Top winter tips for landlords: how to protect your rental property
As we head into the winter months, the cold can add extra pressure on your property. A roof leak, a broken boiler, or burst pipes are more likely in these conditions -and repairs can take longer and cost more when trades are busy. Use this landlord winter checklist to reduce risk, keep tenants safe, and avoid avoidable costs.
This checklist can be used for your own home up to certain points and also for unoccupied properties.
1) Tackle maintenance before marketing or renewals
- Fix visible defects before tenant viewings or renewals to protect property appeal and reduce mid‑tenancy disruptions.
- Complete minor repairs (sealant, handles, bulbs, alarms) to cut call‑outs during peak season.
- Provide tenants with a simple winter guide: heating settings, stopcock location, and how to report issues quickly.
2) Minimise voids and protect empty properties
- Aim to avoid winter voids; empty homes may be more vulnerable to leaks, frost, and intrusion.
- If the property will be empty for 30+ days, check policy terms and consider specialist unoccupied property insurance.
- Set the heating to a low, consistent temperature and/or drain down where appropriate.
3) Service the boiler and heating system
- Book an annual boiler service and safety checks early; replace worn parts proactively.
- Bleed radiators and verify system pressure; fit a programmable thermostat and TRVs for efficiency.
- Provide tenants with safe operating instructions and emergency contacts.
4) Seal draughts and add insulation
- Install or renew draught seals on external doors and windows; fix poorly fitting frames.
- Insulate loft spaces and exposed pipework; lag pipes in lofts, garages, and outbuildings.
- Seal gaps around letterboxes and keyholes; fit brush seals where appropriate
5) Check the gutters, the drainage and the roofs
- Look for loose or missing tiles or slates,
- Try to clear the gutters and downpipes so that the rainwater can drain away
- Keep the gullies and surface drains free from leaves and debris.
6) Protect the pipes from freezing
- Insulate the internal and external pipes and water tanks in the loft.
- Find the stopcock and turn the water off.
- If possible leave the heating on at a constant temperature.
7) Improve the security at the property
- Make sure you lock are in working order for your windows and doors
- Keep your external lights working , fit motion sensors if needed , replace bulbs,
8) Clear paths and driveways
- Repair any broken paths or driveways
- Encourage your tenants to keep up with clearing wet leaves, clearing snow
- If possible provide tub or grit or salt
9) Review your insurance documents
- Keep records of your work at the property
- Provide tentants with emergency numbers
- Speak with your insurer about any unoccupancy conditions or winter risks
Winter landlord checklist
- Service boiler; bleed radiators; test thermostat
- Fit draught seals; insulate loft and exposed pipes
- Inspect roof; clear gutters and downpipes
- Label stopcock; lag pipes and tanks; check frost settings
- Secure doors and windows; test external lighting
- Make paths and driveways safe; keep grit/salt on hand
- Review insurance conditions; set plans for void periods
- Send tenant winter guidance; confirm reporting routes
FAQs
What temperature should I set during unoccupancy?
Typically 12-15°C to protect pipes; follow boiler guidance and property specifics. Also you can check with your insurance company they might be able to give you some guidance on this.
Do I need special cover if the property is empty?
Many policies limit cover after 30 days unoccupied; check terms and consider unoccupied property insurance.
When should I service the boiler?
Annually, ideally early autumn to avoid peak demand and reduce breakdown risk.
