Prepare your rental property for summer: A spring maintenance checklist

As the warm weather approaches, spring presents the perfect opportunity for landlords to give their rental properties a thorough check-up. Seasonal maintenance in spring addresses any damage from winter, and prepares the home for the summer months. By tackling a spring maintenance checklist, you can spot problems early, ensure your property meets legal standards, and keep your tenants happy. Here, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme provides a comprehensive checklist to help you spring into action! 

Winter can leave its mark on the exteriors, so start with a garden tidy-up by mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and clearing any leftover debris so outdoor spaces look inviting. Clean gutters to maintain proper drainage and prevent water damage or damp (gutters should be cleared at least twice a year for best results). Then, inspect the roof for loose or missing tiles or any winter damage, and fix issues early to avoid leaks during summer storms. Finally, check fences, gates, and paving for signs of wear (like wobbly fence panels or cracked paving stones) and make any necessary minor repairs to keep the property safe and secure. Take a look at our Gardens guide here for more information on who is responsible for what when it comes to outdoor maintenance. 

Even though your tenants won’t need the heating as much in summer, spring is an ideal time to service the boiler and heating system. Arrange the annual boiler service with a qualified engineer now, while it’s off-peak season, to ensure everything is running safely and efficiently. Test your heating controls and thermostat to confirm they’re functioning properly after the hard work of winter. If any radiators had issues (like cold spots), bleed them or have the system flushed so it will heat evenly next time it’s needed. Tackling these checks in spring means you and your tenants won’t face unwanted surprises when autumn chill returns. 

Inspect windows and doors for drafts or leaks. In the milder weather, open and close all windows to ensure they operate smoothly and that locks and seals are sound. Replace any worn-out sealant around frames to keep the property well-insulated, this helps keep heat out during hot days and will also save energy when heating is needed. Check for any condensation or mould around window sills, and address it with proper ventilation or cleaning. It’s also worth peeking into the loft to see if insulation shifted or got compressed over winter; fixing it will help maintain stable indoor temperatures. By ensuring windows, doors, and insulation are in good shape, you’ll improve comfort and energy efficiency for the summer and beyond. 

Take the opportunity to give the plumbing and drainage a once-over. Look for leaks in pipes and faucets indoors (for example, under sinks and around the water heater) and have them repaired promptly to prevent water damage. Turn on any outside taps or garden hoses that haven’t been used in a while to check for cracks or leaks caused by freezing. Make sure all toilets flush properly and none are running continuously. It’s also wise to clear outdoor drains or gullies of leaves and debris so that rainwater can flow away freely instead of pooling. By checking plumbing and drains now, you can reduce the risk of mid-summer leaks, blockages, or water emergencies. 

Safety checks are a crucial part of maintenance. Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, you need at least one smoke alarm on each floor and a CO alarm in any room with a fuel-burning appliance. Ensure your Gas Safety Certificate is up to date, as this must be renewed every 12 months by law. Lastly, check that the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), these are valid for 10 years from the date it was issued. These compliance tasks are not only legal obligations, but essential for keeping your tenants safe. 

After maintenance checks, a general deep clean will freshen up the property for summer. Consider these tasks for a thorough clean-up: 

• Air out and dust: Open windows to ventilate the home and eliminate stale air and odours. Dust all surfaces, including the hard-to-reach spots. 

• Clean furnishings: Shampoo carpets or rugs and wash curtains or upholstery to remove built-up dust and allergens. 

• Kitchen and bath: Scrub kitchens and bathrooms intensively. Clean tile grout and remove any mildew and ensure extractor fans and vents are free of dust. Clean behind appliances (like the fridge and cooker) to clear grease or crumbs that can attract pests. 

A spring deep-clean makes the home more comfortable and can prevent long-term issues like mould or pest infestations. Encourage tenants to keep up cleanliness as part of their routine. Check out our join guide with the NRLA on Spring Cleaning here! 

Maintaining good communication with your tenants is key to effective upkeep. Encourage tenants to report maintenance issues promptly so you can fix small problems before they grow. Make sure everyone is clear on their responsibilities (for example, who tends the garden or tests the alarms) by referring to the tenancy agreement. And, if a disagreement does arise over maintenance, remember that the Tenancy Redress Service (TRS) offers free mid-tenancy mediation to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes amicably. Using this service can quickly clear up misunderstandings without the need for legal action, keeping the tenancy on good terms. 

• Outdoor Areas: Trim gardens, mow lawns, clear debris, and check fences and pathways 

• Roof & Gutters: Inspect for damage, clean gutters, and check for leaks 

• Boiler & Heating: Schedule servicing, test thermostats, and bleed radiators if necessary.  

• Windows & Doors: Check locks, seals, and insulation for drafts or leaks.  

• Plumbing & Drainage: Look for leaks, clear drains, test water pressure, and check outdoor taps.  

• Safety Compliance: Test smoke and CO alarms, update Gas Safety Certificate, check EPC rating.  

• Deep Cleaning: Dust, vacuum, clean kitchens and bathrooms, and refresh soft furnishings.  

• Tenant Communication: Encourage reporting of issues, clarify responsibilities, and consider mediation if disputes arise. 

A bit of proactive maintenance in spring will ensure your rental property stays in great shape through summer. By focusing on these key areas - from the garden and gutters to boilers and safety checks - you protect your investment and keep your tenants happy in their homes. With everything prepared for the warmer weather and resources like mediation services available if needed, you can look forward to a hassle-free summer as a landlord. 

Visit our TDS Help Centre to find more guides, tools and templates, all designed to make the life of a landlord easier.   

Some of our resources are only available to landlords who use the free deposit protection scheme at TDS Custodial or the insured scheme at TDS Insured. You can access all templates, tools and the full tenancy deposit management dashboard by joining the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.