Essential Autumn Property Maintenance

We’re into September now, and that early autumn feeling is starting to show. The mornings are cooler, evenings feel shorter, and maybe you’ve thought about switching the heating on for the first time. This is a good moment to check how your place is doing before the colder months properly kick in.

You don’t need to fix anything yourself, but a few quick checks can help you stay comfortable and avoid small issues turning into bigger ones. If something feels off, just let us know using the Prolet Report a Repair form. We’ll take care of the rest.

Start with a few easy checks

A bit of time now can save hassle later. These are things you can spot without needing tools or technical knowledge.

Give your heating a test run

Even if you’re not using it every day yet, it’s worth switching your heating on to see if everything’s working as it should.

Radiators should warm up all over. If they’re hot at the bottom and cold at the top, there might be air stuck inside. This usually means they need bleeding. If you’re not sure, or something doesn’t seem right, just send a repair request and we’ll take it from there.

Keep the air moving

It’s tempting to keep everything shut when it’s cold, but homes still need fresh air.

Open a window for a few minutes each day if you can. If your place has extractor fans in the kitchen or bathroom, use them when cooking or showering. This helps clear out added moisture in the air that can lead to condensation. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

Simple habits that make a difference

Hold on to the warmth

There are a few easy ways to keep the heat in without having to blast the heating all day:

Keep doors closed between rooms
Pop a rug down on hard floors
Open curtains during the day to let in light and warmth
Close them before it gets dark
Wear light layers instead of one heavy jumper

These small changes can help your home feel cosier without using more energy than you need to.

Use your timer and thermostat to your advantage

If you’ve got a timer on your heating, take a look at how it’s set up. You might want the heating to come on just before you wake up or get home.

Keeping a steady temperature is usually more efficient than switching it on and off all the time. If you’re not sure how yours works or something doesn’t feel right, send a message through the repair form and we’ll help you out.

Quick check on your alarms

Give your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms a test. Just press the button and listen out. If there’s no sound or it’s faint, it might need a new battery.

If you’ve tried that and it still isn’t working, let us know. It’s a quick job to fix but makes a big difference to keeping your home safe.

Keep an eye on what’s happening around you

Outdoor bits can get messy fast

If your place has a garden, shared yard or even just a front step, take a quick look when you head out.

Leaves can pile up quickly and block drains or make paths slippery. If you notice any water pooling or anything outside that looks broken or loose, like a roof tile or fence panel, send it in through the repair form.

It’s better to get ahead of these things before the weather turns properly wet and cold.

Let us know if you’re going away

Planning to be away for a few days or more? It’s helpful to tell us, especially during colder weather.

If possible, set your heating to come on low while you’re gone. This helps prevent frozen pipes. And if you don’t already know where the stopcock is, now’s a good time to find out. If anything leaks, turning off the water can really help limit damage.

Report early, avoid stress later

You can use our Report a Repair form any time. Whether it’s something small or something that just feels a bit off, we’d rather hear about it early.

Once you’ve sent it in, we’ll follow up and keep you updated. There’s no need to call or chase — we’ll sort it from there.

Stay comfortable and keep things ticking over

These quick checks and small habits help your home stay in good shape all season. You don’t have to know how everything works or try to fix anything yourself. Just noticing changes and letting us know is enough. If you’re not sure about something, ask. That’s what we’re here for

Looking to rent a place in Norwich? We’ve got a range of well-kept homes in great locations. Whether you’re moving for uni, work, or just a fresh start, we’ll help you find somewhere that fits.