As the nights draw in and temperatures start to drop, autumn marks a turning point for landlords across Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington and the surrounding boroughs. The issues that barely register in summer, such as a slightly slow-draining gutter, a boiler that has not been serviced or a draughty window, can quickly become genuine problems once the colder months set in.
Getting ahead of seasonal maintenance is not just about avoiding costly repairs. It can help protect tenant relationships, reduce disruption and keep a property performing well through the winter. Here are five issues worth checking now, before the weather turns.
Nothing tests a heating system quite like the first genuinely cold week of the year, and a boiler failure in December can quickly become a major inconvenience for both landlord and tenant. Boilers that have sat largely unused since spring can develop faults that only become apparent when they are put back into regular use.
An annual gas safety check is a legal requirement for landlords with relevant gas appliances. Regular servicing is separate from the gas safety check and should be carried out in line with the manufacturer's instructions and any other relevant maintenance requirements.
Arranging these checks and servicing before the heating season gets into full swing can help identify potential problems before they become emergency repairs.
Myles Moloney, Regional Director at Chase Buchanan, explains:
“Boiler problems are always going to become more noticeable once the weather gets colder, so autumn is a good time to get ahead of them. A check or service before the first real cold spell can often pick up smaller issues before they turn into an emergency repair when tenants really need the heating.”
A little preparation in early autumn can help reduce the risk of an emergency call-out, an unhappy tenant and a boiler failure at the worst possible moment.
As temperatures drop and homes generate more moisture through activities such as cooking, bathing and drying clothes, condensation can become more common. If it is not addressed, it can contribute to mould growth, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens and areas with inadequate ventilation.
There can be several causes of damp and mould, so landlords should not assume that condensation is simply a result of how a property is being used. Poor insulation, inadequate heating, ineffective extractor fans, insufficient ventilation and building defects can all contribute to the problem.
As Myles Moloney puts it, “damp and condensation are much easier to deal with early before they develop into mould or cause damage. Checking things like extractor fans, trickle vents and the areas that are more prone to moisture is important, but so is making sure tenants understand how to ventilate the property properly and what to flag to us early.”
Landlords should investigate reports of damp and mould promptly and address any underlying property issues. Practical measures such as checking ventilation, maintaining extractor fans and ensuring the property is adequately heated and ventilated can all help reduce the risk of problems developing or becoming more serious during the winter.
Landlords should also be aware of the requirements being introduced under Awaab’s Law. The law currently applies to social housing in England and sets specific timeframes for social landlords to investigate and address significant damp and mould hazards. Awaab’s Law is also due to be extended to the private rented sector, making it increasingly important for private landlords to understand their responsibilities around damp and mould and to act promptly when issues are reported.
For landlords preparing to let a property, taking a proactive approach can help prevent problems from escalating. Regular property checks, well-maintained ventilation and heating systems, and clear communication with tenants can all play an important role in keeping a property in good condition and providing a safe, well-maintained home.
Autumn brings falling leaves, and falling leaves can bring blocked gutters. It is an unglamorous problem, but blocked or poorly maintained gutters can contribute to water damage during wetter weather. Overflowing gutters can cause damp patches on external walls and, in more serious cases, allow water to enter the property.
This can be particularly worth checking at properties close to mature trees, including some of the older homes found across South West London. Clearing gutters in early autumn, before the bulk of leaf fall, is a straightforward way to reduce the risk of blockages once the wetter weather arrives.
It is worth pairing this with a quick check of drainage more broadly. Are downpipes clear? Is there any pooling near the property? Are air bricks free from obstruction? These are small checks, but addressing problems early can help prevent more disruptive and expensive repairs later in the winter.
Cold snaps bring a risk of frozen pipes, particularly in properties with exposed pipework in lofts, garages or outbuildings. A frozen pipe is inconvenient, but a burst pipe, especially in an occupied property, can cause significant damage and disruption for tenants.
Simple preventative steps can help reduce the risk. Landlords should check exposed pipework and make sure it is appropriately insulated, particularly in cold areas such as lofts and garages. Loft tanks and associated pipework should also be adequately insulated.
For short periods away during very cold weather, keeping the heating on at a low setting can help reduce the risk of pipes freezing. Tenants should also know what to do if they discover a frozen or burst pipe and how to contact their landlord or managing agent in an emergency.
Myles Moloney notes:
“Burst pipes can cause a huge amount of disruption for both the tenant and the landlord, so a bit of preparation before winter goes a long way. Insulating exposed pipework, checking any vulnerable areas and making sure tenants know the basic precautions to take in colder weather can significantly reduce the risk.”
As heating bills rise through the colder months, tenants become far more conscious of draughts and are more likely to raise them as an issue. Ill-fitting windows, worn door seals and gaps around external doors can all let warmth escape and cold air in, increasing heat loss and reducing comfort.
A quick check of window and door seals, along with letterbox draught excluders and any obvious gaps, is a relatively low-cost way to improve a property's performance through winter. For older properties, particularly the period homes found across much of Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, checking seals and draughts can be a simple and cost-effective way to reduce heat loss and improve comfort.
A few straightforward steps now can help reduce the risk of common winter maintenance problems:
Check the boiler and heating system
Arrange the required annual gas safety check where applicable and service the boiler in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check extractor fans and ventilation
Make sure extractor fans are working properly and check that trickle vents and other ventilation systems are not obstructed.
Clear gutters before peak leaf fall
Particularly important for properties close to mature trees and areas where leaves can accumulate quickly.
Insulate exposed pipework
Check pipework in cold areas such as lofts, garages and outbuildings and make sure it is appropriately insulated.
Inspect window and door seals
A relatively low-cost check that can help reduce draughts, heat loss and tenant discomfort.
None of these issues are unusual, and many can be addressed with relatively straightforward preventative maintenance. What matters is timing. Addressing potential problems in autumn, rather than waiting for them to surface in mid-winter, can help protect both the property and the tenant relationship while reducing the risk of disruptive emergency repairs.
At Chase Buchanan, we work closely with landlords across Richmond, Twickenham and the surrounding boroughs to stay ahead of seasonal maintenance, so potential issues can be identified early rather than discovered the hard way. If you would like advice on preparing your rental property for the colder months, our team is happy to help.