Early September is an excellent time for landlords across Devon to prepare rental properties for autumn and winter.
The days may still feel bright and mild, but colder evenings, heavier rainfall and Atlantic storms are not far away. Dealing with maintenance now is usually easier, more cost-effective and less disruptive than waiting for a boiler breakdown, burst pipe or serious damp issue during the winter rush.
In a measured sales market, the rental route can remain a stable choice for owners who want to retain a well-maintained property and benefit from ongoing tenant demand.
Here is our practical early-autumn checklist for Devon landlords.
1. Book the boiler service and gas safety check
The heating system is often the first thing landlords think about as the weather turns colder, and it should be.
If your property has gas appliances, arrange the annual gas safety check with a suitably qualified engineer well before the heating season begins. The inspection should cover the gas appliances, flues and relevant installation pipework supplied at the property.
A boiler service is also strongly recommended. Although a service is separate from the legal gas safety check, it can identify developing faults before the boiler is working hard every day.
Heating checklist
- Check when the current Gas Safety Record expires.
- Arrange the annual gas safety check in good time.
- Book a full boiler service where appropriate.
- Test the boiler, radiators, hot water and heating controls.
- Check thermostats, programmers and timers are working correctly.
- Look for leaking radiators, pipework or valves.
- Bleed radiators if they are cold at the top.
- Check that boiler pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
- Insulate exposed pipes in lofts, garages, cupboards and outbuildings.
- Confirm tenants know how to operate the heating system.
- Make sure the emergency procedure for a suspected gas leak is clear.
The GOV.UK guidance on landlord safety responsibilities confirms that gas appliances and flues must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with the record provided to tenants within the required timescale.
2. Check ventilation and tackle condensation before it becomes mould
Autumn and winter naturally bring more indoor moisture. Windows may be opened less often, clothes may take longer to dry and showers, cooking and heating all contribute to condensation.
Across Devon, damp weather, coastal conditions and colder inland temperatures can all make ventilation problems more noticeable and leave walls, windows and corners vulnerable to condensation.
The key is to look for the cause rather than simply treating the visible mould.
Condensation and mould prevention checklist
- Test kitchen and bathroom extractor fans.
- Clean dusty extractor grilles and replace faulty fans promptly.
- Check trickle vents are present, open and not painted shut.
- Look for condensation around windows and external walls.
- Check whether furniture is blocking radiators or ventilation points.
- Inspect areas behind wardrobes and other large items of furniture.
- Look for signs of penetrating damp, plumbing leaks or roof problems.
- Check seals around baths, showers, sinks and worktops.
- Make sure gutters and downpipes are carrying rainwater away correctly.
- Review loft and wall insulation where cold surfaces are contributing to condensation.
- Record and investigate any recurring damp or mould reports.
It is sensible to provide a short seasonal reminder explaining how the heating and ventilation systems work, while also making it clear that any mould, damp or leak should be reported early. Landlords remain responsible for investigating underlying defects and taking appropriate action.
3. Weatherproof the property before the first serious storm
Devon properties can be exposed to strong winds, driving rain and, in coastal areas, salt-laden weather. A visual inspection of the outside of the property now can prevent a small defect becoming an expensive winter repair.
External maintenance checklist
- Inspect roof coverings for slipped, cracked or missing tiles.
- Check flashing, roof valleys and flat-roof edges.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters.
- Check gutter joints and downpipes for leaks.
- Make sure downpipes discharge water away from the building.
- Inspect external render, pointing and brickwork for cracks.
- Check seals around windows and external doors.
- Test locks, handles and hinges.
- Replace damaged draught excluders where appropriate.
- Check outside lights at entrances, paths and steps.
- Inspect paving, handrails and steps for trip hazards.
- Confirm the stopcock is accessible and clearly identified.
- Check any external tap is protected against freezing temperatures.
Do not over-seal a property in an attempt to make it warmer. Good draught-proofing should work alongside suitable ventilation, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and rooms where condensation is more likely.
