How Landlords Can Prepare Rental Properties for Autumn

As the leaves begin to fall and the nights draw in, autumn is the ideal time to carry out proactive maintenance to keep your properties in good condition and your tenants happy. Tackling potential issues before winter hits not only saves money in the long run but also helps avoid complaints, emergency callouts and void periods.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare rental properties for autumn.

Prepare Rental Properties for Autumn: Checklist

1. Inspect and Clear Gutters and Drains

Autumn leaves can quickly clog gutters, causing water to overflow and potentially damage brickwork, roofs and foundations. Arrange for gutters and downpipes to be cleared of debris and check that drains are flowing freely.

Tip: Ask your contractor to check for cracks or loose joints at the same time. A small repair now is cheaper than a large water damage bill later.

2. Service the Heating System

No tenant wants to find out the boiler has broken down on the coldest day of the year. Get the heating system serviced in early autumn to ensure it is working efficiently and safely.

Bonus: A recent service can be a tick in your favour if you’re looking to retain tenants at the end of a tenancy.

3. Check Insulation and Draught-Proofing

Heat loss through poor insulation is not just bad for energy bills, it could also affect your property’s EPC rating. This will become even more important as regulations tighten.

• Ensure loft insulation is intact and meets current standards.

• Check for gaps around windows and doors, and fit draught excluders where needed.

• Consider thermal curtains or secondary glazing in older properties.

4. Test Alarms and Safety Equipment

Autumn is a good time to carry out your annual checks on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and any other safety devices.

Legal reminder: Since October 2022, landlords in England are legally required to ensure a smoke alarm is fitted on every storey of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance.

5. Tidy the Garden and Outdoor Areas

Fallen leaves, moss and wet conditions can create slip hazards on paths and patios. Trim back overhanging branches, clear up leaves and make sure pathways are safe and well-lit.

If your tenancy agreement includes garden maintenance, remind tenants of their responsibilities, or consider including it in your service offering to avoid disputes.

6. Check for Signs of Damp and Condensation

As the weather becomes wetter and cooler, damp can start to form, particularly in older or poorly ventilated homes. Check corners of rooms, window frames and behind furniture for early signs of black mould or musty smells.

Prevention tip: Encourage tenants to ventilate regularly and consider fitting extractor fans or trickle vents if condensation is a recurring problem.

7. Communicate With Your Tenants

Let tenants know about any inspections or maintenance planned for autumn and provide them with useful tips too. A quick seasonal email or letter covering things like:

• How to bleed a radiator

• What to do if they spot damp

• Where the stopcock is

• Emergency contact details

This can go a long way towards preventing minor issues from turning into major problems.

8. Check Exterior Paintwork and Brickwork

Autumn rains and early frosts can worsen small cracks in external walls or render. Look for signs of weathering or peeling paint and schedule repairs before winter sets in. A water ingress now could become an expensive damp issue by spring.

Help to Prepare Rental Properties for Autumn

Being proactive in autumn not only protects your investment but also shows your tenants that you care about their comfort and safety. This can help with tenant retention and reduce costly callouts during the winter.

Our property management services include maintenance and inspections to help you keep your properties in good shape, leading to greater tenant satisfaction. Contact us today to find out how we can help you prepare rental properties for autumn.