A Practical Guide to Winter-Proofing Your Property

22 Oct 2025

by Hannah Stinga

Winter-Proof Your Property: A Practical Guide for Landlords & Tenants

As winter approaches and the temperatures dip, preparation becomes essential for both landlords and tenants. Cold weather can highlight a property’s weak points — from frozen pipes to rising heating costs — but with teamwork and planning, these risks can be minimised.

At Duncan Yeardley, we’ve seen how small preventative steps can save time, money, and stress. This guide is designed to help landlords protect their investments and tenants stay warm, safe, and comfortable all season long.

Why Winter Preparation Matters

• Avoid costly repairs: Issues like burst pipes, damp, roof leaks, and boiler breakdowns are far more common in colder months.
• Maintain comfort and health: A well-insulated, draught-free home keeps everyone cosy and prevents cold-related health concerns.
• Fulfil legal responsibilities: Landlords must ensure heating systems are working and living conditions remain safe and habitable.
• Preserve property value: Proactive maintenance reduces long-term wear from frost, moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles.

Landlords’ Checklist: Before the Cold Sets In

Landlords carry responsibility for the property’s structure, systems, and safety. Here’s what to check before winter arrives.

1. Heating, Boilers & Hot Water

• Schedule an annual boiler service early to ensure efficiency and catch potential faults.
• Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and improve heat circulation.
• For older systems (10+ years), consider an upgrade to a more efficient boiler.
• Insulate exposed pipework in lofts, basements, or garages to prevent freezing.
• If the property will be vacant, set the heating to a low constant level or drain the system to avoid burst pipes.

2. Exterior & Structural Maintenance

• Clear gutters and drains of leaves and debris to prevent water build-up and overflow.
• Inspect the roof, flashing and tiles — repair any loose or cracked tiles promptly.
• Check seals on doors and windows; apply new weatherstripping if needed.
• Inspect chimneys and flues for blockages or damage.
• Verify insulation in lofts and walls is intact and effective.
• Lag external pipes or fit covers to protect against frost.

3. Safety & Emergency Measures

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if necessary.
• Ensure tenants have emergency contact details for heating engineers, electricians, and plumbers.
• Confirm your insurance policy covers winter-related damage like burst pipes or roof leaks.
• Agree a plan for tenant absences — such as switching off mains water during extended holidays.

4. Communication & Cooperation

• Share a winter readiness checklist with tenants outlining mutual responsibilities.
• Encourage tenants to report issues early, such as leaks or draughts.
• Provide clear access details for maintenance visits, ensuring smooth communication between all parties.

Tenants’ Checklist: Staying Warm & Preventing Problems

Tenants play an essential part in keeping the home running efficiently through winter. Follow these steps to stay safe and help prevent damage.

1. Heating, Ventilation & Condensation Control

• Keep heating at a steady, low level rather than turning it on and off drastically.
• Ventilate daily — open windows slightly after showers or cooking to avoid condensation.
• Use extractor fans and keep vents clear.
• Wipe away window condensation and avoid drying large amounts of laundry indoors without ventilation.

2. Spot & Report Early Issues

• Regularly check for damp patches, leaks or peeling paint — and report them immediately.
• Feel for draughts or cold spots around windows and doors.
• Close windows properly and use curtains or thermal liners to retain heat.

3. Protect Pipes & Plumbing

• Locate your main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it.
• If leaving the property during cold weather, consult your landlord about turning off the mains water.
• Keep heating on at a low level to prevent pipes freezing.
• Report any dripping taps or leaks immediately — small problems can quickly escalate.

4. Be Ready for Power Cuts or Emergencies

• Keep a torch, spare batteries, candles and emergency numbers easily accessible.
• Know how to isolate your electrical supply in case of faults.
• Store items away from cold walls and damp floors to protect them.

Working Together

1. Schedule a joint inspection before winter to log issues and set maintenance expectations.
2. Keep communication open — use email, apps or phone calls for quick, traceable maintenance requests.
3. Act early — small fixes now (a loose tile, blocked gutter) prevent bigger winter disasters.
4. Allow access for essential maintenance, with proper notice from your landlord or agent.
5. Clarify responsibilities in the tenancy agreement to avoid confusion about who handles what.

Sample Winter-Ready Checklist

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be a stressful time for landlords or tenants. With good communication and proactive maintenance, properties stay protected and everyone stays comfortable.

At Duncan Yeardley, as part of our Fully Managed service we support both landlords and tenants in preparing for winter — from providing seasonal maintenance checklists to coordinating trusted local contractors. If you’d like help reviewing your property’s winter readiness or setting up a maintenance plan, our team is here to assist.

Stay warm, stay safe — and let’s keep your property in top condition this winter.

Questions? Contact us today to chat with a member of our lettings team on 01344 860121 —we’re always happy to help!

Sources: nrla.org.uk, Admiral Insurance