Maintaining a student rental property is more than just responding to repair requests. Proactive, preventative maintenance not only keeps tenants happy but also protects your investment, minimises costly issues, and reduces void periods — all of which contribute to a stronger return on investment (ROI).
At Star Students, we know that well-maintained properties let faster, attract better tenants, and experience fewer expensive callouts. Below is a list of practical, preventative maintenance tips that can help landlords stay ahead of common problems and boost long-term profitability.
1. Schedule Annual Boiler Servicing
Boiler breakdowns are one of the most frequent and disruptive maintenance issues in rental properties. An annual boiler service ensures the system is running safely and efficiently, reduces the risk of mid-tenancy failures, and helps extend the life of the appliance.
Bonus tip: Regular servicing is often a requirement for warranty validity and can prevent emergency callouts in colder months.
2. Keep on Top of Damp and Mould Prevention
Student properties, especially those with multiple tenants, are prone to damp and condensation issues. Prevention is far more cost-effective than dealing with long-term water damage or mould-related complaints.
Preventative Steps:
Install and maintain extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
Encourage ventilation with clear tenant guidance
Check for leaks around windows, roofs, and pipes
Use mould-resistant paint in high-moisture areas
Addressing minor signs early avoids major remediation costs and ensures a healthier living environment.
3. Inspect and Clear Gutters and Drains
Blocked gutters and downpipes can lead to leaks, damp patches, and even structural issues. Regular inspections — ideally twice a year — help prevent water overflow and damage to the building fabric.
This simple task can reduce long-term external repair costs and protect the property from avoidable weather-related issues.
4. Test Alarms and Safety Devices Regularly
Fire safety is a legal requirement in student HMOs. Ensure smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and heat sensors are tested regularly. While tenants should perform routine checks, landlords are responsible for confirming that all devices are functioning correctly at the start of each tenancy and during property inspections.
Regular testing helps ensure compliance, avoid fines, and protect tenants and property alike.
5. Schedule Routine Property Inspections
Interim inspections allow you to identify maintenance issues before tenants report them — or before they become more serious. Look for early signs of wear and tear, misuse of the property, or any unauthorised changes.
Professional inspections also reinforce to tenants that property standards matter, which can encourage better care and quicker reporting of problems.
6. Maintain Ventilation Systems
Properties with multiple occupants can suffer from poor air circulation, leading to stale air, condensation, and humidity damage. If your property uses mechanical ventilation systems, schedule regular filter cleaning or replacement.
Ensure trickle vents on windows are functional, and check ventilation points for blockages or damage during routine visits.
7. Stay Ahead with Seasonal Checks
Different seasons bring different challenges. Create a seasonal maintenance checklist, for example:
Before winter: Check heating, insulation, and pipes for freezing risk
In spring/summer: Inspect roofing, brickwork, and garden areas
Proactive seasonal checks reduce emergency maintenance calls and keep your property in top condition year-round.
8. Act Quickly on Minor Issues
Small problems like a dripping tap, loose gutter, or cracked tile might seem low priority, but delaying repairs can lead to much more expensive issues over time.
Prompt action shows professionalism, encourages tenant cooperation, and avoids escalation.
How Star Students Can Help
At Star Students, we support landlords with proactive maintenance planning and professional property management. Our fully managed service includes:
Coordinated routine inspections
Organising certified contractors for servicing and repairs
Ensuring ongoing compliance with safety legislation
Advising landlords on long-term asset protection
We also educate tenants on property care to reduce misuse and help identify issues early.
Protect Your Investment with Proactive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance isn’t just about protecting your property — it’s about maximising returns, reducing tenant turnover, and creating a safe, high-standard rental experience.
Whether you're managing one student house or a growing portfolio, a little forward planning now can save thousands later.
Get in touch with Star Students to learn more about how our team can support your property maintenance needs.
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