Preventive maintenance through the year

Every rental breaks eventually. Preventive maintenance is simply the art of choosing when — ideally on a quiet weekday between bookings, not on a Saturday night in high season.

At every turnover

Test lights, appliances and the Wi-Fi.
Run taps and showers; watch for slow drains or drips.
Look for small damage — a loose handle, a chipped tile — and note it for repair.

Every month or so

Clean extractor fan and air conditioning filters.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers if you have them.
Descale kettles, coffee machines and shower heads in hard water areas.
Check door locks, key boxes and smart lock batteries.

Before the cold months

Have the boiler or heating system serviced.
Bleed radiators, check insulation of exposed pipes.
Clear gutters and drains of leaves.
Check windows and doors for draughts.

Before the warm months

Service air conditioning if you have it.
Clean and repair outdoor furniture, barbecues and awnings.
Check the garden, hedges and paths; plan regular watering.
Have pools or hot tubs prepared by a specialist.

Keep a simple log

A shared document or spreadsheet with the date, what was done, by whom and at what cost is enough. It tells you when the next service is due, shows which equipment keeps failing, and is invaluable if you change manager or sell the home.