With the colder months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your managed property portfolios winter-ready.
A few simple checks and maintenance jobs can help keep properties warm, comfortable and in good condition throughout winter, while reducing the risk of costly repairs and unhappy tenants.
Here are 5 simple ways letting agents can winter-proof their rental properties.
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- Draught-proof windows and doors
- Check and service the boiler
- Bleed the radiators
- Clear the gutters
- Keep the property properly ventilated
- Winter-proofing your rental: a simple checklist
Draught-proofing windows & doors
Draughts are one of the easiest ways for heat to escape from a property. Gaps around windows, doors and other openings can let cold air in and make it harder to keep a home warm.
Draught-proofing can be a relatively quick and inexpensive job.
Key areas to review during property inspections:
- Gaps around window frames and external door seals
- Unsealed gaps around pipework, skirting boards, and letterboxes
- Opportunities to fit brush strips, door seals, or draught excluders
Top Tip: Adding draught checks to your autumn maintenance visits allows you to recommend low-cost, high-impact fixes to landlords before cold weather sets in.
Check & service the boiler
A boiler failure in the middle of winter is nobody's idea of fun. Regular boiler maintenance can help identify potential problems before they turn into an unexpected heating breakdown or emergency call-out.
Before winter, make sure:
- The boiler has had its required annual service
- There are no obvious leaks or unusual noises
- The heating system is working correctly
- The boiler pressure is within the manufacturer's recommended range*
- Tenants know how to use the heating controls
Top Tip: For many conventional heating systems, boiler pressure is typically around 1–1.5 bar when the system is cold, but the correct pressure can vary, so always check the manufacturer's guidance.
Read our full guide to energy grants to see what funding you could claim.
Bleed the radiators
If a radiator is warm at the bottom but cold at the top, air is trapped inside the panel. This prevents hot water from circulating effectively, causing uneven heating and wasted energy.
Signs a radiator needs bleeding:
- ❄️ Cold spots at the top of the unit
- 🌡️ Slow warm-up times or bubbling/gurgling noises
If you're managing multiple rental properties, checking radiators before winter can be a simple addition to your property maintenance routine.
Top tip: Make sure the heating is switched off and the radiators have cooled down before bleeding them, and check the boiler pressure afterwards.
Clear the gutters
Leaves and debris block gutters and downpipes, leading to water build up, leaks and internal damp patches.
Pre-winter exterior checks:
- ✅ Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
- ✅ Inspect joints and brackets for leaks or structural damage
- ✅ Ensure surface water drains away freely from external walls
Top Tip: Adding exterior property checks to your autumn maintenance visits allows you to make sure structural and exterior repairs are managed before winter sets in.
Keep the property properly ventilated
Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes create moisture in the air. Without enough ventilation, that moisture can contribute to condensation, damp and mould.
Help tenants keep moisture under control by educating them on:
- Using extractor fans when cooking and showering
- Keeping trickle vents open
- Avoiding drying clothes directly on radiators where possible
- Allowing bathrooms and kitchens to ventilate properly
- Keeping furniture slightly away from external walls where appropriate
- Reporting signs of damp, mould or persistent condensation early
Top tip: Good ventilation and effective heating should work together to help keep a rental property comfortable throughout winter.
Winter proofing checklist
Getting a property ready for winter doesn't have to be complicated.
Before temperatures really drop, check that you've:
| 🔲 | Checked windows, doors, and pipe openings for draughts |
| 🔲 | Confirmed annual boiler services |
| 🔲 | Tested heating systems and bled radiators where required |
| 🔲 | Gas safety checks are complete |
| 🔲 | Inspected extractor fans, trickle vents, and ventilation paths |
| 🔲 | Provided tenants with info on heating controls and damp prevention |
Streamline Property and Utility Management This Winter
Seasonal tenancy changeovers and void periods bring significant administrative pressure to busy property management teams.
With Notify by One Utility Bill, utility registrations across energy, water, and council tax are handled automatically in the background whenever tenants move in or out.
- Save Admin Hours: Eliminate manual supplier phone calls and duplicate data entry.
- Earn Guaranteed Commission: Receive guaranteed commission on every qualifying move-in, regardless of supplier choice.
- Maintain Complete Oversight: Track notification progress through a real-time portal with downloadable audit trails.
Discover how Notify can streamline your agency's utility admin and unlock new revenue this season. Explore our latest industry guides at One Utility Bill Insights or contact our team today.