As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, both landlords and tenants need to be proactive to keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained through the colder months. Winter can expose weaknesses in a property – from frozen pipes to rising energy bills – but many issues can be prevented with timely steps and cooperation. Below is a practical, joint-responsibility guide.
Why Winter Prep Matters
- Avoid costly damage: Burst pipes, damp issues, roof leaks and heating failures all tend to peak in winter.
- Maintain comfort and health: A well-insulated, draft-sealed home keeps occupants comfortable and reduces risk of cold-related issues.
- Meet legal obligations: In many jurisdictions, landlords have duties to maintain heating, insulation and safe living conditions.
- Preserve the property’s condition: Winter stresses (freeze/thaw cycles, moisture, frost) can accelerate wear in roofs, walls and external features.
What Landlords Should Do (Before the Cold Hits)
Landlords have a greater burden of responsibility for structural, mechanical and external systems. Here’s a winter checklist based on best practice and expert guidance:
1. Boiler, Heating & Hot Water Systems
- Arrange an annual service well ahead of winter — ensuring safety, efficiency and catching faults early.
- Check and bleed radiators to remove trapped air; inefficient radiators often mean heating systems are underperforming.
- For older boilers (10+ years), assess whether an upgrade to a modern, efficient model makes sense.
- Inspect pipework, especially in unheated areas (lofts, basements, garages). Insulate exposed pipes to reduce the risk of freezing.
- If the property may be unoccupied (e.g. between tenancies), plan to leave heating on at a low level or drain systems to avoid freeze damage.
2. Structural & External Maintenance
- Clean gutters and drains: clear leaves, moss and debris so water flows freely (avoids overflow, damp ingress, freeze damage).
- Inspect roof, flashing and tiles: repair or replace damaged tiles, seal joints to prevent leaks.
- Check seals on windows and doors: reseal or weatherstrip where needed to reduce drafts.
- Inspect chimneys and flues (if applicable): ensure they’re free of blockages or cracks.
- Ensure insulation is adequate: roof, loft, cavity or wall insulation – check that nothing has been compromised.
- Exterior pipe protection: cover or lag external water supply pipes, especially where frost may hit.
3. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: confirm these are functioning, with fresh batteries.
- Provide tenants with emergency contact info for plumbers, electricians, heating engineers.
- Encourage regular inspections: schedule seasonal checks so issues can be caught early.
- Check property insurance: ensure coverage includes frost and burst pipe damage.
- Plan for tenant travel/absence: ensure protocols for when tenants are away (e.g. turning off water at the mains).
4. Communication & Agreement with Tenants
- Provide tenants with a winter guidance list (see below) so they know which responsibilities are theirs.
- Ask tenants to report small issues promptly (leaks, drafts, moisture) before they escalate.
- Ensure all keys, access points and utility interfaces are clearly documented for maintenance access.
What Tenants Can Do (To Help Through Winter)
Tenants play a crucial role in the day-to-day care of the home and in spotting early signs of issues. Here’s a winterproofing checklist for tenants, adapted from tenant-focused guides:
1. Manage Heating, Humidity & Ventilation
- Run the heating sensibly: keep it at a low constant level rather than switching it on/off aggressively — this helps avoid condensation and keeps pipes safer.
- Ventilate rooms: open windows slightly (especially after cooking or showering) to reduce humidity build-up and mould risk.
- Use extraction fans in bathrooms/kitchens and keep vents free.
- Manage condensation: wipe away condensation on windows, avoid drying lots of wet laundry indoors without ventilation.
2. Check for Leaks, Drafts & Damage
- Walk through the home, looking for damp patches, peeling paint, water stains or small leaks. Report them immediately.
- Feel walls and window edges for cold spots or drafts; mention these to the landlord.
- Ensure windows and doors are properly closed, and check seals or weatherstripping.
- Use thick curtains at night, and consider window insulation film (where permitted) for extra thermal protection.
3. Safeguard Pipes & Plumbing
- Know where the main water shutoff valve is, in case you need to act quickly.
- If going away for a period, consider turning off the water at the mains and draining pipe sections (if landlord agrees).
- Do not leave radiators or heating off for long periods when very cold — risk of freezing.
- Never ignore a dripping tap or small leak — timely reporting is better than later damage.
4. Prepare for Power Cuts & Emergencies
- Keep handy a torch, spare batteries, candles, first aid kit, and emergency contact numbers.
- Know how to isolate your electrical supply in case of a fault.
- Store away vulnerable or moisture-sensitive items from walls, floors or low shelves.
Working Together: Best Practices & Tips
- Joint inspection before winter: Landlord or agent and tenant walk through property together to log existing issues, check systems, and set expectations.
- Clear communication channels: Use agreed methods (email, portal, phone) so that maintenance requests are swift and traceable.
- Encourage proactive behaviour: Small fixes early (a leaking gutter, a cracked seal) prevent serious damage later.
- Flexible access for essential maintenance: Tenants should allow landlord/contractors access for winter checks, with proper notice.
- Shared awareness of responsibilities: A clear tenancy agreement or addendum may specify which repairs or upkeep tasks are tenant responsibility and which lie with the landlord.
Sample Winter-Ready Checklist for Landlords & Tenants
|
Area |
Landlord Responsibility |
Tenant’s Role |
|
Boiler & heating |
Annual service, pipe insulation, bleeding radiators |
Use heating appropriately, report cold spots |
|
Plumbing & pipes |
Lag exposed pipework, check for external exposure |
Know where main shutoff is, report leaks quickly |
|
Roof, gutters & drainage |
Clean gutters, repair roof/tile damage |
Report loose tiles, blocked downpipes |
|
Windows & doors |
Ensure frame integrity, weather-proof seals |
Use curtains/insulation film, close windows properly |
|
Ventilation & moisture control |
Fit extractor fans, monitor damp-prone areas |
Ventilate bathrooms/kitchen, manage condensation |
|
Safety & emergency |
Maintain detectors, provide contact info |
Check detectors, know how to respond to faults |
Final Thoughts
Winter can be challenging, but good preparation minimizes risk for everyone involved. Landlords who proactively maintain their properties reduce repair costs, avoid disruption, and protect their investment. Tenants who stay vigilant and responsive help create a safer, more comfortable home environment and foster a positive landlord–tenant relationship.
At Pilgrams Sales & Lettings, we encourage both landlords and tenants to plan ahead for winter. If you’d like a printable checklist to share with tenants, a winter review service, or help setting up maintenance schedules, just say the word.
Sources from nrla.org.uk and Admiral