are clear of leaves, twigs, and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, causing damage to the roof, walls, and foundation. If your property is surrounded by trees, it’s a good idea to clear the gutters at least twice during the winter months.
• Roof Inspection: Check for loose or damaged tiles, particularly after storms or high winds, which are common in coastal areas like Cornwall or Devon. A damaged roof can lead to leaks, which can cause major problems like mould or dampness, so address any issues early.

4. Prepare for Cold Weather Plumbing Problems

Freezing pipes are one of the most common and costly issues landlords face during winter. The South West can experience significant temperature drops, particularly in rural and inland areas, so protecting your plumbing is vital.

• Pipe Insulation: Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. Use foam pipe insulation, which is easy to apply and inexpensive.
• Check for Leaks: Ensure there are no existing leaks in pipes, as they can worsen in cold weather. Any small leak can turn into a burst pipe when temperatures drop, leading to flooding and extensive damage.
• Tenant Advice: Advise tenants to keep heating on a low setting (especially during extremely cold spells), as a consistent temperature can help prevent pipes from freezing. You may also want to remind tenants to open cupboard doors beneath sinks to allow warmer air to circulate pipes.

5. Prevent Damp and Mould Issues

Damp and mould are common problems in the winter months, particularly in older properties or those located in coastal or damp-prone areas like parts of Cornwall, Somerset, and Devon. High humidity, combined with colder temperatures, creates the perfect conditions for mould growth.

• Ventilation: Ensure that the property has good ventilation, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, where moisture tends to accumulate. Provide and encourage the use of extractor fans, and remind tenants to ventilate rooms by opening windows occasionally to allow for air circulation.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect external walls and ceilings for any signs of leaks or water ingress, particularly after heavy rain or storms. If there are any signs of damp, address the source immediately to avoid worsening the problem.
• Mould Prevention: If you discover any signs of mould, take action quickly by cleaning it and investigating the cause of the excess moisture. If necessary, have professional damp-proofing services take care of more severe cases.

6. Outdoor and Garden Maintenance

The exterior of your property can be just as vulnerable to winter weather as the interior. Taking care of outdoor maintenance will not only protect your property but also keep your tenants safe.

• Paths and Driveways: Ensure that walkways and driveways are clear of debris, leaves, and ice. In icy conditions, you can spread salt or grit to reduce the risk of slips and falls. If your property is in a rural or more isolated area, make sure tenants know where to find additional salt or grit if they need it.
• Outdoor Furniture and Fittings: If you have outdoor furniture or other fixtures (e.g., garden lights, birdbaths), store them away during the winter months or ensure they are adequately covered to prevent damage from the elements.
• Tree and Fence Checks: Inspect any trees or fencing for signs of damage. Heavy winds and snow can cause branches to fall, leading to potential damage to the property or garden. If trees are overgrown or near power lines, consider trimming them back to avoid future issues.

7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With heating systems running more frequently during the winter months, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can increase. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your rental property is safe and compliant with safety regulations.

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that all properties with gas appliances or wood-burning stoves have working carbon monoxide detectors installed. Check the batteries and test them regularly.
• Smoke Alarms: Winter is also a time when the risk of fires increases, particularly from portable heaters or fireplaces. Ensure that smoke alarms are installed in key areas of the property, such as hallways and sleeping areas.

8. Communicate with Your Tenants

Maintaining good communication with your tenants is key to ensuring winter maintenance runs smoothly. Before the weather turns cold, reach out to your tenants with a winter checklist, advising them of any steps they need to take (e.g., ensuring windows are properly closed, leaving cupboard doors open to allow warmth to circulate pipes, and reporting any issues promptly).

In addition, encourage them to report any problems with heating systems, plumbing, or other issues as soon as they arise. A proactive approach can prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs.

Winter can be tough on properties, especially in the South West, where weather conditions can be unpredictable. However, by taking the right steps to prepare and maintain your rental properties, you can protect your investment, ensure the comfort of your tenants, and avoid expensive emergency repairs. Regular inspections, a proactive approach to maintenance, and clear communication with tenants are the keys to successful property management during the colder months. So, grab your toolkit, get ready for winter, and ensure your properties are ready to face the season ahead!