December isn’t just about festive lights and final rent runs – it’s also a crucial time for landlords in Leeds to ensure their properties are safe, compliant and winter-ready.
A little preparation now can prevent costly problems later. Whether you manage your own properties or use Leeds letting agency services, running through a winter checklist helps protect your investment and your tenants’ well-being.
In this guide, we’ve put together a simple, practical list of landlord safety checks for Christmas in Leeds – along with updates to stay ahead of 2026 compliance rules.
Why winter safety checks matter
Cold weather, heavy rain, and darker evenings can quickly highlight issues in a rental home – from faulty heating to burst pipes. For tenants, a winter emergency can be frustrating. For landlords, it can be expensive.
That’s why December is the best time to act – while contractors are still available and before severe weather hits.
Essential landlord safety checks for Christmas in Leeds
Here’s your full checklist to ensure your rental properties are safe, secure and compliant this festive season.
1. Check the heating and boiler
Gas safety first
Make sure your Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is up to date – this is a legal requirement. Boilers tend to work harder in winter, so this is not something to skip.
If your certificate is close to expiry, schedule a service before Christmas, when engineers are less available.
Tip: Send tenants a simple reminder to bleed radiators and check thermostats – it saves energy and keeps heating effective.
2. Insulate pipes and prevent freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies – and they can cause serious damage.
Winter property checks should include:
- Pipe insulation (especially in lofts and external areas)
- Lagging tanks and valves in unheated spaces
- Ensuring tenants know to keep heating at a minimum temperature if away
If your tenants are travelling for Christmas, remind them to leave the heating on low or set a timer to prevent frozen systems.
3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
It’s your responsibility to ensure these alarms work and are correctly positioned in rental homes.
Your landlord compliance checklist 2026 should include:
- Smoke alarms on every floor
- CO alarms in any room with a gas appliance, wood burner or open fire
- Testing all alarms regularly (you can ask tenants to check, but you must ensure it’s done)
If you’re managing multiple properties or HMOs, keep a record of checks to show you’ve met legal duties.
4. Secure the property exterior
With darker evenings and fewer neighbours around, vacant properties can become targets over Christmas.
Focus on:
- Fixing broken locks, gates or fencing
- Checking exterior lighting (especially motion sensors)
- Ensuring letterboxes and entry points are secure
- Installing security alarms or cameras if needed
Letting agency services in Leeds, like those offered by Hunters, can perform regular property visits and offer vacant home services over the holidays for peace of mind.
5. Clear gutters and drains
Blocked gutters can overflow and cause damp, mould or even flooding – all common complaints in winter.
Before Christmas, arrange for:
- Clearing leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
- Checking ground-level drains for blockages
- Looking out for signs of water pooling or wall staining
Prevention is cheaper than repair – especially if damage affects roofing or internal walls.
6. Ventilation and condensation control
Winter means windows stay closed and heating is on – the perfect recipe for condensation and mould.
Provide:
- Clear instructions for using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Information on maintaining airflow
- Dehumidifiers in older properties or basements
- Prompt response to any reported signs of damp or black mould
New 2026 regulations may include tighter health and safety standards on damp – make this a priority on your landlord compliance checklist 2026.
7. Electrical safety certificate
If your Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is out of date – or due in 2026 – now’s the time to act.
Landlords in England are legally required to:
- Have a valid EICR every 5 years
- Provide copies to tenants within 28 days of an inspection
- Address any ‘urgent remedial work’ flagged during a test
Booking this before Christmas avoids delays with contractors and keeps you compliant into the new year.
8. Manage tenant expectations
Good communication = fewer issues.
In December:
- Share emergency contact details for heating, plumbing or access
- Let tenants know your office hours or response times over Christmas
- Encourage tenants to report problems early – not wait until January
If you use a Leeds letting agency service, check what out-of-hours support is offered.
9. Plan for void periods
Got a property that’s empty or becoming vacant over Christmas?
Make sure it’s protected.
Your void checklist:
- Set timers for lights to deter intruders
- Keep heating on low to prevent pipe damage
- Visit regularly or ask your agent to inspect
- Drain water systems if unoccupied for long periods
- Update your landlord insurance (some policies change after 30+ days unoccupied)
Hunters Leeds offers vacant property inspections as part of our management packages – ask us for details.
10. Keep on top of maintenance requests
Tenants are more likely to notice problems in winter – especially heating, water pressure and damp.
Take a proactive approach:
- Use December to book quick-fix jobs with contractors
- Keep a log of recurring issues
- Plan larger works (like roof repairs or upgrades) for early in the new year
Quick responses improve tenant satisfaction – and protect your property’s long-term condition.
Quick checklist: landlord safety checks for Christmas in Leeds
Here’s your easy-reference December checklist:
- Gas Safety Certificate in date
- Smoke and CO alarms tested
- Boiler serviced and heating working
- Pipes lagged and tanks insulated
- Exterior lighting and locks secure
- Gutters and drains cleared
- EICR valid and on file
- Damp and ventilation issues checked
- Emergency contacts shared with tenants
- Plans in place for void or vacant properties
Print this or save it – and revisit it every winter.
Why choose local letting agency support?
Managing property over Christmas can be stressful – especially if you’re away or own multiple homes.
Partnering with a trusted Leeds letting agency service means:
- Someone is available to respond over the holidays
- Regular safety and maintenance checks are done for you
- Vacant property inspections are scheduled
- Rent collection and legal compliance is managed
- Tenants get prompt support without chasing you
At Hunters Leeds, we offer flexible management packages designed to take the pressure off landlords – particularly in busy seasons like Christmas and New Year.
Looking ahead: landlord compliance checklist 2026
Looking beyond December? Here are key points to add to your 2026 landlord compliance checklist:
- EPC minimum rating may rise – review your insulation and heating efficiency
- Damp and mould rules are tightening – improve ventilation and response times
- Electrical and gas certificates should be renewed in advance
- Fire safety checks for HMOs are under review – stay informed
- Tenant satisfaction is under the spotlight – responsive maintenance matters
Stay ahead of change by scheduling reviews early in the year. If you’re unsure what applies to your property, we’re here to help.
Final thoughts: protect your investment this winter
A little prep now means fewer calls later. By following this checklist, you’ll keep your rental property warm, safe, and legally compliant – ready for the new year and beyond.
December doesn’t have to be a downtime. It’s the ideal moment to take control, reassure your tenants, and avoid costly surprises.
If you’d like help with inspections, compliance or full management, the Hunters Leeds team is here with expert advice and flexible landlord support.
