As we head into Autumn, the changing season is a crucial checkpoint for property landlords. Autumn is the ultimate window of opportunity. It allows you to address wear and tear, protect your asset from harsh weather, and ensure your tenants stay warm and safe before winter arrives.
At Elliot Leigh, we know that proactive maintenance is the key to preserving asset value and keeping tenancies running smoothly. To help you prepare your portfolio, we’ve put together this essential autumn checklist.
1. Clear the Gutters and Drains
Falling leaves are picturesque, but once they settle into your property’s guttering, they spell trouble.
- The Risk: Blocked gutters prevent rainwater from draining properly, leading to overflow that can saturate exterior brickwork, cause damp patches internally, and damage foundations.
- The Fix: Arrange for a professional clear-out of gutters, downpipes, and nearby drains once the bulk of the autumn leaves have fallen.
2. Service the Heating System
There is nothing quite like the first truly cold day of autumn to test whether a boiler is up to the job.
- The Risk: Emergency boiler breakdowns spike dramatically as soon as the weather turns, leaving tenants without heating or hot water and resulting in costly call-out charges.
- The Fix: Schedule an annual service with a Gas Safe registered engineer ahead of the peak winter rush. Bleed radiators to test for trapped air and ensure efficiency so your tenants can heat their homes effectively.
3. Check Roofs and Exterior Brickwork
Summer storms and heavy winds can leave subtle vulnerabilities on the exterior of a building.
- The Risk: Loose or cracked roof tiles, damaged flashing, or crumbling mortar allow moisture to creep in during autumn downpours, leading to costly leaks and structural decay.
- The Fix: Conduct a visual ground-level or drone inspection of the roofline and exterior walls. Look out for missing tiles, damaged pointing, or gaps around window frames that could let cold drafts in.
4. Weatherproof Doors and Windows
Drafty properties not only make for uncomfortable living conditions, but they also drive up energy bills, a major concern for tenants.
- The Risk: Worn-out weatherstripping and sealant around windows and doors let heat escape and allow moisture to enter.
- The Fix: Inspect seals, replace degraded draught-proofing strips, and ensure double-glazing units aren’t showing signs of internal condensation (which indicates broken seals).
5. Tend to the Garden and Outdoor Spaces
Overgrown vegetation and trees can become hazardous as autumn winds pick up.
- The Risk: Dead branches can snap and damage property or fencing, while slippery, leaf-covered paths pose a slip-and-fall hazard for tenants and visitors.
- The Fix: Cut back overgrown tree branches hanging close to the roof or driveway, clear fallen leaves from pathways, and secure any loose garden furniture or external structures.
A Smarter Way to Handle Property Maintenance
Keeping on top of seasonal checks, compliance, and day-to-day repairs can feel like a juggling act, especially if you manage multiple properties.
This is where Elliot Leigh’s Guaranteed Rent Scheme changes the game. Under our scheme, our dedicated in-house maintenance and inspection teams handle the burden for you. From routine oversight to proactive fixes, we ensure your property stays protected year-round, freeing you from the day-to-day grind of property upkeep while securing your fixed monthly income.
Want to learn more about how we secure your rental income while keeping your portfolio winter-ready and fully managed? Get in touch with the Elliot Leigh team today.
