Autumn brings more than just golden leaves and shorter days. For landlords, it’s a seasonal checkpoint, a chance to prepare your rental property for colder weather, rising energy use, and new compliance challenges.
As tenants spend more time indoors, maintenance demands increase. It’s also a good moment to review your investment’s performance, check upcoming legal updates, and plan for 2026.
Here’s what landlords need to know to stay compliant, efficient, and tenant-friendly this autumn.
Carry out essential checks before winter arrives
Cold weather can reveal issues that go unnoticed in summer, from dripping gutters to underperforming boilers. Tackling them early helps avoid mid-winter emergencies and costly repairs.
Top autumn checks to carry out now:
- Boiler servicing
Arrange a professional service to ensure everything’s in working order. Not only does this reduce the risk of breakdown, but it also improves energy efficiency — a win for both landlord and tenant. - Gutters and drains
Blocked gutters can lead to leaks, dampness, and costly water damage. A quick clean now could save you a headache later. - Roof inspections
Missing tiles or poor flashing can let rain and cold air seep in. Regular roof checks are vital, especially before winter storms hit. - Window and door seals
Draughts make homes harder to heat. Replacing worn seals helps reduce energy bills and improve tenant comfort. - Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Check that all alarms are present and working. It’s a legal requirement and could save lives. - Outdoor lighting
Shorter days mean more reliance on lighting outside. Make sure paths, porches, and communal areas are safely lit.
For Country Properties landlords using a full management service, these seasonal checks can be scheduled and handled as part of our routine maintenance, giving you peace of mind all season long.
Keep up with legal and safety obligations
Staying compliant is a year-round job, but autumn is a great time to double-check everything’s in order.
Gas and electrical safety
- Gas Safety Certificate
Must be renewed every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You’ll need to provide a copy to the tenant within 28 days of the check. - EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
Required every 5 years for all rental properties in England. A qualified electrician must carry this out.
Both documents must be up to date and available for inspection. Falling behind can lead to fines or, worse, an invalid Section 21 notice.
Energy efficiency and EPC updates
Currently, rental properties must have an EPC rating of E or above. While proposals to raise this to a C rating by 2028 are still under review, landlords are being encouraged to act early.
Common EPC improvements include:
- Upgraded insulation
- Smart heating controls
- High-efficiency boilers
- Double glazing
- Low-energy lighting
Making upgrades before they’re mandatory spreads out the cost and makes your property more appealing in a competitive rental market.
Country Properties can help you assess what improvements are worth considering and connect you with trusted local contractors.
Prepare for regulation changes ahead
The lettings sector continues to evolve, with new legislation likely on the horizon.
The proposed Renters Rights Bill, though delayed, could bring some of the biggest changes in a generation. As of autumn 2025, here’s what’s potentially coming:
- Abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- Stronger rights for tenants with pets
- Introduction of a national landlord portal
- A new Decent Homes Standard for the PRS
Even though these aren’t the law yet, it’s wise to keep ahead of the curve. Ensuring your tenancy agreements, processes, and property conditions meet the expected standards now will make future transitions smoother.
If you work with a letting agent like Country Properties, our team stays on top of legal changes, so you don’t have to. You’ll always be advised when changes affect your property or tenants.
Related: What is in the Renters’ Rights Bill and when will it become law?
Review your rent and plan for 2026
As the financial year draws closer and market dynamics shift, autumn is the perfect time to reassess your rental income.
According to the latest data from Rightmove, rental demand remains high, but affordability is starting to limit how far rents can rise. Zoopla’s Rental Market Report backs this up, showing:
- Average UK rent up 8.3% year-on-year
- Rental growth is slowing in high-priced areas
- Tenants staying longer in well-maintained homes
What this means for landlords:
- You may be able to increase rent, but consider local demand and tenant quality before doing so
- Offering good value could reduce voids and turnover
- Regularly reviewing your pricing keeps your investment on track
Ways to review rental income effectively:
- Benchmark against similar local properties
- Factor in rising costs (e.g., maintenance, insurance, mortgage)
- Use a local expert to assess the current market value
Secure vacant properties during void periods
If your rental becomes vacant this season, take precautions to avoid seasonal issues like frozen pipes, break-ins, or internal damp.
Void period checklist:
- Keep the heating on low or use a frost setting
- Check the property weekly, or arrange a managed visit
- Use light timers to deter unwanted attention
- Secure windows, doors, and access points
- Drain the water system if the property will be empty long-term
Country Properties offers vacant property inspections as part of our fully managed service, providing landlords with peace of mind during quieter letting periods.
Use tax time to your advantage
While the tax year ends in April, autumn is a smart time to get ahead on financial admin and reduce stress down the line.
Tips to prepare for tax season:
- Log deductible expenses now
Repairs, letting agent fees, mileage, and more can reduce your tax bill, but only if they’re recorded. - Check income reports
Use your statements to forecast tax liabilities and plan payments early. - Consider capital improvement plans
If you’re planning upgrades to meet future EPC rules, some improvements may be tax-deductible or offset as capital expenses.
Self-managing landlords should take stock now, while those working with Country Properties can request a breakdown of income and expenses to make tax prep easier.
Why landlords trust Country Properties
Property investment is a long game, and having the right support makes all the difference.
At Country Properties, we offer tailored services for landlords across the region, including:
- Full property management or tenant-find services
- Legal compliance and safety checks
- Ongoing maintenance and emergency repairs
- Local rental market insight
- Regular communication and peace of mind
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a growing portfolio, we’ll keep your property running smoothly, so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Book your free valuation
Want to check how your rental is performing in today’s market? Need advice on rent reviews or tenant retention?
Talk to your local Country Properties lettings team, and book your free, no-obligation valuation today.
Autumn’s the perfect time to plan, and we’re here to help.
