The Winter-Ready Rental: Everything Tenants Need to Know
A cosy home makes all the difference when winter arrives. But between temperamental boilers, chilly radiators and condensation creeping across the windows, the colder months can bring a few unwelcome surprises.
For tenants across London, particularly those living in Victorian conversions and older properties, a little preparation goes a long way. Our winter checklist for tenants covers everything from boiler checks to preventing damp and frozen pipes, helping you keep your rental home warm, safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.
1. Check Your Heating and Radiators
Don't wait until the first freezing morning to discover your heating isn't working. Switch it on before the colder weather sets in and check that your thermostat responds and radiators warm up properly.
Look out for these common warning signs:
Radiator cold at the top: Trapped air may be preventing hot water from circulating.
Radiator hot at the top but unusually cold at the bottom: A build-up of sludge or debris could be restricting circulation.
Radiator completely cold: There may be an issue with the valves or heating system.
Banging or gurgling noises: These can indicate trapped air or another fault.
If your radiators aren't heating properly, contact your property manager. Bleeding a radiator can sometimes help, but you should check before attempting this, as it can affect boiler pressure.
Winter tip: Avoid blocking radiators with furniture or heavy curtains. Good airflow helps your heating work more efficiently.
Want to keep your home cosy without sending your energy bills soaring? Explore our energy efficiency tips for tenants for simple ways to save energy and make the most of your heating this winter.
2. Check Your Boiler Pressure and Error Codes
Your boiler works harder in winter, so it's worth knowing how to spot early signs of trouble.
What Should Your Boiler Pressure Be?
Many domestic sealed heating systems operate at around 1.0-1.5 bar when cold, although the correct pressure depends on your boiler model.
Check the pressure gauge or digital display against the manufacturer's recommendations. If the pressure is unusually high, low or keeps dropping, report it rather than attempting adjustments without guidance.
What Do Common Boiler Error Codes Mean?
Modern boilers often display an error code when something goes wrong. If an error appears, photograph the display, note whether you've lost heating or hot water, and report it to your property manager. Avoid repeatedly resetting a faulty boiler.
During freezing weather, external condensate pipes can also freeze and cause boilers to shut down. If you suspect this, contact your property manager rather than attempting potentially unsafe repairs.
3. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
Frozen pipes can crack or burst, causing water damage to your home and neighbouring properties.
To help prevent frozen pipes and prepare for potential leaks:
Keep your home adequately heated: Avoid leaving it completely unheated during freezing weather, unless you've been given alternative property-specific instructions.
Know how to shut off your water: Locate your mains water stopcock, usually beneath the kitchen sink or in a utility cupboard. Knowing where it is and how to operate it means you can quickly stop the water supply if a pipe bursts or a serious leak occurs.
Report leaks early: Dripping pipes, damp cupboards and damaged pipe insulation shouldn't be ignored.
What if a pipe bursts? Turn off the mains water supply if it's safe to do so and contact your property manager immediately. If water is near electrical equipment, keep clear of the affected area. For more advice, see the Met Office's guide to frozen and burst pipes.
4. Keep Condensation, Damp and Mould Under Control
Condensation is particularly common in older London homes, where warm, moist air can settle on cold windows and walls.
Everyday habits can help keep moisture under control:
Open windows briefly when practical and keep trickle vents open.
Use extractor fans when cooking or showering.
Wipe condensation from windows and windowsills.
Dry laundry outdoors where possible, or in a well-ventilated room.
Consider using a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air, particularly when drying laundry indoors.
Leave space between large furniture and external walls.
Keep rooms comfortably heated rather than allowing them to become excessively cold.
However, not all damp is caused by condensation. Leaking pipes, damaged roofs and other building defects can also be responsible.
If you notice persistent mould, peeling paint, spreading damp patches or musty smells, photograph the affected areas and report them promptly. The underlying cause should be investigated rather than assumed to be a ventilation issue.
5. Check Your Safety Alarms
While you’re performing other checks around the house, it’s also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
In England, landlords must generally provide smoke alarms on every storey used as living accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler (excluding gas cookers).
Test your alarms regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions and report any faults.
6. Prepare Your Home Before Going Away
Heading away for Christmas or taking a winter holiday? Before leaving your rental property:
Check that the heating and boiler are working.
Follow any property-specific winter heating instructions.
Look for visible leaks or signs of damp.
Secure windows and external doors.
Keep your property manager's emergency contact details handy.
If your property has a history of frozen pipes, ask your property manager about suitable precautions before travelling.
Winter Maintenance FAQs for Tenants
What Should I Do if My Boiler Stops Working in a Rented Property?
Check your thermostat and note any boiler error codes, then contact your landlord or property manager using your usual maintenance reporting process. Explain whether you have lost heating, hot water or both, and include photographs where possible. Do not attempt to repair the boiler yourself. If the issue occurs outside office hours, use the emergency maintenance contact details provided to you.
Who Is Responsible for Mould in a Rented Property?
Responsibility depends on the cause of the mould. Tenants can help manage everyday condensation through adequate ventilation, using extractor fans and wiping away excess moisture. However, landlords are responsible for addressing relevant underlying property defects, such as leaks or structural problems, and meeting their legal obligations. If mould persists or spreads, photograph the affected areas and report the issue to your landlord or property manager promptly.
How Do I Stop Condensation on Windows in Winter?
Open windows briefly when practical, keep trickle vents open and use extractor fans when cooking or showering. Wipe condensation from windows and sills, avoid drying clothes in poorly ventilated rooms and leave space between furniture and external walls. Keeping your home adequately heated can also help reduce condensation. If moisture continues to build up despite these measures, report it to your property manager.
What Should I Do if a Pipe Bursts in My Rented Property?
Turn off the mains water supply if you can do so safely and contact your landlord or property manager immediately, using the emergency maintenance contact details if necessary. Keep clear of any water near electrical equipment and do not attempt repairs yourself. If water is causing significant damage or affecting neighbouring properties, explain this when reporting the emergency so the urgency is clear.
Who Should I Contact if I Have a Maintenance Problem in a Rented Property?
If your property is managed by a letting agent, contact your property manager using the maintenance reporting process provided at the start of your tenancy. Include a clear description of the issue, when it started and any relevant photographs. For urgent problems, use the emergency contact details supplied to you. If your landlord manages the property directly, report the issue to them.
Need Help With Winter Maintenance?
Preparation can prevent plenty of winter headaches, but when something goes wrong, knowing who to contact is just as important.
At Lawsons & Daughters, we take a hands-on approach to property management, supporting our tenants and landlords across Fulham, Hammersmith and wider West London.
If your property is managed by our team and you notice a heating fault, leak or signs of damp, please report it using our maintenance app. A clear description and photographs can help us understand the issue and determine the next steps.
For general enquiries, get in touch with our team.
Lawsons & Daughters
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[Published: 02 November 2026]