Landlords: Time for a Rental Property Spring Clean
Published on April 30, 2025 by Sarah Mac
Property Maintenance Tips for the New Season
As the days get longer and we put the worst of winter behind us, spring offers the perfect opportunity for landlords to check in on their rental properties. After months of wet weather, limited ventilation and heavy heating use, it’s the ideal time to give your investment a seasonal refresh – both inside and out.
In this article, we’re sharing practical spring maintenance tips that will help you protect your property, keep tenants happy, and avoid expensive issues down the line. Plus, we’ll explain why now is a great time to schedule a mid-term inspection to make sure everything’s in order after the colder months.
Why Spring Property Maintenance Matters
The British winter can be hard on rental properties. Blocked gutters, mossy patios and lingering damp are all common problems that often go unnoticed until they cause real damage. Spring is your chance to catch them early and put things right.
It’s not just about upkeep – it’s also about showing tenants that the property is cared for, which in turn encourages them to look after it too. Proactive maintenance also means fewer emergency repairs and lower costs in the long run.
Your plan of action should therefore be to book a mid-term inspection with an independent inventory company, or arrange with your tenant to visit the property yourself for an interim check. An independent inspection is favourable as it will provide you with a professional, photographic report, as well as an unbiased review of the property.
Exterior Checks and Garden Tidy-Ups
Winter weather can take a toll on roofs, gutters, and fencing. Your inspection should look out for:
- Loose or missing roof tiles
- Blocked gutters or downpipes
- Water pooling near the foundations
- Cracked paving or slippery surfaces
If your property has a garden or outdoor space, now’s the time to get it looking presentable. Lawns may need mowing, hedges trimmed, and patios swept. If your tenancy agreement includes garden upkeep, it’s a good opportunity to remind tenants of their responsibilities.
Interior Checks: Damp, Mould, and Ventilation
The colder months often mean windows stay shut, heating is turned up high, and ventilation suffers. These are ideal conditions for damp and mould to develop – particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and around windows.
During a spring check, look for:
- Black spots or patches on walls and ceilings
- Musty smells, especially in corners or behind furniture
- Condensation on windows
Encouraging tenants to open windows regularly, use extractor fans, and avoid drying clothes indoors can go a long way to preventing issues.
Kitchen and Bathroom Spring Clean
Bathrooms and kitchens see the most daily wear and tear, so they deserve extra attention. Spring is the perfect time to:
- Check the condition of grout and silicone seals
- Clean extractor fans and vents
- Ensure taps and plumbing fixtures are leak-free
- Remove limescale build-up on showers and tiles
A quick check now can save you from damp damage or hygiene complaints later. If you’re renewing a tenancy, you might even consider offering a professional clean as a goodwill gesture—it sets a great tone for the next term.
Heating, Electrics and Safety
With the heating on full blast over winter, it’s important to test systems before switching them off for the warmer months.
Test:
- Radiators and thermostats (are they working evenly?)
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Electrical sockets and fixed appliances
If your property has an immersion heater, combi boiler or underfloor heating, make sure it’s still operating correctly. A mid-season check can prevent a summer maintenance backlog and make sure you’re not caught off guard when autumn rolls around again.
Why Mid-Term Inspections Are a Landlord’s Best Friend
Spring is the perfect time to schedule a mid-term inspection, especially if it has been a while since you or your letting agent last visited the property.
Mid-term inspections give you:
- A clear picture of how your tenants are looking after the property
- Early warning signs of damage, maintenance needs, or lease breaches
- Documentation to prove you’re meeting your obligations as a landlord
At SRP Inventories, we carry out professional mid-term inspections tailored to your needs. Our clerks check everything from cleanliness to condition – inside and out – and highlight any concerns in a clear, photographic report.
If you manage a larger portfolio or represent a housing provider, ask us about our bulk mid-term inspection service, with competitive discounts when booking 30 or more inspections.
Final Thoughts
Spring is more than just a time to clean – it’s a chance to take stock, refresh and protect the long-term value of your rental investment. A quick inspection, a few seasonal checks, and some basic TLC can make all the difference.
Need help getting started? Let SRP Inventories take the hassle out of your spring property check-up. Whether it’s a one-off mid-term inspection or a full programme of visits across your portfolio, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to book your next inspection – or to chat about how we can support your property business year-round.