Winter rental property maintenance guide for landlords

By Carolyn Parrella | Published 22 March 2024 | Last Updated 19 October 2026

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Winter can place extra pressure on rental properties. Rain, storms, cold weather and higher heating usage can increase the risk of leaks, mould, fire hazards and tenant safety issues.

Landlords and tenants, supported by their property manager, should work together to ensure properties remain safe, comfortable and well-maintained during the cold winter months.

This guide covers common winter risks, how to prevent them and clarifies ownership of responsibilities.

Winter landlord maintenance checklist

Use this quick-scan checklist to stay on top of essential winter maintenance:

• Prevent water damage: Clear gutters, check roofing and drainage
• Check heating and safety systems: Service heaters and test smoke alarms
• Manage moisture and mould: Improve ventilation and reduce condensation
• Inspect outdoor areas: Trim trees and check external hazards
• Clarify responsibilities: Understand landlord vs tenant maintenance duties.

Manage your rental from winter risks

Gutters and drainage

Blocked gutters are a common winter maintenance issue for rental properties. Leaves, twigs and debris can stop water from draining properly. This can cause gutters to overflow during heavy rain, increasing the risk of internal leaks or water damage.

Water damage can spread quickly, affecting ceilings, walls, flooring and electrical systems. It can also contribute to dampness or mould if not addressed promptly.

Roofing issues

With increased rain levels comes an increased risk of water damage. Clogged gutters can cause internal leaks when water overflows.

Property managers should keep an eye out for leaves, twigs and other debris protruding from drainage systems. Small roof issues can become larger and more expensive if they are exposed to repeated rain, storms or strong winds during winter.

Heating and fire risks

As the temperature dips, the use of heaters and appliances that pose fire risks increases. Tenants may turn to tumble dryers and electric airers to dry their clothes, burn candles for a cosy atmosphere or use electric blankets to keep warm.

Heating-related risks can affect tenant safety and may also cause significant property damage. Winter is a good time to review smoke alarms, fireplaces, gas heaters, wood heaters and other heating sources.

Trees and external hazards

Strong winds and storms can increase the risk of falling branches, loose vegetation and outdoor trip hazards. Dead, damaged or overgrown trees and shrubs should be pruned or cleared where they could damage the property or create safety risks for tenants.

Falling branches can injure tenants and visitors and damage:

• roofs
• fences
• cars, and
• outdoor structures.

Pools

Even when pools are not being used during winter, they still require ongoing maintenance. Poorly maintained pools may need costly work before summer and could suffer surface damage if debris, water quality or cleaning is neglected.

Seasonal neglect can turn a manageable maintenance task into a larger repair or restoration issue later.

How to winter-proof your rental property

Exterior maintenance

• Clear gutters and downpipes to ensure proper water flow
• Inspect the roof, tiles, flashing and eaves for damage
• Trim overhanging branches and remove unstable trees
• Check external drainage paths away from foundations.

Pro tip: Scheduling exterior checks before peak winter rainfall helps prevent emergency repairs.

Interior maintenance

• Service fixed heating systems before heavy use
• Check hot water systems for leaks or inefficiencies
• Ensure smoke alarms are installed, tested and compliant.

Pro tip: Document servicing to support compliance and insurance records.

Moisture and mould prevention

Checklist for landlords and property managers:

• Inspect bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and other wet areas
• Check for signs of dampness, leaks or condensation
• Repair water entry points quickly
• Provide tenants with practical guidance on reducing condensation.

Pro tip: Ask your tenants to help reduce condensation by:

• Airing out the property regularly where safe and practical
• Using exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries
• Wiping condensation from windows
• Avoiding drying clothes indoors where possible or increase ventilation when doing so.

Who is responsible: Landlord or tenant?

Potential landlord and tenant winter maintenance responsibilities checklist

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What happens if you don’t prepare your property for winter?

Failing to prepare for winter can result in:

• water damage, mould growth and structural issues
• increased safety risks for tenants, and
• insurance claim complications if maintenance has been neglected.

Planned maintenance may help landlords identify issues earlier and reduce the likelihood of urgent repairs, although outcomes and costs will depend on the property, the issue and the timing of any repairs.

Do you need landlord insurance for winter risks?

Even when landlords and tenants take reasonable steps to prepare a rental property for winter, incidents can still happen. This section provides general information about insurance considerations. Any cover under a landlord insurance policy will depend on the insured events, limits, conditions and exclusions that apply to the relevant policy.

If you are considering landlord insurance, review the available policy documents to understand whether the product is designed for landlords in your circumstances and what may or may not be covered. Landlord insurance is not a substitute for regular maintenance and may not respond to every winter-related issue, particularly where damage relates to wear and tear, neglect or an excluded event.

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