Autumn Compliance Checklist: 5 Things Landlords Must Do Before Winter

Autumn is the critical window for landlord compliance. Gas engineers get fully booked from October onwards, heating systems that sat idle all summer develop faults, and tenants start using gas appliances intensively. Here are five things to sort before the cold weather hits.

1. Gas Safety Certificate renewal. If your CP12 expires between October and February, book the inspection now. Use the two-month early booking window — you won't lose any cycle time, and you'll avoid the winter rush. Engineers in November and December may have 2-3 week waiting lists.

2. Boiler service. A boiler service is separate from the CP12 gas safety check, but many engineers offer both in one visit. A serviced boiler runs more efficiently (saving the tenant money on energy bills, reducing complaints) and is less likely to break down mid-winter. A boiler breakdown in January with no engineer available for a week is a tenant relations disaster.

3. CO alarm testing. Since October 2022, carbon monoxide alarms are required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, gas fire, wood burner). Test all alarms and replace batteries. CO alarms have a lifespan of 5-7 years — check the expiry date on the back of each unit.

4. Insulation and draught-proofing. Check loft insulation depth (recommended 270mm minimum), seal gaps around windows and doors, and lag exposed pipes. This reduces heating costs, improves EPC ratings, and prevents frozen pipes — which can cause thousands of pounds in water damage if they burst.

5. Emergency contact sheet. Provide tenants with emergency numbers: Gas emergency (0800 111 999), your contact details, and the details of your preferred Gas Safe engineer and plumber. Tenants who know what to do in an emergency cause less damage and are less likely to panic-call at 2am.