The Cost of Winter Neglect

Winter brings the highest volume of emergency repair requests: broken boilers, burst pipes, overflowing gutters, and pervasive damp. For landlords, taking a reactive approach to winter maintenance usually results in expensive premium call-out fees and frustrated tenants.

Here is our definitive checklist to winter-proof your rental portfolio before the freeze sets in.

1. Service the Boiler Before the Rush

Do not wait until November to turn the heating on. Boiler engineers are booked solid during the first cold snap. Arrange for your annual boiler service and CP12 Gas Safety check in late summer or early autumn. Preventative servicing catches pressure issues, faulty pumps, and worn parts before they leave your tenants freezing.

2. Clear the Gutters and Drains

Autumn leaves and debris clog gutters. When winter rains and freezing temperatures hit, blocked gutters overflow, pouring water directly down the exterior brickwork. This leads to penetrating damp, damaged pointing, and interior mold. Hire a maintenance team to clear all gutters, downpipes, and drain gullies.

3. Insulate Pipes and Draft-Proof

As discussed in our frozen pipes guide, ensure all exposed pipework in lofts or exterior areas is heavily lagged with foam insulation. Furthermore, inspect the silicone sealant around windows and doors. Replacing worn weather-stripping prevents drafts, keeps the property warm, and reduces tenant complaints regarding energy bills.

4. Check the Roof and Chimney

A single slipped tile can allow significant water ingress during winter storms. Conduct a visual inspection of the roofline from the ground using binoculars. Look for cracked tiles, damaged flashing around chimneys, and degraded mortar.

5. Educate Your Tenants

Your tenants are your first line of defence. Send them a polite winter care email containing instructions on:

  • Where the main water stopcock is located and how to turn it off.
  • The importance of keeping the heating on a low setting (at least 12°C) if they leave the property vacant over Christmas.
  • How to properly ventilate the property (opening windows briefly and using extractor fans) to prevent condensation and black mold from forming on cold walls.

Partner with Stones & Co

Managing multiple properties across London during winter is a logistical nightmare. Estate agents and portfolio landlords trust Stones & Co for our planned winter maintenance packages. We conduct full preventative surveys and remain on standby 24/7 for emergency response, giving you complete peace of mind.