Getting Your Property Winter-Ready: An Emergency Checklist

Cold weather has arrived sooner than expected in many areas, with overnight temperatures already dropping below zero and further weather alerts likely. Winter doesn’t tend to ease itself in gently – it arrives with problems in tow.

Heating systems stop working. Pipes freeze and split. Electrical issues suddenly surface. And when the temperature falls, these problems never seem to happen at a convenient time. In those moments, blame doesn’t matter – speed does.

The good news is that taking a few sensible steps now can prevent a great deal of hassle and unexpected cost later.

Five winter checks you shouldn’t put off

Winter has a habit of uncovering the jobs that were meant to be dealt with months ago. Getting ahead of the usual risks can make all the difference.

1️⃣ Arrange a boiler service sooner rather than later

Boilers that are already struggling often fail once freezing temperatures hit. An annual service – especially if carried out alongside the gas safety inspection – is a far cheaper option than a last-minute emergency call-out.

2️⃣ Protect exposed pipes

Pipework in lofts, garages and other unheated spaces is particularly vulnerable during cold spells. Adding insulation is a low-cost measure that can help prevent frozen or burst pipes and the disruption they cause.

3️⃣ Make sure tenants know what to do in an emergency

Details like the location of the stopcock may be included in documentation, but they’re easily forgotten. A quick reminder now could prevent serious water damage if something goes wrong later.

4️⃣ Look out for early signs of damp

After periods of heavy rain, keep an eye on areas around windows, ceilings and skirting boards. What looks minor now can quickly develop into a much bigger issue if left unchecked.

5️⃣ Have reliable tradespeople on standby

Demand for plumbers, electricians and Gas Safe engineers rises sharply in winter. Knowing who to contact in advance can save valuable time when an urgent repair is needed.

Planning helps – but problems can still happen

Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can and do occur. Cold weather has a way of turning small faults into urgent situations, often outside normal working hours.

This is where Our Management Plus offers extra peace of mind. From £24.99 per month, landlords and tenants have access to round-the-clock emergency support with repairs handled by network of contractors.

What’s included

✔️ Emergency repairs covered – Helping avoid unexpected costs.

✔️ Support available 24/7 – Issues can be reported at any time via phone or an online portal.

✔️ Trusted contractor network – All work is carried out by professionals

✔️ Quotes for additional work – Non-emergency repairs and improvements can be quoted separately.

✔️ Simple monthly pricing – One predictable payment makes budgeting easier.

With Management Plus in place, you can respond quickly when problems arise and avoid unnecessary stress during the winter months.