Winter always finds a way to test building, frozen pipes, failing lighting, blocked gutters, slippery paths. A proactive managing agent won’t wait for the first freeze, they’ll have a structured winter plan in motion long before the cold hits.
Below is the step-by-step process your agent should already be working through. If they’re not, now is the time to ask why. At Presence & Co., we plan early so residents can move through winter without disruption.
Step One: Make Access Routes Safe Before Frost Arrives
A prepared agent will already have grit ordered, routes mapped out and morning gritting scheduled. Walkways, steps, car parks and handrails should all be inspected well before the first cold snap.
Safe access is the foundation of good winter management.
Step Two: Clear Gutters and Drains Thoroughly
Blocked gutters cause leaks, damp patches and expensive repairs later in the season. Your agent should ensure:
- Gutters and hoppers are cleared
- Downpipes are tested and working properly
- Drains and gullies are flowing freely
This is one of the most cost-saving winter tasks, if done properly.
Step Three: Prepare Boilers and Communal Plant Rooms
Reliable heating is essential in winter. A responsible agent will have scheduled servicing early, checked pumps and valves, reviewed BMS settings and ensured plant rooms are safe and compliant.
This quiet, behind-the-scenes work prevents the emergency callouts nobody wants at 9pm in December.
Step Four: Test Communal Lighting Before the Clocks Change
Lighting is both a safety feature and part of the building’s overall feel. A great agent will walk the site after dark, test sensors, clean fittings, and replace bulbs immediately, not wait until residents report issues.
Step Five: Carry Out Roof Inspections While Weather Is Still Kind
Winter storms expose weaknesses fast. Tiles, flashing, valleys and loft spaces should be checked and documented early. Identifying issues now gives you time to plan repairs before the cold sets in, reducing the risk of water ingress or costly emergency call-outs. It’s a small step that prevents major problems later.
Step Six: Reduce Damp and Condensation Risks
As windows stay shut, moisture builds. Your agent should be testing extract systems, inspecting communal areas for early damp signs and ensuring vents are clear and functioning properly.
Encouraging small everyday habits can make a big difference, using extractor fans when cooking or showering, avoiding drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation, and keeping furniture slightly away from cold external walls all help minimise condensation. These simple practices go a long way in preventing damp and mould from developing over winter.
Step Seven: Review Fire Safety and Emergency Systems
Emergency lighting, fire doors, alarms and access routes should all be checked thoroughly. It’s also worth reviewing testing schedules to ensure everything complies with current regulations and performs as expected under pressure. This is a non-negotiable part of responsible management, especially during the busiest months of the year.
Step Eight: Keep Grounds Safe and Clear
Even when landscaping is quieter, winter can bring risks like branches, leaf buildup, obstructed drains and blocked light fittings. All of these areas need regular attention.
These small details influence both safety and the everyday experience of living in the building.
Step Nine: Communicate Clearly With Residents
Winter is smoother when residents know what’s happening. Information like gritting schedules, emergency contacts, heating information and maintenance updates should be shared early and kept up to date.
At Presence & Co., this is something we prioritise, it prevents confusion and reassures residents that the building is in good hands.
Step Ten: Double-Check Insurance and Contractor Readiness
A winter-ready agent ensures the block’s insurance, maintenance contracts and out-of-hours arrangements are all current and watertight. Winter exposes gaps, so this final step matters more than people realise.
In Summary
Good winter management isn’t dramatic. It’s calm, structured and proactive. The difference between a stressful winter and a smooth one usually comes down to how prepared your agent is long before the temperature drops.
This is the methodical approach we follow across our developments in Kent, including Camden Hill and Little Mount Sion, because winter should feel seamless, not stressful.
If any of these steps aren’t happening at your block, it may be time to reconsider whether your agent is giving your building the attention it deserves. For more information about our services, and what we do for our clients, click HERE.
