Autumn Property Checklist: 10 Tips for Landlords & Tenant

As autumn settles in across the UK, homeowners and tenants alike are preparing their properties for the colder months ahead. With rising energy prices impacting households across the UK, it’s more important than ever to keep your home warm, safe, and energy efficient.

Whether you’re renting, owning, or letting a property, our expert Property Manager Belinda shares 10 essential autumn home maintenance tips to keep your rental property comfortable or protect your investment through the season.

1. Manage Condensation and Dampness in Your Home

Chilly autumn weather often causes condensation, which can lead to damp and mould if left unchecked. Keep your home heated consistently, even at low levels, and use ventilation like trickle vents or slightly open windows to reduce moisture buildup.

For renters: To help prevent damp and mould in your home, dry clothes in well-ventilated areas and always cover pots while cooking to reduce moisture in the air. Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to improve airflow, and wipe away condensation daily, especially from windows. If a dehumidifier is provided, use it regularly, particularly during the colder months when humidity tends to build up. Most importantly, report any persistent damp or signs of mould to your landlord or letting agent promptly to prevent the issue from getting worse.

2. Service Your Boiler Before Winter

Booking an annual boiler service is crucial to avoid breakdowns when the cold hits. A well-maintained boiler runs more efficiently, saving money on heating bills.

For renters: Remember, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to have the boiler serviced regularly. However, knowing the boiler’s brand and model can help you report any issues more quickly and accurately. It’s also helpful to know how to check the boiler pressure and adjust it if necessary, there are plenty of step-by-step guides available on YouTube.

3. Bleed Radiators for Maximum Warmth

If your radiators feel cold at the top and warm at the bottom, trapped air could be the issue. Bleeding radiators improves heat distribution and energy efficiency.

For tenants: If you’re unsure how to bleed a radiator, contact your landlord or agent to assist you safely.

4. Seal Draughts to Keep Your Home Cosy

Cold drafts through gaps around doors, windows, and floorboards can increase heating bills. Draught-proofing your home is a simple, effective way to stay warm and save energy.

For renters: Use non-permanent solutions like draught excluders and insulating window film. These options are affordable, easy to remove, and come in a variety of fun and practical designs. Always check with your landlord before making changes that aren’t easily reversible.

5. Clean and Insulate Gutters

Autumn leaves can clog gutters, causing leaks and water damage. Clear gutters regularly and consider gutter guards to prevent blockages.

For tenants: Report any leaks or blocked gutters to your landlord or letting agent immediately.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

With fireplaces and heating systems in use more often, checking your alarms is vital for safety.

Tenants: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and report any issues to your landlord. It’s their legal duty to provide functioning alarms.

7. Maintain Outdoor Spaces

Trim overhanging branches and protect garden furniture from autumn storms.

Renters: Keep your outdoor areas tidy if this is part of your tenancy agreement. Report any hazards such as damaged trees or fences.

8. Insulate Outdoor Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Pipes in unheated spaces are vulnerable during cold snaps. Insulating them is inexpensive and prevents costly damage.

For tenants: Keep the heating on low during extreme cold and report any burst pipes promptly.

9. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Replacing bulbs with LEDs can significantly reduce electricity bills and last much longer.

Renters: Keep original bulbs to reinstall before moving out if required.

10. Review Your Energy Tariff to Save Money

With energy prices rising nationwide, it’s wise to review your energy plan. Switching to a fixed-rate tariff can offer savings and stability.

Tenants: If you’re responsible for paying your own bills, it’s worth shopping around for the best deals and focusing on reducing your energy usage by following the tips outlined in this blog.

Heading into the colder months, I hope you enjoy a safe, warm, and comfortable home. If you have any questions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you’re a Let Only landlord thinking about handing over the day-to-day management of your property, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support you, just give us a call.

🍂 Let Only Landlords’ Top Tips for Autumn Property Care 🍂

For landlords using Let Only services, autumn is the perfect time to:

🔥 Send tenants seasonal maintenance advice on heating, ventilation, and pipe care.

✅ Ensure gas safety certificates and boiler servicing are up to date.

🕵️‍♂️ Arrange inspections or encourage early maintenance reporting.

📖 Provide tenants with manuals for heating controls.

🚨 Promote timely reporting of issues like damp or boiler faults.

Why it matters:
Proactive management helps protect your property and keeps tenants happy during the colder months.