Maintaining rental properties: Ellis & Co’s landlord checklist
Keeping a rental property in good condition isn’t just about making it look nice. It’s about protecting your investment, keeping your tenants happy, and staying on the right side of the law.
At Ellis & Co, we work with landlords across London to manage and maintain rental properties every day. And we know from experience that a proactive approach saves money, reduces void periods and improves tenant satisfaction in the long run.
Whether you manage your property yourself or work with a letting agent, having a clear maintenance checklist is essential. This guide breaks down what you need to check before, during, and after each tenancy — and how Ellis & Co can help.
Why regular maintenance matters for landlords
Maintaining a rental property goes far beyond aesthetics. Here are five important reasons why regular upkeep should be part of your landlord strategy:
- Tenant retention: Well-maintained homes are more likely to attract long-term tenants who treat the property with care.
- Fewer emergency repairs: Addressing small issues early helps avoid expensive fixes later.
- Better rental yield: Properties in good condition justify higher rents and attract quality tenants.
- Legal compliance: UK landlords have strict responsibilities around safety and housing standards.
- Asset protection: Keeping your property in good shape protects its resale value and future marketability.
According to Zoopla, void periods cost UK landlords an average of £119 per day in lost rent. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid this.
Pre-tenancy checks to tick off before a new let
Before a new tenant moves in, it’s essential to ensure the property is legally compliant, safe, clean and functional. Here’s what to cover:
- Gas Safety Certificate: A valid gas certificate (CP12) must be issued annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Required every five years. Covers all fixed electrical systems.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Must be rated E or above, although future legislation may require a C rating.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every floor, and CO alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.
- Right to Rent checks: Verify all tenants have legal permission to rent in the UK.
- Tenancy deposit registration: Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
- Clean and safe presentation: Ensure the property is professionally cleaned, appliances are tested, and everything is in working order.
- Inventory report: Create a detailed inventory with photos to document the property’s condition.
Ellis & Co can manage all pre-tenancy checks on your behalf, giving you peace of mind that everything is covered.
Ongoing maintenance during a tenancy
Once a tenant has moved in, regular upkeep helps avoid problems, keeps tenants happy and ensures you meet your legal duties.
Here’s what should be checked or arranged throughout the tenancy:
- Boiler servicing: Book an annual boiler check to reduce the risk of breakdowns.
- Appliance maintenance: Regularly check and service appliances like washing machines or cookers if provided.
- Property inspections: Carry out inspections at least twice a year to spot issues early (e.g. leaks, mould, wear and tear).
- Responsive repairs: Respond quickly to repair requests. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, you are legally obliged to ensure the property remains safe and healthy.
- Outdoor areas: Maintain gardens, trim overhanging trees, and keep pathways safe.
- Gutters and roofs: Check for blockages or damage, especially after storms.
- Ventilation and damp: Ensure extractor fans work and tackle condensation or mould early.
If you use Ellis & Co’s fully managed service, we handle all tenant communications, book inspections, and manage repairs with trusted local contractors.
Seasonal maintenance checklist for landlords
Some tasks only need attention once or twice a year, depending on the season. Here’s what we recommend:
Spring/Summer
- Check fencing, decking and garden structures for wear or rot
- Trim trees and hedges
- Test outdoor lighting and security alarms
- Service air conditioning units (if applicable)
- Clean windows and unblock drains
- Paint or repair any weather-damaged woodwork
Autumn/Winter
- Bleed radiators and test the heating system
- Lag pipes to prevent freezing
- Clean leaves from gutters and downpipes
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
- Seal any draughts around windows and doors
- Ensure roof tiles and chimney stacks are secure
Seasonal maintenance helps prevent emergencies and keeps the property safe and warm for tenants.
Preparing for end-of-tenancy and new lets
When a tenancy ends, you need to return the property to a lettable standard quickly to avoid unnecessary voids.
End-of-tenancy tasks:
- Inspect the property: Use the inventory to assess for damage or cleaning issues
- Deduct from deposit if necessary: Always follow deposit scheme rules
- Book professional cleaning: Especially for carpets, ovens and bathrooms
- Touch up paintwork and fix wear and tear: Consider refreshing tired decor or flooring
- Test all appliances and safety systems: Reissue or renew gas and electrical safety certificates if due
- Replace any worn-out furnishings or fittings
- Review rent level: Based on local market data (Ellis & Co can help with this)
- Take new marketing photos: Ensure the listing is accurate and attractive
We help landlords re-let properties faster by coordinating all post-tenancy preparation, from cleaning and maintenance to listings and viewings.
How Ellis & Co supports landlords with property maintenance
Managing a rental property comes with a long to-do list — especially if you own more than one, or live far away.
That’s why many landlords trust Ellis & Co to take care of it all.
Our full property management service includes:
- Regular property inspections: Detailed reports with photos, notes, and next steps
- Trusted contractors: Pre-approved, insured local tradespeople
- 24/7 emergency cover: Fast response to urgent issues
- Repair tracking: Tenants log maintenance via our portal and you get live updates
- Legal compliance: We keep track of all certificates and notify you when they’re due
- Tailored advice: We help you prioritise improvements that increase rental value or tenant appeal
With Ellis & Co, you get a dedicated property manager, clear communication and no unwanted surprises.
Conclusion
Maintaining a rental property isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting your income, keeping tenants happy, and complying with the law. A proactive, seasonal approach to maintenance can save you time, stress and money.
Whether you manage a single buy-to-let or a portfolio, Ellis & Co can support you with tailored services to make the process smooth and successful. From compliance to emergency repairs, we help landlords stay in control while tenants stay content.
Want to find out how much your property could let for? Book your free rental valuation today.
