Winterising Your Rental Property: A Pre-Season Checklist for Landlords

As the temperature drops and winter rolls into the Southern Lakes, it's time to think about more than just ski passes and firewood. Preparing your rental property for winter is essential — not only to protect the asset itself, but also to keep tenants safe, warm, and satisfied.

Here’s your practical winter readiness checklist, built from experience managing hundreds of homes across Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, and beyond.

1. Clear the Gutters (and Downpipes)

Autumn leaves and alpine winds are not your friend when it comes to drainage. Blocked gutters can quickly lead to:

• Water overflowing into the roof cavity or walls
• Damage to cladding and foundations
• Leaks into living areas

We recommend scheduling a professional gutter clean before the first major frost, and again at the end of winter if your property is surrounded by trees.

2. Book a Chimney Sweep

If your property has a wood burner or open fire, it’s vital to ensure it’s safe and compliant before tenants fire it up.

• Remove soot buildup that can lead to chimney fires
• Check for birds’ nests or other blockages
• Confirm correct operation of flue dampers and seals

This is also the time to check the fire extinguisher and smoke alarms — safety is everything during the heating season.

3. Talk to Tenants About Firewood & Ash Disposal

Don’t assume your tenants know the drill. A quick pre-winter reminder goes a long way:

• Store firewood off the ground and away from the house to avoid moisture and pest issues
• Use only dry, seasoned wood to reduce creosote and emissions
• Dispose of ash safely — not in plastic bins and never while hot

We recommend providing an ash bucket with a metal lid if the property has a fireplace.

4. Draft-Proof Windows and Doors

Heat loss is a common cause of tenant complaints (and rising power bills). Make sure:

• Window seals are intact and not perished
• Door strips are in place and secure
• Any historic issues with condensation are discussed and managed

A bit of simple maintenance can prevent costly damage later.

5. Insulate Pipes & Check Exterior Taps

Frozen pipes are not just inconvenient — they can burst and cause thousands in damage.

• Wrap exterior pipes and taps in insulation foam or sleeves
• Disconnect garden hoses
• Check any under-house plumbing in exposed areas

For properties in frost-prone areas, you might also want to install frost-proof taps or valves.

6. Update the Winter Emergency Plan

Winter storms, power outages, or frozen driveways can catch tenants off guard. Now’s a good time to:

• Confirm emergency contacts (yours and local trades)
• Provide tenants with a winter survival guide if needed (especially helpful for international or first-time renters)
• Consider grit or snow shovels in high alpine areas

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

By taking the time to winterise your rental property, you reduce the risk of emergency callouts, costly damage, and tenant dissatisfaction.

If you're a landlord with us at Bayleys Property Management, our teams in Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell can coordinate all winter readiness services — from chimney sweeps to gutter cleans and firewood advice — so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Want help preparing your property for winter? Get in touch today.