Maintaining a Rented Home During Winter: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Winter can be a challenging season for maintaining a home, particularly when it comes to rented properties. Both tenants and landlords have roles to play in ensuring the property remains safe, comfortable, and well-maintained during cold weather. Understanding these responsibilities can help prevent disputes and keep the home in top condition throughout the season.

Tenant Responsibilities For Rented Homes In Winter

Tenants play a vital role in maintaining the property during winter, as they are the ones living in the space. Here are the key responsibilities tenants should keep in mind:

Heating the Home

To avoid frozen pipes and the potentially costly damage caused by extreme cold, tenants should ensure the heating system is consistently running at a safe temperature, typically no lower than 13°C, even if they are away for extended periods during the winter months. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to water damage that can disrupt the home’s functionality and create expensive repair needs for both the tenant and landlord. 

Maintaining a stable indoor temperature not only protects the plumbing but also preserves the overall structural integrity of the property, such as preventing frost from damaging walls, flooring, and fixtures. By keeping the space warm, tenants ensure that the property remains habitable and comfortable, while also fulfilling their duty to care for the rental home as outlined in most rental agreements.

Clearing Snow and Ice

In the UK, the responsibility for clearing snow and ice from pathways, driveways, and other accessible areas typically depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement and local council guidance. Tenants may be required to ensure that these areas are kept safe and free of hazards as part of their duty to care for the property. However, this is not a universal rule and will depend on the specific terms agreed upon with the landlord.

UK laws do not mandate snow clearance for private property, but tenants should still exercise caution and maintain safe pathways to reduce the risk of slips and falls, which could lead to accidents or liability claims. Local councils may also offer guidance on best practices for snow removal, such as using sand or grit to prevent surfaces from becoming slippery.

It’s essential for tenants to review their tenancy agreement to confirm whether snow clearance is their responsibility or falls under the landlord’s duties. In some cases, landlords may provide tools like shovels or grit to assist with snow and ice management, but if expectations are unclear, tenants should communicate with their landlord to avoid misunderstandings.

Reporting Maintenance Issues Promptly

Tenants should notify their landlord as soon as they become aware of issues such as leaking roofs, broken heating systems, frozen pipes, or any other problems that could compromise the property or tenant safety, especially during winter. Timely communication is crucial, as delaying the report of such issues can allow the problem to worsen, potentially leading to significant damage that is more costly and time-consuming to repair. For example, a small roof leak can quickly escalate into water damage affecting ceilings, walls, and even electrical systems, while frozen pipes left unchecked can burst, resulting in flooding and structural damage.

Prompt reporting not only protects the property but also ensures the tenant’s safety and comfort. For instance, a malfunctioning heating system during cold weather can make the property uninhabitable and may even violate legal standards for rented accommodations in the UK, which require landlords to provide a home that is safe and fit for living. Tenants should document the issue with photos or videos if possible and maintain clear records of communication with the landlord, which can be helpful if repairs are delayed or disputed. Early action and open communication can prevent minor issues from becoming major complications while fostering a cooperative relationship between tenant and landlord.

Maintaining Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential during the winter months to prevent condensation and the associated risk of mould buildup, which can damage the property and pose health risks to occupants. One effective way to combat this issue is by keeping windows slightly ajar or using extractor fans in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. This practice allows moist air to escape, reducing the likelihood of water droplets forming on cold surfaces like windows, walls, and ceilings.

Condensation tends to be more common in winter due to the contrast between warm indoor air and cold external temperatures, which causes moisture in the air to condense on cooler surfaces. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture can lead to persistent dampness, encouraging mold growth that can spread quickly and be difficult to remove. Mould not only damages the property but can also negatively affect respiratory health, especially for those with allergies or asthma.

Tenants can further reduce condensation by wiping down wet surfaces regularly, using lids on pans while cooking, and avoiding drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation. By adopting these simple practices, tenants can help maintain a healthier living environment and protect the property from long-term damage caused by damp and mold.

Preventing Damage

Taking simple, proactive steps to safeguard a rental property during winter can make a significant difference in preventing damage and maintaining a comfortable living environment. Actions such as closing windows during bad weather are crucial to keeping out rain, snow, and strong winds that could otherwise cause water damage, drafts, or even structural issues. Properly sealing windows and doors with weatherstripping is another effective measure to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping, which not only improves comfort but also reduces heating costs and energy waste.

Equally important is ensuring that drains and gutters remain unclogged and free of debris such as leaves, snow, or ice. Blocked drains can lead to water pooling around the property, which may result in leaks, damp, or even flooding, particularly during heavy winter rains or snowmelt. Regularly checking and clearing these areas can help avoid such issues and maintain the integrity of the property.

Other simple yet impactful actions include insulating exposed pipes to prevent freezing, ensuring outdoor taps are turned off, and checking that any outdoor vents are clear of obstructions. These small efforts, when combined, can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related damage and help both tenants and landlords avoid costly repairs.

