Preparing Your Rental Property for Autumn
Essential Maintenance & New Compliance Checks
For Landlords across South London, the onset of any autumn should be a vital opportunity to future-proof rental properties, ensure legal compliance, and safeguard returns for the rest of the year and beyond. This particular autumn, 2025, brings with it some extra flavour, as we await fresh regulatory requirements in the form of the Renters Rights Bill – which of course is still unfinished and not yet law.
But cold, wet weather doesn’t wait, so rather than delay to see what requirements might be mandated for rental properties, a proactive approach to maintenance regardless of future legislation is our best advice.
Whether managing a flat in Balham or a portfolio in Wimbledon, proper autumn property care and a keen eye on compliance will set successful landlords apart.
Here’s how to get ahead this season, with thoughts of potential Renters Rights Bill changes in mind.
Why Autumn Property Maintenance Matters
Autumn signals the return of wetter, colder conditions (and don’t we already know it!). Without routine upkeep, small problems – things like blocked gutters, where you might think ‘I’ll get to that later’ – can quickly escalate to cause damp, mould, or even costly structural issues. Tenants are increasingly discerning about comfort and energy bills, and the right autumn prep leads directly to happier, longer-staying residents.
These things alone should be enough reason to keep up your rental properties, but there is also compliance to think about that means that good maintenance is not just a ‘nice to do’ – it is a requirement.
And your obligations when it comes to compliance are changing.
The Changing Legal Landscape
Anticipated changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill, whether people agree with the full content of the Bill or not, aim to improve standards across the sector. We expect that some requirements recently introduced to social housing – specifically under Awab’s Law, which mandates prompt action on issues like damp and mould – will be extended to all privately-let homes.
As mentioned in the previous section, pre-emptive maintenance has always been best practice from our point of view, for the good of your property and the good of your tenants, but it is now crucial in order to also stay ahead of these regulatory changes. If nothing else, it is a smart risk-management move for every landlord.
Essential Property Maintenance Checklist
Carrying out a thorough autumn review helps landlords avoid disruptive and costly emergency repairs as the weather only gets colder and wetter.
Here is a list of priority tasks:
- Gutters and Downpipes: Clear autumn leaves and debris now to prevent water overflow, leaks, and even potential structural damage during winter storms.
- Roof and Chimney Inspections: Check for dislodged tiles and damaged flashing. 2025 has seen a really hot summer, but we have had some intense downpours too. Preventative repairs are easier (and cheaper!) now than in prolonged wet weather, and later perhaps sub-zero conditions.
- Heating Systems and Boilers: Schedule annual checks and servicing before demand spikes – plumbers are already getting busy. Doing so keeps tenants comfortable and reduces the risk of breakdowns in any case, but at the very least, if a gas boiler, it is an annual requirement for a safety certification as a minimum – why not get a service too?
- Damp and Mould Checks: Proactively identify and rectify condensation, leaks, in fact even check generally ‘musty’ areas, particularly in older South London homes which in many cases may have single skin sections of walls or may have perished damp proof courses. With the precedent of Awab’s Law, as mentioned, expect that demonstrating active steps to prevent damp and mould will become a baseline legal expectation, making these checks not just good practice but likely soon-to-be a requirement.
- Insulation and Draft Proofing: Upgrade insulation and seal windows/doors to boost energy efficiency and cut costs for both landlords and tenants; this may become even more relevant with new EPC standards on the horizon, even if pushed back to 2030.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Test and replace batteries. The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to further formalise responsibility for working alarms, so compliance here is smart and simple to implement – and besides, as licensing requirements roll out more widely across local authorities it is likely to be an obligation.
- Garden and External Areas: Tidy gardens – mow that lawn before it gets too wet to do so, especially if a little overgrown. Trim terees – prevent branches becoming health hazards or cause damage to property in high winds. Clear walkways to reduce slip hazards in icy or wet weather.
Why Act Now?
