Winter-proofing your holiday let

Winter brings cosy breaks and Christmas bookings — and the risk of frozen pipes, boiler breakdowns and empty weeks when nobody is checking on the property. A little preparation in the autumn goes a long way.

Before the cold sets in

Work through this list in October or early November, before the first frost.

• Lag exposed pipesLofts, outbuildings and outside taps first.
• Know your stopcockAnd make sure your cleaner and maintenance person know too.
• Service the boilerBefore the busy Christmas weeks, not during them.
• Frost settingKeep heating on low in empty weeks rather than off.
• Gutters and drainsClear them before the leaves and rain arrive.
• Hot tub coverCheck the seal — it keeps heat in and costs down.

Keep guests cosy

Extra blankets, clear heating instructions, a stocked log basket if you have a fire, and a torch by the door. Winter guests remember warmth more than anything else.

Plan for the empty weeks

The biggest risks often come when no guests are staying. Make sure someone checks each empty property regularly in cold spells, and that they know exactly what to look for.