Winter property maintenance: How can tenants keep their rental home safe?

As the winter months quickly approach, tenants’ rental property can need extra maintenance and care.

Being proactive to avoid issues and emergencies can make things a lot easier in the long run than waiting until something needs fixing.

What are the key issues to look out for, what are your landlord’s responsibilities and what does insurance cover?

The type of boiler, radiators and heating your rental has can vary from property to property, depending on things like the age and type of property, and how recently energy improvements have been made.

All types of boilers need regular services to ensure they’re working correctly; it is recommended that they’re serviced once a year. Although this is a landlord’s responsibility, if it hasn't been done in a long time in your rental, it’s good to be proactive and discuss this with your landlord to negate any boiler-related emergencies in the winter.

It's also good practice to bleed any radiators which have cold areas – this will help your heating be more efficient, keeping your home warmer and your energy bills cheaper.

The risk of damp and mould are increased during the winter, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. This is because temperatures inside a property are a lot warmer than outside and moisture in the property sticks to the walls.

To prevent damp and mould, always use extractor fans when cooking and showering, make sure there is enough ventilation, and open windows or use a dehumidifier when drying clothes indoors.

If severe winter weather causes damage to your home and repairs are needed, this will generally be the landlord’s responsibility (although it may be covered by their insurance.)

Any issues with the heating or a boiler breaking down would also be a landlord’s responsibility rather than a tenant’s.

With damp and mould, it will depend on the cause. If it is being caused by plumbing issues or a leak, this is your landlord’s responsibility to fix the issue, however, tenants have a responsibility to keep the home warm and well ventilated.

Tenants Contents Insurance can help to protect your belongings during the winter months from issues such as flooding*.

Click here to get a quote, or call 0800 035 8258 to speak to a member of our team.

*Please see our policy wording for full details and exclusions.

What temperature should I keep my home in the winter?

It’s best to keep a property between 18-21°C indoors – this will help to avoid damp and mould. If you’re going on holiday or leaving the property empty for long periods, setting the heating to come on intermittently will help to prevent pipes freezing and bursting.

What should I do if I spot mould in my home?

Report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as you notice mould in your home. Clean with mould-specific products (while wearing gloves) and make sure the affected areas are well-ventilated while you await repairs if any are needed.

Do I need permission from my landlord to install draught excluders or window film?

Any removable items which don’t cause any damage or marks should be fine, however, it is best to check your tenancy agreement or speak to your landlord or letting agent before fitting any fixed items which alter fixtures.

Are my belongings covered if the roof leaks or there’s a burst pipe?

If you have a tenants contents insurance policy, your belongings will be covered (please see policy wording for full details and exclusions). Your landlord’s insurance will not cover your personal items.