Preparing and protecting your home in autumn

Autumn is a useful time to give your home a little attention before colder weather arrives. Across Kensington, Notting Hill and North Kensington, period houses, garden flats and roof terraces each have their own maintenance needs, from clearing drainage to checking windows and heating.

Whether you are settled in your home, letting it out or preparing for a move, dealing with small issues now can help prevent more disruptive repairs later. Our Property Management team shares the checks worth making this season.

Here, our Property Management team shares their best advice for preparing and protecting your home.

Exterior Care

Start at the top. Your roof is your first line of defence against wind and rain.

• Clear leaves from light wells, basement steps and terrace drains to help prevent water collecting during heavy rain. In flats, report any roof or communal drainage issues to the building’s managing agent.
• Inspect roofs and chimneys for loose tiles, cracked flashing and mortar before winter storms.
• Clear gutters and drains to prevent blockages from falling leaves and moss. Check that downpipes discharge away from the building.
• Maintain gardens and outdoor areas: prune, tidy beds, and protect delicate planting with fleece or cloches.
• Check outdoor lighting for both safety and atmosphere during shorter days. Replace bulbs and set timers.
• Paths, patios and steps: remove algae and moss, repair trip hazards and keep a supply of grit for icy spells.
• External taps and hoses: isolate and drain to prevent freezing.

Heating and Utilities

Keep the system efficient and ready for a cold snap.

• Service boilers and heating systems to ensure reliability and efficiency.
• Bleed radiators for even warmth throughout the home.
• Insulate exposed pipes in lofts, basements and outbuildings to reduce the risk of freezing.
• Sweep chimneys and prepare fireplaces and flues for seasonal use.
• Thermostats and controls: Review heating schedules to suit your household and follow the guidance for your heating system.
• Know your stopcock location and make sure everyone in the household does too.

Interiors and Comfort

Small fixes add up to a warmer, healthier home.

• Investigate persistent damp, recurring mould or musty smells promptly rather than simply redecorating. If you are a tenant, report concerns to your landlord or managing agent.
• Check seals around doors and windows to minimise draughts and heat loss.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries where needed.
• Carry out a seasonal deep clean of curtains, rugs and upholstery to reduce dust and improve air quality.
• Review lighting to create warmth and ambience as the days shorten.
• Manage condensation: use extractor fans, open trickle vents and avoid drying laundry in unventilated rooms. Wipe window frames to prevent mould.

My property manager was incredibly responsive, professional, and warm throughout the entire process. Her attention to detail and proactive approach made everything run smoothly, from viewings and paperwork to answering questions quickly.

Trustpilot review by L.B | Sept 2025

Admin and Compliance

Stay ahead of paperwork so you are protected if something goes wrong.

• Update safety certificates where due, including gas, electrics and EPCs.
• Review insurance policies to ensure cover reflects the property’s value, contents and current use.
• Schedule contractor visits ahead of peak winter demand for servicing and minor repairs.
  
  Landlords –
• Review tenancy agreements in line with renewals or seasonal lets.
• Send tenant reminders on heating use, ventilation and seasonal care, including how and when to report issues.
• Have key information at hand: emergency contacts, stopcock location and meter details shared with tenants or house sitters.

Gardens and Terraces:

Look after features that need special attention over winter.

• Clean and store outdoor cushions: cover furniture where appropriate and secure loose items before windy weather.
• Clear terrace drainage outlets and check that planters do not obstruct them.
• Have swimming pools serviced before winter: balance chemicals, clean filters and lower water levels to prevent freezing.
• Cover securely to protect from debris, and set pumps to frost protection where available, or turn off according to your engineer’s guidance.
• Protect sensitive planting and follow manufacturer guidance for winterising irrigation and water features.
• Hot tubs, fountains and irrigation: drain or winterise per manufacturer advice to avoid cracked pipework.

Security and Prevention

Dark evenings call for a few extra checks.

• Test alarms and CCTV, update codes and check cameras and doorbells are recording.
• Timers on lights indoors and outdoors to show the home is occupied.
• Locks and latches: check gates, sheds and bike stores.
• Letterboxes and draught excluders: reduce draughts and improve security with simple fittings.

If You Are Selling or Renting

First impressions matter even more when it is cold outside.

• Warm, dry and well lit: aim for a comfortable viewing temperature, clear walkways and soft lighting.
• Fix minor snags buyers will notice in bad weather, such as drip marks under sills or stained ceilings from old leaks.
• Tidy gardens and entrances so the property feels cared for year round.
• Have documents to hand: recent service history, certificates and guarantees help buyers move faster.

Going Away?

If the property will be empty for holidays:

• Run taps briefly every so often, or consider draining the system if away for longer periods.
• Ask a neighbour or your managing agent to check in, collect post and adjust timers after the clocks change.
• Check your insurance requirements for an empty property and follow appropriate advice on heating, frost protection and water systems.

A few proactive steps now can save stress and expense later. If you would like tailored guidance, help with contractor bookings or a full winter check, our Property Management team can handle everything, from compliance to seasonal servicing and tenant communication.

Thinking about air conditioning for next summer? Autumn offers time to explore suitable systems and plan installation. Read our guide to preparing your home for warmer summers.