Winter catches landlords out more than any other season. Shorter days, colder temperatures and heavier use of your property put systems under pressure fast. Small issues can escalate overnight — and without the right checks in place, winter can quickly turn from “quiet” into costly.

At this time of year, homes feel a little more special. They hold the quiet mornings, the busy kitchens, the familiar corners where memories are made — and at Christmas, they become the backdrop for moments that truly matter.

Most landlords don’t review their property until something goes wrong. But the strongest portfolios are built through regular check-ins, not reactive fixes. December is the perfect time to step back, assess performance and make small changes now that protect returns, reduce stress and set the year ahead up properly.

Are you confident your rental property is still fully compliant in 2026? New rules and higher standards are catching many landlords out. This article explains what January is telling us about the rental market and how to quickly check whether your property is safe, legal and performing as it should.