Waiting until problems escalate will often result in higher repair costs, lead to the hassle of insurance claims – possibly with void periods whilst works are undertaken – and can even bring legal challenges, especially with enforcement under new legislation set to toughen.
Letting agents and landlords who act ahead of deadlines will:
- minimise expensive emergency callouts
- improve tenant satisfaction (and retention) by providing safe, comfortable winter homes.
- stay on the right side of evolving legal obligations, avoiding fines and intervention from third parties
Legislation and Market Context
The Renters’ Rights Bill, due to take effect in phases, is expected to codify a number of new duties on responding to tenant complaints and resolving property hazards. For instance, again coming back to Awab’s Law, requirements such as investigating damp and mould reports within days and starting repairs promptly are likely to become standard in the wider rental market.
Proactive landlords will already be maintaining this standard, so the transition to legal compliance will be smooth.
Taking comprehensive care now also puts landlords in a strong position when it comes to attracting quality tenants, as expectations of property standards continue to rise across South London.
Partnering with Qualified Professionals
At Your Home Managed we use a platform called Help Me Fix to help tenants identify and resolve problems via a useful, quick and easy to access online triage service – it is brilliant! However, when problems do need a contractor visit, we find the best results come from working with local, reliable tradespeople with whom we have built sound working relationships – people we trust and who won’t overcharge (not the cheapest! But of course, that is the price of quality and when it comes to a property, as a landlord you don’t want to be throwing good money after bad).
Whether scheduling a boiler service, fixing electrical faults, arranging a damp survey or insulating a loft space, using qualified contractors ensures all work meets current codes and anticipated future rules.
Maintaining detailed records and providing tenants as well as landlords with evidence of works undertaken are also increasingly important under inspection regimes.
Final Thoughts
Autumn 2025 is not just another autumn season. Not only do we have compliance changes heading down the tracks, but we know to expect more extreme weather conditions than in past years – even here in South London.
It's a timely reminder that the property sector is moving towards higher standards of repair, safety, and responsiveness. We recommend that South London landlords plan and start maintenance works now, embracing not just compliance but an ethos of proactive care.
With the likely extension of legislative standards through the Renters’ Rights Bill, responsible and forward-thinking action is the best investment any landlord can make this autumn. This approach secures property assets, attracts good tenants, and avoids the scrambling and stress that comes with last-minute compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes autumn an important time for property maintenance?
Autumn is when wetter and colder weather begins, which can expose weaknesses like blocked gutters, leaks, and poor insulation. Addressing these issues early prevents costly damage and ensures tenant comfort during winter months.
Will the Renters’ Rights Bill affect my maintenance obligations?
The Bill is expected to strengthen landlord duties around prompt repairs and hazard management, including damp and mould. Proactive maintenance now will help landlords stay compliant when the new regulations take effect.
What is Awab’s Law, and does it apply to my rental property?
Awab’s Law currently mandates fast action on damp and mould in social housing. It is anticipated that similar standards will soon extend to private rentals through the Renters’ Rights Bill, making timely maintenance not just best practice but increasingly essential.
What are the legal requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are installed on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. The Renters’ Rights Bill and in fact local authorities’ own licensing requirements will likely formalise these responsibilities further.
How can I find reliable contractors for maintenance work?
Building relationships with trusted local professionals is key. Letting platforms and agencies often have vetted contractors. Always check qualifications and ask for references before hiring. At Your Home Managed we utilise a platform called Help Me Fix, an online triage service, but if repairs are required we work with a trusted book of property maintenance professionals.
Will investing in insulation and energy efficiency upgrades increase my property’s rental appeal?
Yes. Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to tenants and can reduce fuel bills. They also help landlords meet upcoming higher EPC standards expected by 2030.
Why is record-keeping of maintenance and repairs important?
Detailed records prove compliance with legal standards, are useful during inspections, and help resolve disputes quickly. Providing copies to tenants builds trust and transparency.
