Property managers urged to get ahead of winter maintenance rush

The firm argues that getting ahead of seasonal maintenance is particularly important for those responsible for multiple properties, where the arrival of colder weather can see maintenance requirements emerge across several homes at the same time, increasing the operational challenge of coordinating inspections, contractors and repairs.

10 checks to make before winter arrives 

1. Inspect gutters and drainage

Gutters should be cleared of leaves and other debris before heavier autumn rainfall arrives, while downpipes and drains should also be checked to ensure water is flowing properly. 

2. Service boilers and heating systems

Heating systems should be tested before tenants actually need to use them. Servicing during late summer or early autumn provides an opportunity to identify faults before the colder months, when demand for heating engineers is likely to be greater. 

3. Check for damp and condensation risks

Bathrooms, kitchens, external walls and any areas with a history of damp should be inspected, with particular attention paid to ensuring extractor fans and other ventilation systems are working effectively. 

4. Inspect roofs and external fabric

Slipped tiles, damaged flashing, cracks and deteriorating render can all leave a property more vulnerable to wet and windy weather. Identifying these defects early allows them to be addressed before they develop into leaks or more significant problems. 

5. Check windows and doors

Damaged seals, draughts and windows that do not close properly can contribute to heat loss and condensation once temperatures fall, as well as becoming a source of tenant complaints.

6. Prepare external areas

Fencing, gates, sheds and other loose external items should be checked and secured, while overhanging trees and vegetation may also require attention. External lighting should also be reviewed as daylight hours shorten.

7. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

As well as meeting the relevant legal requirements, seasonal property inspections provide a sensible opportunity to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or devices where required. 

8. Review pipes and water systems

Exposed or poorly insulated pipework should be identified ahead of colder weather, particularly in vacant properties and areas such as lofts, garages and external spaces where pipes may be more vulnerable to freezing. 

9. Have a plan for vacant properties

Where properties could remain empty during the colder months, property managers should establish appropriate winter protocols covering heating, regular inspections, potential water leaks and emergency contacts.

10. Prepare for the winter maintenance rush

Contractor availability, emergency procedures and tenant contact details should be reviewed before winter arrives. Taking these steps now can make it easier to respond when poor weather results in a simultaneous increase in maintenance requirements across a portfolio. 

Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook, commented: 

“The biggest mistake landlords and property managers can make with winter maintenance is waiting for winter to arrive. Once temperatures fall and the weather deteriorates, relatively minor weaknesses within a property have the potential to become much bigger and more disruptive problems. 

September provides a valuable window in which to identify those issues while they are still manageable. It's far better to discover that a boiler needs attention now than when a tenant switches the heating on during the first cold spell, just as engineers are entering one of their busiest periods. 

This becomes particularly important when managing a portfolio because seasonal issues don't conveniently occur one property at a time. A spell of heavy rain or a sudden drop in temperature can expose problems across several properties simultaneously, at which point securing contractors and coordinating repairs becomes considerably more challenging. 

Good property management isn't simply about responding quickly when something goes wrong. A large part of the job is anticipating where problems are likely to occur and putting measures in place to prevent them wherever possible. 

A relatively modest amount of preventative work ahead of winter can help protect the condition of the property, provide a better experience for tenants and reduce the likelihood of landlords facing a string of urgent maintenance issues during the months when properties are under the greatest seasonal pressure.”