Letting agents are being warned by a PropTech firm, to brace for a possible surge in maintenance callouts. 

Weather data from the Met Office over the last five years shows that temperatures are likely to dip and stay below 15 degrees Celsius by early October – the threshold at which the NHS advises switching on the heating. This annual shift from summer to autumn often brings with it a significant increase in boiler issues, as heating systems are activated after months of inactivity. 

Iamproperty claims that the spike in maintenance requests is likely to pose a challenge for agents, particularly in an increasingly competitive market. The demand for urgent repairs can pull agents away from other areas of the business, such as property valuations, potentially impacting their pipeline. 

Ben Ridgway, co-founder of the supplier, claims preparation and technology can manage seasonal changes, support tenants, and keep landlords happy. 

As the heating season sets in, letting agents are encouraged to proactively address potential issues with their tenants and ensure that they are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to manage the inevitable increase in maintenance demands. 

He says some tips that can be shared with tenants who may be less familiar with property maintenance are:  

• Check your heating system before the weather gets cold and you really need it; 
• Keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature consistently, rather than switching it on and off which can put more pressure on the boiler or cause pipes to freeze;  
• Monitor your boiler pressure regularly referring to the boiler manual; 
• Check your radiators are heating from top to bottom – if cold spots are found, your radiator might need to be bled using a radiator key when the heating is off;  
• Report issues immediately to your Letting Agent as early intervention can prevent bigger problems.