Seasonal Property Maintenance Checklist

**March:**

• •Inspect roof for winter storm damage — look for loose, cracked, or missing tiles from the ground or using binoculars
• •Clear gutters of winter debris (leaf fall, moss, general blockage)
• •Check and clean all downpipes — flush with water to confirm free flow
• •Inspect external walls for cracking, spalling brick, or failed pointing caused by frost action
• •Check window seals and draught-excluding strips that may have deteriorated over winter
• •Test garden water taps and external pipes that may have been isolated for winter
• •Bleed radiators that may have developed air locks over the heating season
• •Book your boiler service for the quieter summer period

**April:**

• •Inspect and clean patio/decking areas — treat timber decking with appropriate oil or preservative if needed
• •Check fence posts and panels that may have shifted in winter storms
• •Inspect flat roofs (if applicable) for ponding, blistering, or damage
• •Clean windows inside and out — particularly ground floor windows affected by road spray over winter
• •Test all smoke alarms and CO detectors, replace batteries if needed

**May:**

• •Full garden maintenance ahead of summer — cut grass, trim hedges, clear beds
• •Repaint any external timber (window sills, door frames, fascia) showing signs of weathering — spring before the summer dry spell is optimal timing
• •Check outdoor lighting — solar-powered units may need cleaning or battery replacement after reduced winter sun
• •Check gate and fence hardware — hinges, latches, and locks prone to rust

**June:**

• •Get your annual boiler service booked and completed — best availability and pricing outside heating season
• •Inspect loft space for signs of roofing problems, insect infestation, or deteriorated insulation
• •Check and clean extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms — blocked extractors contribute to condensation and mould over the following damp seasons
• •Touch up any interior paintwork showing wear

**July:**

• •Ideal month for larger exterior painting or rendering projects
• •Check sealant around baths, showers, and kitchen worktops — regrout or reseal where deteriorating
• •Inspect and service any air conditioning units installed in the property
• •Carry out any significant refurbishment works to minimise disruption to tenants (if timing aligns with a void)

**August:**

• •Test the central heating by running it briefly to confirm operation before autumn
• •Check all window restrictors (required in upstairs rooms) are functioning
• •If your property has a communal heating system, arrange for the annual service
• •Renew any gas safety certificates due in the next three months — avoid letting them lapse

**September:**

• •Clear gutters after autumn leaf fall begins — may need a second clear in November
• •Lag exposed pipes in loft, outbuildings, and any areas that are unheated
• •Check insulation levels in the loft — minimum 270mm recommended for modern standards
• •Test heating system in advance of need — run for a day to ensure all radiators heat correctly, identify any issues before winter
• •Check the boiler is running correctly and service has been completed

**October:**

• •Full autumn gutter and downpipe clear once most leaves have fallen
• •Check all draught sealing around doors and windows
• •Inspect roof again — October storms can cause issues
• •Ensure all tenants know the location of the stopcock and what to do if pipes freeze
• •Check timer settings on central heating — ensure it's set to maintain minimum temperatures

**November:**

• •Final leaf clear from gutters before winter
• •Check external standpipes and garden taps are isolated and drained (or lagged if cannot be isolated)
• •For void properties: ensure minimum 12°C heating is maintained through the void period — the cost of heating is far less than burst pipe repair
• •Renew any gas safety certificates expiring before February — engineers are extremely busy in December and January
• •Test emergency lighting if fitted (HMOs and commercial properties)

**December:**

• •Check on void properties after any cold snaps
• •Ensure tenants have your emergency contact details and know who to call for heating failure
• •Check gutter and drain condition after heavy rain
• •If significant snowfall: check flat roofs for snow load and clear if significant accumulation
• •Review fire door closers and smoke alarm function (HMO properties)

**January:**

• •Book any planned maintenance or refurbishment works for spring — trades book up quickly for the busy spring season
• •After any freezing periods, check all pipework and lookout for signs of leaks
• •Check boiler pressure — cold weather increases system demand

**February:**

• •Begin planning spring maintenance programme
• •Check roof condition after winter — February storms can cause significant damage
• •If any damp issues have appeared over winter, assess and plan remediation