Every winter, UK homes face a familiar set of challenges: freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, draughty rooms, and rising energy bills. For landlords, these seasonal pressures are more than just inconvenient. Left unchecked, they can become legal liabilities, expensive repairs, and unhappy tenants.
This year, there is even more reason to take winter preparation seriously. With the government pushing through new legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Bill and Awaab’s Law, landlords will soon face stricter obligations to act quickly on problems such as damp and mould. At the same time, energy efficiency standards remain a key focus, and tenants are more aware than ever of their rights when living in cold or draughty homes.
At Country Properties, we believe the best defence against winter property problems is a proactive plan. This landlord’s winter home maintenance checklist blends practical steps with the latest news so you can protect your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.
Heating and hot water: the frontline of winter comfort
When the temperature drops, tenants rely heavily on the heating system. A sudden breakdown is not just inconvenient; it can breach legal standards for habitable homes.
That is why every landlord should book an annual boiler service with a Gas Safe registered engineer before winter demand peaks. This is a legal requirement and ensures the system runs safely and efficiently.
In 2025, the government dropped its proposed 2035 ban on gas boiler sales, confirming that households can continue using and replacing gas boilers in existing homes. However, under the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, new-build properties will need to meet low-carbon efficiency targets that are likely to exclude traditional gas systems.
However, landlords can still show commitment to efficiency by installing smart heating controls. These devices allow tenants to regulate heating precisely, prevent wasted energy, and sometimes highlight faults before they escalate into full breakdowns.
Pipes and plumbing: stopping problems before they burst
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies. They can rupture unexpectedly, causing leaks, floods, and costly repairs.
Simple steps, such as insulating pipes in lofts, garages, and external walls with foam lagging, provide strong protection. Tenants also need guidance. Many do not know where the stopcock is, and showing them could save thousands of pounds in water damage if a pipe bursts.
Background heating is another essential tip. Encouraging tenants to keep a steady low temperature of 12–15°C helps prevent water in pipes from freezing solid.
Roofs, gutters, and drainage: keeping the weather out
Winter brings heavy rainfall and strong winds. Loose roof tiles, blocked gutters, and clogged drains are often the source of leaks and damp patches inside homes.
A quick roof inspection in autumn, followed by clearing leaves from gutters and downpipes, ensures water flows away from the property. Ground drains and gullies should also be checked so water does not pool around the foundations. Taking action early helps avoid water ingress, dampness, and structural damage.
Condensation and mould: new responsibilities for landlords
Condensation is the most common cause of damp in UK rental properties, especially in winter when homes are sealed against the cold. Warm air from cooking, showering, or drying clothes meets cold walls or windows, creating moisture. If left unchecked, this can lead to mould, and under Awaab’s Law, landlords could soon face strict deadlines to fix such problems.
This law, expected to extend into the private rental sector, will make landlords legally responsible for acting swiftly on mould and damp reports. Cosmetic fixes such as painting over black spots will no longer be acceptable. Structural and ventilation issues must be addressed.
Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms should be tested to ensure they remove moisture effectively. External cracks and gaps around windows should be sealed to keep cold air out. Tenants should also be given clear guidance on managing condensation:
- Ventilate rooms daily by opening windows briefly.
- Use lids on pans while cooking.
- Leave a gap between furniture and external-facing walls.
- Keep trickle vents open and tumble dryers vented.
Related: How to keep damp and mould out of your home
Safety checks: protecting tenants and staying compliant
Winter is the time when safety systems are needed most. Heating and electrical systems are under strain, and landlords must meet legal standards to ensure tenants are safe.
- Smoke alarms are legally required on every floor of a rental property and must be tested.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are required near solid-fuel appliances and are strongly recommended for all gas boilers.
- Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed every year.
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) must be valid and updated at least every five years.
With increased scrutiny from local authorities, failing to complete these checks risks both fines and reputational damage.
Energy efficiency: cutting costs and meeting expectations
Heating costs are a major concern for tenants. A property that loses heat quickly is more expensive to run and more likely to suffer from condensation problems.
Draught-proofing doors and windows, topping up loft insulation to at least 270mm, and upgrading to modern glazing are all effective steps. These improvements save energy, reduce condensation, and boost a property’s EPC rating.
FAQs
Q1. What should a landlord’s winter property rental checklist include?
Heating and boiler checks, pipe insulation, roof and gutter maintenance, damp and condensation prevention, safety checks, insulation improvements, tenant communication, and financial planning.
Q2. How often should boilers be serviced before winter?
Boilers must be serviced once a year. The best time is autumn, before peak winter demand.
Q3. How can landlords prevent frozen pipes and leaks?
By insulating exposed pipes, encouraging background heating, repairing leaks promptly, and showing tenants how to use the stopcock.
Q4. Who is responsible for damp and mould in a rental property?
Landlords must resolve damp caused by poor structure or ventilation. Tenants are responsible for day-to-day moisture management.
Q5. What safety checks are essential in winter?
Smoke alarm testing, carbon monoxide detectors, annual gas safety checks, and valid electrical safety certificates.
Q6. What is the best winter home maintenance checklist for UK landlords?
A proactive plan that combines property inspections, safety compliance, efficiency upgrades, tenant communication, and financial preparation.
Preparing for winter: the takeaway
Winter is always a testing season for rental properties, but with new legislation on the horizon and rising expectations from tenants, the stakes are higher than ever. Proactive landlords who take the time to prepare their properties now will avoid emergency repairs, stay compliant with the law, and create safe, efficient homes that tenants value.
If you would like expert advice or support in preparing your rental property for winter, speak to your local Country Properties team today.