Landlord Responsibilities For Rental Properties In Winter

Landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring the property is safe and compliant with local housing regulations. During winter, their responsibilities often increase to address seasonal challenges:

Providing Functional Heating Systems

A landlord is legally and ethically obligated to ensure that heating systems, such as boilers or central heating units, are fully functional and capable of keeping the property at a comfortable and safe temperature throughout the winter months. In the UK, landlords are required to provide a home that meets the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) standards, which include maintaining an adequate heating system to protect tenants from cold-related health risks.

To fulfill this responsibility, landlords should arrange for regular maintenance and servicing of heating systems before the winter season begins. This includes scheduling inspections by qualified professionals, such as Gas Safe registered engineers for gas appliances, to ensure all components are in good working condition and compliant with safety regulations. Preventive maintenance can help identify and address issues like faulty thermostats, leaking pipes, or inefficient boilers before they lead to system failures during the coldest months.

In addition to servicing the heating system, landlords should ensure that tenants know how to operate it effectively and are aware of any emergency procedures, such as resetting the boiler or shutting off the gas supply if needed. A well-maintained heating system not only prevents inconvenient and potentially dangerous breakdowns but also ensures energy efficiency, helping tenants manage their utility bills. 

Weatherproofing the Property

Landlords should prioritise inspecting and repairing critical elements of the property, such as roofing, insulation, windows, and doors, to ensure the home is well-prepared for the challenges of winter. Proper weatherproofing is essential for keeping the property warm, preventing drafts, and maintaining energy efficiency, all of which contribute to a comfortable living environment for tenants. Regular inspections, ideally before the winter season begins, allow landlords to identify and address issues like damaged roof tiles, worn seals around windows and doors, or inadequate insulation that could otherwise lead to heat loss and increased energy consumption.

Roofing inspections are particularly important, as missing or broken tiles and leaks can allow rain or snow to penetrate the property, causing damp, structural damage, or even mould growth. Ensuring that the roof is watertight and in good condition is key to protecting both the property and the tenants’ belongings. Similarly, properly insulated walls, attics, and pipes not only keep the property warm but also help prevent frozen pipes during severe cold weather.

Windows and doors are common sources of heat loss, so landlords should check for cracked glass, gaps, or worn-out weatherstripping. Upgrading to double-glazed windows, if feasible, can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs for tenants, which is particularly appreciated during periods of high energy prices. Poor weatherproofing not only leads to tenant discomfort but may also result in higher utility bills and complaints, potentially affecting the landlord-tenant relationship. 

Providing Safety Equipment

Landlords have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that essential safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers (if applicable), are fully operational and in compliance with UK regulations. These devices are vital for protecting tenants from the heightened risks associated with winter, a season when heating appliances, fireplaces, and other energy sources are used more frequently. Faulty or poorly maintained safety equipment can result in serious health hazards, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or even fatalities, making regular checks and maintenance an absolute necessity.

Under UK law, landlords are required to install at least one smoke detector on every floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where a solid fuel-burning appliance, such as a wood burner or open fire, is in use. However, it is considered best practice to install carbon monoxide alarms near gas boilers and other gas-powered appliances, as they can also produce this invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas.

To ensure compliance and safety, landlords should test these alarms regularly, ideally before winter begins, and replace batteries or devices as needed. They should also provide tenants with clear instructions on how to test the alarms themselves and what to do if a device sounds or malfunctions. This proactive approach not only ensures tenant safety but also helps landlords avoid fines or legal action for failing to meet safety standards.

During winter, when tenants rely heavily on heating systems, ensuring that these safety measures are in place demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to providing a secure living environment. It also reinforces trust between the landlord and tenants, fostering a positive and responsible rental relationship.

Clearing Snow And Ice

In the UK, a landlord’s responsibility for clearing snow and ice typically depends on the property type and the terms of the tenancy agreement. For communal areas, such as shared pathways or driveways in blocks of flats, the landlord or property management company is usually responsible for ensuring the safety of tenants and visitors by clearing snow and ice. This is in line with the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, which obligates landlords to maintain safe conditions. 

Additionally, landlords may want to include advice for tenants about safe practices for handling snow and ice in their private areas. In any case, landlords must take reasonable steps to prevent harm, and failure to do so could result in liability for any injuries caused by neglecting to clear dangerous conditions.

Collaborative Rental Maintenance During Winter

While tenants and landlords have distinct responsibilities, maintaining a rented home during winter often requires cooperation:

Communication is Key: Tenants should report issues promptly, and landlords should respond quickly to requests for repairs.

Regular Inspections: Landlords can schedule seasonal property inspections (with prior notice) to check for potential winter damage.

Clear Rental Agreements: Both parties should review the lease agreement to ensure they understand who is responsible for tasks like snow removal and utility bills.

By understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities, both tenants and landlords can prevent costly damages and ensure the property remains safe and comfortable during winter. Proactive maintenance, clear communication, and mutual respect are the foundations of a positive rental experience—even in the harshest weather conditions.