Autumn is one of the busiest seasons in the lettings calendar. Families settle after the summer holidays, professionals relocate before year-end, and students search for longer-term housing options. For Solihull landlords, this makes autumn a crucial time to present properties in the best possible light. Tenants at this time of year want warm, energy-efficient, well-maintained homes. Landlords who prepare ahead not only secure reliable tenants but also protect their investment from costly seasonal wear and tear.
This guide explores how to get your Solihull rental ready for autumn, from practical maintenance to marketing and compliance, with insight into what local tenants expect.
Solihull rental market snapshot: autumn 2025
Solihull continues to be one of the most sought-after rental locations in the West Midlands. Its excellent schools, strong commuter links to Birmingham and London, and a thriving town centre all help drive demand.
According to recent data:
- Average monthly rent in Solihull: £1,195 (Zoopla Rental Index, August 2025)
- Annual rent growth: 6.2%, higher than the regional average of 5.5%
- Average property price: £362,000 (Rightmove HPI, Q3 2025)
- Tenant demand: highest among families in Knowle and Dorridge, young professionals in the town centre, and corporate tenants relocating for work
Letting times have shortened, with Rightmove reporting most Solihull properties let within 18 days on average. For landlords, that means a well-prepared home is more likely to attract quality tenants quickly, especially in autumn when competition is high.
Why autumn preparation matters
Autumn can be challenging for property maintenance and marketing. Weather conditions, shorter daylight hours and shifting tenant expectations all come into play.
- Colder, wetter weather: reveals issues with roofs, gutters, insulation and heating systems
- Condensation and damp: more common in poorly ventilated homes, leading to complaints and higher maintenance costs
- Tenant focus: warmth, comfort, energy bills and ease of maintenance become top priorities
- Competition: with many landlords listing in September and October, properties must stand out to secure viewings
Being proactive now means fewer emergency repairs in winter and a smoother experience for both landlords and tenants.
Maintenance and safety checklist for autumn
Here’s a landlord’s checklist for ensuring your property is safe, compliant and attractive:
Heating and boiler service
- Book a professional boiler service if not completed in the past 12 months
- Check radiators for even heat distribution and bleed them if necessary
- Ensure tenants know how to operate the heating system efficiently
Insulation and draught-proofing
- Inspect seals around windows and doors
- Add draught excluders or upgrade glazing if required
- Check loft and cavity wall insulation for energy savings
Roof, gutters and drains
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters
- Inspect roof tiles and flashings for damage
- Ensure downpipes and drains are free-flowing
Plumbing and pipework
- Insulate external pipes to prevent freezing
- Test stopcocks and label them clearly for tenant use
- Check taps and toilets for leaks
Lighting and electrics
- Replace faulty bulbs with warm LED lighting
- Ensure external lighting is working, particularly for pathways and driveways
- Test electrical sockets and update any outdated fittings
Outdoor areas
- Clear leaves and trim overgrown hedges
- Ensure steps and paths are safe and non-slippery
- Check security gates, locks and fencing
Safety devices
- Test smoke alarms and CO detectors
- Replace batteries where needed
- Ensure furniture and furnishings comply with fire safety standards
Boosting tenant appeal this autumn
Tenants in autumn are looking for homes that feel welcoming and practical. Small details can set your property apart.
Highlight energy efficiency
With energy costs still a concern, tenants are more focused than ever on EPC ratings. Showcase any improvements, such as:
- Double glazing
- Smart thermostats
- Insulated lofts or walls
- Energy-efficient boilers
Create a cosy interior
- Use warm lighting and neutral tones for décor
- Ensure the property is clean, fresh and well-aired
- Consider staging with soft furnishings to make rooms feel inviting
Promote functionality
- Provide clear instructions for appliances and heating controls
- Ensure storage solutions are tidy and practical
- Check Wi-Fi readiness, especially for professional tenants working from home
Legal and compliance checks
Autumn is a great time to confirm all legal responsibilities are up to date:
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): renew annually
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): must be rated E or above (C proposed in future legislation)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): required every 5 years
- Smoke and CO alarms: one per floor, tested and operational
- HMO licensing: if your property qualifies, ensure you hold the correct licence
Staying compliant not only avoids penalties but reassures tenants that their home is safe.
Marketing your property for autumn lettings
Presentation and timing are everything when marketing a rental in autumn.
Photography tips
- Capture images in daylight hours to maximise brightness
- Stage rooms with warm lighting and seasonal touches
- Show key features like modern heating or double glazing
Crafting your listing
- Highlight comfort and energy efficiency
- Mention EPC rating, heating type, and recent upgrades
- Stress proximity to commuter links, schools, or Solihull town centre amenities
Leverage local expertise
Hunters Solihull understands seasonal trends and can position your property to attract serious tenants quickly. Our lettings team knows how to tailor listings to what autumn renters are looking for.
Retaining existing tenants
If your tenants are already settled, autumn is an excellent time to build relationships and reduce turnover:
- Carry out a mid-term inspection and address any issues
- Offer early renewal options with clear terms
- Provide tenants with winter guidance on heating and condensation prevention
- Respond quickly to repair requests, especially for heating and plumbing
A proactive approach increases tenant satisfaction and helps avoid costly voids.
Financial planning and valuations
Strong demand means many Solihull landlords are achieving higher rents in 2025. But reviewing performance regularly is key.
- Compare current rent with market averages (Zoopla and Rightmove data)
- Consider small rent increases if supported by property upgrades
- Review landlord insurance to ensure coverage for weather-related damage
- Keep an emergency repair fund to handle seasonal wear and tear
Autumn is also a good time to request a rental valuation. Hunters Solihull can benchmark your property against similar homes to ensure you are maximising returns.
Summary: your autumn checklist for Solihull rentals
To prepare your property for autumn tenants, make sure you:
- Service the boiler and heating system
- Clear gutters and inspect the roof
- Check insulation and draught-proofing
- Refresh interiors with warm, welcoming touches
- Confirm compliance on gas, electrical and fire safety
- Market effectively with seasonal appeal
- Retain tenants through proactive engagement
Ready to get started?
Autumn is a prime season for lettings in Solihull, and preparation is the difference between a smooth tenancy and costly setbacks.
At Hunters Solihull, we work closely with landlords to keep properties fully compliant, attractive to tenants, and yielding strong returns.
- Request a free rental valuation
- Browse our landlord services
- Speak to our team today for advice on getting your property ready for autumn tenants.
A well-prepared property won’t just secure tenants this autumn — it will safeguard your investment for seasons to come.