4. Inspect gardens, fences and outbuildings
Garden maintenance is not only about appearance. Loose fencing, unstable branches, blocked drains and slippery paths can all become more serious during winter storms and heavy rainfall.
Landlords should clarify responsibilities in the tenancy agreement, but safety-critical maintenance should remain under proper management and oversight.
Garden and outside-space checklist
- Cut back branches close to roofs, gutters, windows and power lines.
- Remove dead or unstable branches.
- Check fences, gates and posts for movement or rot.
- Secure loose panels before high winds arrive.
- Clear fallen leaves from paths, steps and drains.
- Check sheds, garages and garden stores for water ingress.
- Inspect outbuilding roofs and doors.
- Make sure external bins and storage areas are secure.
- Check that garden walls and retaining structures appear stable.
- Look for standing water or poor drainage.
- Trim vegetation away from walls and air bricks.
- Confirm access paths are well lit and reasonably safe after dark.
For larger trees or properties in exposed locations, it may be worth arranging a professional inspection before winter. Keeping dated photographs and maintenance records is also useful for demonstrating that seasonal checks have been carried out.
5. Review heating communication and affordability
Heating is an important part of a well-managed rental property, but it is also a significant household expense. A clear, practical conversation at the start of autumn can help prevent avoidable confusion and encourage early reporting of problems.
Landlords and managing agents should consider sending a seasonal message covering:
- How to use the thermostat and heating controls.
- How to programme heating efficiently.
- Where the boiler pressure gauge and reset button are located.
- How to report a loss of heating or hot water.
- What to do if a pipe bursts.
- Where the internal stopcock is located.
- What to do if a gas leak is suspected.
- Why extractor fans and trickle vents should not be blocked.
- Why mould, damp and leaks should be reported promptly.
Avoid giving advice that suggests a property should simply be left unheated in cold weather. Maintaining a reasonable background temperature can help protect the building and reduce condensation, particularly during prolonged cold spells.
6. Bring compliance paperwork up to date before the year-end rush
September is a good time to review every property file. Do not wait until December to discover that a certificate has expired or that remedial work is still outstanding.
Compliance checklist
- Gas safety: Confirm the annual check is current and the record has been issued correctly.
- Electrical safety: Check the date of the latest EICR. Private rented properties generally require an inspection at least every five years, or sooner if the report specifies.
- Smoke alarms: Confirm there is an appropriate smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: Check the requirements for rooms containing fixed combustion appliances, excluding gas cookers, and replace faulty alarms promptly.
- EPC: Confirm the EPC remains valid and that the property meets the minimum energy efficiency requirements, unless a valid exemption applies.
- Remedial works: Review any outstanding actions from gas, electrical, alarm or property inspections.
- Insurance: Check that buildings, landlord and relevant legal cover remain suitable for the property.
- Licensing: Review whether any local licensing requirement applies to the property or its occupation.
Keep certificates, photographs, contractor invoices, inspection notes and tenant communications together in a clear property record.
7. Keep rent and tenancy administration under review
Winter preparation is also a useful opportunity to review tenancy administration. Since the Renters’ Rights Act changes took effect in England, relevant assured tenancies are subject to new rules around rent increases.
For relevant tenancies, rent increases are limited to once in any 12-month period and must follow the section 13 process using the prescribed Form 4A, with the required notice. Any proposed change should be checked carefully against the current legislation and guidance before notice is served.
Landlords can refer to the government’s Renters’ Rights Act guidance, and professional advice should be taken where the position is not straightforward.
How Butterworth Sales & Lettings can help
At Butterworth Sales and Lettings, we understand that proactive property management matters even more as the seasons change. We have invested in maintenance reporting software to help keep repair issues visible, properly recorded and easier to follow from initial report through to completion.
We also operate a zero-mark-up contractor bill policy, giving landlords greater clarity over the cost of authorised maintenance work.
Whether you own one rental property or a wider portfolio across Devon, our letting services are designed to provide practical support throughout the tenancy. You can also visit our Landlord Centre for further landlord resources, or contact us to discuss how your property can be managed through the autumn and winter months.