Complete Landlord Property Maintenance Checklist for 2026
As a landlord in Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Epsom, or anywhere across West Sussex and Surrey, staying on top of property maintenance isn't just good practice—it's essential for legal compliance, tenant safety, and protecting your investment.
This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to maintain your rental property in 2026, from legal requirements to preventative maintenance that saves money long-term.
Legal Requirements (Mandatory)
These are non-negotiable legal obligations. Failure to comply can result in fines, prosecution, or inability to evict tenants.
Annual Legal Requirements
☐ Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Annual inspection of all gas appliances by Gas Safe registered engineer. Must provide copy to tenants within 28 days.
£70-£170
☐ Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Required every 5 years (or sooner if report recommends). Must provide copy to tenants and remedy any urgent issues.
£150-£300
☐ Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarm on every floor. Test at start of each tenancy. Replace batteries as needed.
£15-£30 each
☐ Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except gas cookers). Must be working at start of tenancy.
£20-£40 each
☐ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Minimum rating E required (C required for new tenancies from 2025). Valid for 10 years but reissue if major improvements made.
£60-£120
Heating System Maintenance
Heating accounts for most tenant complaints and emergency callouts. Proactive maintenance prevents expensive breakdowns.
Annual Heating Maintenance
☐ Annual Boiler Service
Essential for safety, efficiency, and maintaining manufacturer warranty. Best done in summer when demand is lower. Often combined with CP12.
£105-£150
☐ Bleed Radiators
Remove trapped air before winter. Improves efficiency and prevents cold spots. Can be done by tenant with instructions or during service visit.
DIY or included in service
☐ Check System Pressure
Boiler pressure should be 1-1.5 bar. Low pressure causes breakdowns. Check monthly or show tenant how to check and top up.
DIY check
☐ Powerflush (If Needed)
Deep clean the heating system. Recommended every 5-6 years or if radiators are cold at bottom, water is discolored, or boiler is noisy.
£400-£780
☐ Check Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
Ensure TRVs are working and not stuck. Replace seized ones. Good for tenant comfort and energy efficiency.
Check during service
Plumbing Maintenance
Water damage is one of the most expensive repairs. Regular checks prevent leaks and blockages.
Plumbing Checks
☐ Check for Leaks
Inspect under sinks, around toilets, at pipe joints, and in any accessible pipework. Look for damp, staining, or mold.
Visual inspection
☐ Test Stopcock Operation
Ensure main stopcock turns easily. A seized stopcock is useless in an emergency. Show tenants its location.
DIY or during service
☐ Inspect Taps and Showers
Check for drips, proper operation, and adequate water pressure. Replace washers if needed. Descale showerheads.
£60-£120 per repair
☐ Check Toilet Operation
Ensure cistern fills correctly, flapper seals properly, and flush is effective. Running toilets waste water and money.
Visual check
☐ Clear Drains
Check drain flow in sinks, baths, and showers. Clear any slow drains. Consider professional drain survey for older properties.
£80-£200 if blocked
Need Help with Your Maintenance Schedule?
We can coordinate all your annual maintenance in one visit, saving time and money
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring/Summer
- ☐ Annual boiler service (beat winter rush)
- ☐ Clean gutters and downpipes
- ☐ Check outside taps for frost damage
- ☐ Service/check air conditioning if fitted
- ☐ Inspect roof and chimney
- ☐ Check window seals and locks
- ☐ Garden maintenance
Autumn/Winter
- ☐ Bleed all radiators
- ☐ Test heating system fully
- ☐ Lag exposed pipes against frost
- ☐ Check draft excluders
- ☐ Turn off and drain outside taps
- ☐ Clear leaves from drains
- ☐ Check smoke/CO alarms
Tenancy Change Checklist
When tenants change, complete these checks before new tenants move in:
Between Tenancies
Annual Maintenance Calendar
| Month | Tasks | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| January | Plan annual maintenance schedule, review certificates expiring | Planning |
| February-March | Check for frost damage, inspect pipework after winter | Inspection |
| April-May | Book boiler service, clean gutters, spring property inspection | Maintenance |
| June-July | Complete boiler service and CP12, general repairs | Critical |
| August | Drain and service outdoor taps, mid-year property check | Planning |
| September | Test heating system, bleed radiators, check TRVs | Critical |
| October | Clear leaves from drains, lag exposed pipes, winter prep | Maintenance |
| November | Check CO/smoke alarms, final winter preparation | Critical |
| December | Emergency contact reminders to tenants, year-end review | Planning |
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs
Budget approximately these amounts on average for an average 3 bed home annually:
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) | £70 - £170 |
| Annual Boiler Service | £105 - £150 |
| Minor Repairs (budget) | £200 - £400 |
| Smoke/CO Alarm Batteries | £20 - £40 |
| EICR (averaged over 5 years) | £30 - £60 |
| Estimated Annual Total | £425 - £820 |
Note: Major repairs (boiler replacement, major leaks) are additional. Costs shown are on average for an average 3 bed home and will vary based on property size and condition.
Consider: Is It Time for a New Boiler?
If your rental property has an aging boiler (8+ years old), it might be costing you more than you realize. A new boiler installation can actually reduce your overall costs:
Insurance & Cover Savings with a New Boiler
Lower Insurance Premiums
New boilers with warranties are lower risk. Switching to a combi boiler removes loft tanks—a major leak risk that insurers factor into premiums.
Cancel Boiler Cover
Manufacturer warranties (5-10+ years) often make separate boiler cover redundant. That's £150-£300/year saved per property!
Fewer Components = Less Risk
Modern combis have fewer parts than old gravity systems. No tanks, no separate cylinder—fewer things to fail or leak.
Better EPC Rating
A new efficient boiler improves your EPC rating, helping meet upcoming minimum energy standards for rentals.
Wondering if a new boiler makes financial sense for your rental?
Get a Free Quote: 07960 066300Read our full guide: Landlord Tax Guide 2026 for more on how a new boiler can reduce your costs.
Let Us Handle Your Landlord Maintenance
Gas Safe registered engineers serving landlords across Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, and all West Sussex & Surrey