Winter Property Checks: What Landlords and Occupants Need to Know (Guaranteed Rent Edition)

Winter Property Checks: What Landlords and Occupants Need to Know

As temperatures start to drop, so does the reliability of anything that hasn’t been checked, sealed or serviced. Winter puts pressure on a property, and small issues left unattended can quickly turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Whether you’re a landlord or an occupant, knowing what to look out for, and dealing with it early, keeps things running smoothly and helps avoid unnecessary disruption.

Here’s a straightforward checklist of what to check, what to report, and what Apex will typically take care of under a guaranteed rent agreement.

Heating systems come first

Radiators not warming up evenly? Boiler not firing properly? These aren’t things to leave for January.

• Check radiators for cold spots and bleed them if needed

• Set your heating on a timer, short bursts are more efficient than blasting it 24/7

• Report any strange noises, pilot light issues or loss of pressure from the boiler

For landlords, ensuring annual servicing is up to date can avoid costly breakdowns and emergency callouts, especially over the holidays when availability drops.

Preventing damp and condensation

Condensation is one of the most common cold-weather issues. Left untreated, it leads to damp and eventually mould which becomes a much more serious repair job (and given the introduction of Awaab’s Law, it is something landlord’s must deal with quickly).

• Keep windows slightly ajar when possible, especially in bathrooms and kitchens

• Use extractor fans during and after cooking or showering

• Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators

• Look out for black spotting or musty smells and report them early

If you're under a guaranteed rent agreement with Apex, we monitor these issues closely. Regular inspections and in-house reporting help us tackle things before they develop into wider problems.

Pipework, gutters and water flow

Frozen pipes can burst. Blocked gutters can overflow. Both can cause water damage that no one wants to deal with mid-winter.

• Insulate exposed pipes, especially outdoors or in loft spaces

• Check external taps are turned off and covered

• Report any slow draining sinks or gurgling sounds, early signs of a blockage

• Landlords should ensure gutters and drains are cleared at least once a year

Security and lighting

Shorter days mean longer nights so outdoor lighting and general security need a quick check too.

• Make sure motion lights are working and not flickering

• Replace broken bulbs in communal or entry areas

• Check windows and doors are sealing and locking properly

These small fixes help avoid both weather-related and opportunistic damage.

What Apex covers under your guaranteed rent agreement

If you’re working with Apex, you don’t need to chase every minor issue. Our property management team carries out regular inspections, arranges maintenance on landlord’s behalf, and follows up where repairs are needed.

But we still rely on timely reporting from occupants and landlords to keep things moving.

If something doesn’t look right, e.g. damp patch, faulty boiler, leaking window, say something early. It helps us keep your property safe, compliant and in good condition.

Need to report a winter maintenance issue?

Reach out to our Property Management team directly:

📧 propertyteam@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk📞 0203 030 4241

We’ll log the issue, assign it to our team, and keep you updated.