Landlords reviewing their properties during the second half of 2026 are being encouraged to concentrate on five important maintenance tasks that can help protect their investment, improve tenant safety and reduce the likelihood of recurring repair issues.
George Edwards, Managing Director of Timberwise, says landlords should think of this period as an opportunity to review the condition of their properties rather than waiting until visible defects force urgent action. Preventative maintenance, he says, is almost always more cost effective.
The recommendations follow reports highlighting tougher enforcement in England, where landlords may face civil penalties of up to £7,000 for failing to deal with serious hazards including damp, mould and electrical defects.
Edwards recommends focusing on the following priorities.
1. Identify what’s causing the damage
According to Edwards, mould and damp rarely develop without an underlying reason. Hidden water ingress, poor ventilation or structural deterioration may all be contributing factors, making investigation an essential first step.
2. Don’t wait for complaints
Regular inspections of external and internal elements such as roofs, gutters, walls, floors and window frames can identify problems before they escalate into more disruptive and expensive repairs.
3. Choose contractors carefully
Edwards says using contractors with suitable technical expertise for the property’s construction type helps ensure repairs are appropriate and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary work or future defects.
4. Inspect for warm weather deterioration
Long periods of dry weather can contribute to movement in clay soils while heat may damage sealants and expose weaknesses in roofs and external finishes. Addressing these issues before autumn can help prevent water penetration.
5. Keep comprehensive records
Inspection reports, repair histories and maintenance decisions all provide useful evidence that a property has been responsibly managed. Edwards says good record keeping is becoming increasingly important as enforcement measures strengthen.
He adds that landlords who regularly review the condition of their properties generally avoid the larger repair bills faced by those who only act once significant damage has appeared.
