Tenants & Landlords: Your Croydon, Sutton & Bromley Autumn/Winter Home Care Guide
- Clemy
- Nov 28
- 3 min read
As the colder months settle in across Croydon, Sutton and Bromley, a little preparation can make all the difference in keeping rental homes warm, safe and free from avoidable issues. Many seasonal problems, like damp, mould, frozen pipes or electrical faults can be prevented with a few simple habits.
This guide is designed to support both tenants, who want a comfortable and healthy home, and landlords/property managers, who want peace of mind that their properties are being looked after through winter.
1. Keep the Heating Consistent
Even when the home is empty during the day or when you’re away for a weekend, try to maintain a low but steady background heat.
A stable temperature helps prevent pipes from freezing, a common issue during cold snaps in areas like Addington, Carshalton or Orpington.
Consistent heating also reduces condensation, damp and mould, which thrive on sudden temperature drops.
Tip for landlords: Consider reminding tenants how to use the thermostat, timers, or smart heating controls, especially if they’ve just moved in.
2. Switch Off and Unplug Before Long Absences
Before heading away, whether it’s a holiday or staying with family, encourage tenants to unplug anything that doesn’t need to stay on:
TV's
Toasters & kettles
Chargers
Lamps or small appliances
This not only saves energy but reduces the chance of an electrical fault, one of the more common winter risks in older homes and converted flats around Croydon and Sutton.
3. Heating, Lighting & Fire Safety
Winter naturally means more indoor time, extra heating and festive lighting, so safety is key.
For tenants:
Only use portable heaters as instructed and keep them well away from curtains, bedding and furniture.
If using candles https://amzn.to/4ro7QED, place them on stable surfaces and never leave them unattended.
Check Christmas lights for damaged wiring before putting them up, and always turn them off before going out or going to bed.
For landlords:
Ensure smoke alarms and CO detectors are tested and working.
Let tenants know how to report any electrical concerns promptly.
4. Improve Ventilation to Prevent Damp & Mould
Homes in Croydon, Sutton and Bromley often experience higher condensation in winter, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Tenants should try to:
Open windows briefly each day, even in cold weather.
Use extractor fans during showers and cooking.
Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators whenever possible.
Keeping the air moving prevents moisture from settling on cold surfaces. One of the best long-term defenses against mould.
5. Decorating Safely for the Festive Season
Everyone wants their home to feel festive, but decorations should be put up in a way that avoids accidental damage.
Use removable hooks https://amzn.to/4rot3yd or strips instead of nails or screws.
Handle lights carefully, check cables and avoid overloading plug sockets.
Keep decorations away from heaters and open flames.
This helps tenants get their deposit back in full and keeps landlords’ walls and fixtures protected.
6. Secure Outdoor Areas
Many homes across Bromley and Sutton have gardens, patios or balconies that need a little attention before strong winds arrive.
Tenants should:
Store or secure garden furniture https://amzn.to/4aeLQFV , bins and loose items.
Keep pathways clear to avoid slips during icy weather.
This prevents potential damage to the property or even neighboring homes during storms.
Final Thoughts
A warm, safe and well-cared-for home benefits everyone. By following these simple steps, tenants can enjoy a comfortable winter and landlords can avoid preventable maintenance issues.
If you're a landlord or tenant in Croydon, Sutton or Bromley, feel free to reach out if you’d like personalized advice, property support or seasonal maintenance guidance.