As the winter months roll in, it can be tempting to hunker down and wait for the cold, wet and windy weather to pass. But for us as a managing agent, it’s far from a quiet season. Winter brings a range of seasonal challenges, and our teams stay busy ensuring the developments we manage remain safe, accessible and well-maintained—whatever the weather.
From routine maintenance to proactive inspections, winter readiness is part of our year-round cycle of care. Our focus is on making sure communal areas and shared amenities continue to function well and feel pleasant for residents and visitors alike.
That might mean making sure outdoor lighting is working during the darker evenings, or ensuring that pathways are clear and safe. Behind the scenes, it can also mean preparing communal heating systems or completing preventative maintenance before winter hits in full force.
A large part of our winter preparation actually happens long before the colder months arrive. Where possible, we aim to complete certain works during the milder months to avoid the delays and complications that winter weather can bring.
External repairs, roof works or other major projects are best tackled when conditions are more favourable. This kind of forward planning is all part of our annual maintenance cycle, helping us stay ahead of seasonal needs and ensure nothing is left to chance.
Every estate we manage is unique. Some have shared boilers, others have extensive green spaces, while others may have car parks, communal stairwells or courtyards to maintain. Each maintenance plan is tailored accordingly, with tasks prioritised based on the specific needs of each location.
Here are some of the most common winter maintenance areas our teams and contractor partners focus on across different developments:
Some developments have heating systems that serve multiple properties or communal areas. Where this is the case, we work with specialist contractors or Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to ensure these systems are serviced and ready for increased winter usage.
If your home has a standalone boiler, it’s the responsibility of individual homeowners to arrange servicing. We encourage residents to check their systems ahead of time to avoid issues during colder weather.
Winter can make surfaces slippery, especially in shady or high-traffic areas like steps, car parks and walkways. We focus on keeping these areas safe by removing algae or moss, and by gritting surfaces where necessary.
Drains and gulleys also require regular clearing—especially after autumn leaf fall—to prevent water pooling or blockages. We also check that drain covers are secure and in good condition.
Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor and communal lighting becomes even more important. We check that lighting is working properly and replace any faulty bulbs or fittings. Where timers are used, we adjust them to align with the changing light levels.
Blocked gutters can overflow, cause damage, or lead to leaks inside the building. That’s why we regularly clear gutters and carry out visual roof inspections to spot potential issues before they become bigger problems.
While not all roofs are accessible or suitable for regular inspection, we take into account the building’s age, materials and environmental exposure to create appropriate maintenance and renewal plans. If repairs are needed, we aim to complete them before winter sets in wherever possible.
Communal doors and windows are checked as part of our regular site visits. Cold draughts and sticking doors can crop up year-round, but they’re more noticeable—and more disruptive—during winter. If you spot an issue, please report it via the Places app so we can investigate promptly.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and part of our role is to adapt our approach accordingly—while making sure essential maintenance and scheduled works continue where possible.
We’ve shared just a few of the key winter maintenance areas here. However, not every development will require the same work, and some may have unique needs beyond what’s outlined above.
That’s why we encourage all residents to stay up to date using the Places app and our online portal. These tools make it easy to:
Winter maintenance is just one part of our year-round commitment to keeping your development running smoothly. By planning ahead, staying responsive and working closely with residents and contractors, we help ensure your shared spaces remain safe, welcoming and well cared for—whatever the season.
