Summer rental property maintenance checklist: Prepare ahead of time for winter

Summer is the perfect season to get your rental property's maintenance out of the way. The weather is nicer, tradespeople are easier to book, and your tenants may be on holiday. Getting things sorted now will save you trouble and expenses come winter. 

Have a go with our useful checklist to stay ahead of the game. 

Book a boiler service

Boilers will fail when they are working hardest — during the winter. Having your boiler serviced in the summer avoids this. 

A yearly service nips little faults before they turn into big ones. It keeps your hot water and heating running when your tenants require it. 

YourRepair's landlord packages have yearly boiler servicing included in the cover. This takes away the hassle of arranging it yourself. 

Check for leaks

Even a small leak can become a huge issue if not addressed. Make use of the summer months and check pipes, taps, and tanks for leaks. 

Look out for patches of moisture, mildew, or water marks. Don't forget to check the outside taps and exposed pipes too. 

Fixing leaks at an early stage prevents water damage and saves you from paying exorbitant bills later on. 

Clear the drains and gutters

Gutters accumulate leaves, moss, and mud in winter and spring. They will overflow and water will enter the building when clogged. 

The ideal time to clean downpipes and gutters is in summer. At the same time, also ensure drains are flowing freely. 

A quick clean now can prevent leaks and costly water damage in the future. 

Inspect the roof and loft

Check the roof for loose or broken tiles. Small cracks let water in when it rains. 

In the attic, look for signs of leaks, damp, or pests. Detecting issues early makes them less expensive and simpler to fix. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Test your alarms in summer. Replace batteries when necessary. 

Working alarms protect your tenants and keep you in the law. It's an easy task that has a huge effect. 

Check doors, windows and locks

Open, close and test all doors and windows. 

Bunged up locks have an effect on security and if there are gaps, cause higher heating bills during winter if heat escapes through cracks. 

Small repairs now help keep your tenants safe and snug. 

Clean outdoor spaces

Use summer to tidy up gardens, patios and driveways. 

Trim hedges, remove rubbish, and repair fences or gates if needed. A tidy outside area adds to the looks of the house and makes your tenants feel cared for. 

Why it pays to act now

Dealing with the little jobs now avoids bigger problems later. It keeps your tenants happy and eradicates winter emergency repairs. 

Regular maintenance also protects your investment. Properties that are kept up lose their value less quickly and need fewer expensive major repairs in the future. 

How YourRepair can help landlords

Staying on top of maintenance can feel like a daunting chore. YourRepair makes it easy. 

With YourRepair you get: 

• Annual boiler service included 

• Gas safety checks included 

• Heating, plumbing, electrics and drainage covered 

• 24 hour emergency helpline for rapid repairs 

• Access to reputable engineers across the UK 

Exclusive NRLA member offer

NRLA members get a complimentary month on any YourRepair landlord protection plan when buying via NRLA. 

It's a simple way to protect your property, avoid expensive surprises, and keep happy tenants. 

Keep on top of repairs now and you can face the winter with confidence. 

Discover more and secure your exclusive NRLA offer below.