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Property maintenance isn’t just about fixing things when they break—it’s about spotting small issues before they become expensive nightmares.
Whether you’re a landlord managing multiple properties or a homeowner looking after your own place, knowing what problems to watch for can save you thousands of pounds and countless headaches.
Let’s look at the most common maintenance issues in UK homes and how to tackle them before they take over.
Damp is perhaps the most reported property problem across the UK, especially in older London homes. It’s not just unsightly—it can damage the building and affect tenant health.
Common causes:
- Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
- Leaking pipes or roofs
- Rising damp in older properties
- Condensation from everyday activities
Warning signs:
- Musty, earthy smells
- Black or green spots on walls and ceilings
- Peeling wallpaper or paint
- Wet patches that don’t dry
Prevention tips:
- Install extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Check and maintain roof tiles and guttering
- Use dehumidifiers in problem areas
- Keep rooms heated to a consistent temperature
From dripping taps to blocked drains, plumbing issues can quickly escalate from minor annoyances to major damage.
Common issues:
- Leaking taps and pipes
- Blocked toilets and drains
- Low water pressure
- Faulty stop cocks
- Overflowing baths and showers
Prevention tips:
- Address leaks immediately—even small ones
- Check visible pipes for signs of corrosion
- Clear drains regularly with appropriate cleaners
- Know where the main water shut-off valve is located
Hard water areas like London face additional problems with limescale, which can shorten the life of appliances and affect water flow. Consider water softeners in these areas.
Electrical problems aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. They’re also a legal concern for landlords.
Common electrical issues:
- Flickering lights
- Faulty sockets or switches
- Tripping circuit breakers
- Outdated fuse boxes
Prevention tips:
- Commission regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- Don’t overload sockets
- Replace outdated wiring systems
- Test RCDs (residual current devices) regularly
Remember: electrical work should always be done by qualified professionals. DIY attempts can be both illegal and life-threatening.
The roof and guttering form your property’s first line of defence against the elements. Problems here can lead to widespread damage throughout the building.
Common issues:
- Missing or slipped tiles
- Blocked or leaking gutters
- Flat roof deterioration
- Damaged flashing around chimneys
Prevention tips:
- Check roof condition after storms
- Clear gutters twice yearly (more for properties near trees)
- Look for early signs of leaks in top-floor ceilings
- Address any loose tiles immediately
A small investment in roof maintenance today can prevent massive repair bills tomorrow.
Heating problems always seem to happen on the coldest day of the year—just when you need the system most.
Common issues:
- Boiler pressure problems
- No hot water
- Radiators not heating properly
- Strange noises from the heating system
- Pilot light issues on older systems
Prevention tips:
- Schedule annual boiler servicing (legally required for rental properties)
- Bleed radiators before winter sets in
- Check boiler pressure regularly
- Keep the area around the boiler clear
Annual gas safety checks aren’t just a legal requirement for landlords—they’re good practice for homeowners too.
Buildings naturally deteriorate over time, but knowing what to look for can help you address issues before they compromise the property’s integrity.
Common issues:
- Cracks in walls (particularly around windows and doors)
- Sagging ceilings
- Uneven or springy floors
- Sticking doors and windows
Prevention tips:
- Monitor small cracks for growth or changes
- Check for signs of subsidence or movement
- Address water damage promptly
- Document condition between tenancies if you’re a landlord
Not all cracks signal disaster—many are just settlement or the results of seasonal changes—but knowing which is which matters.
Even the cleanest homes can face pest issues, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Common pests:
- Mice and rats
- Cockroaches
- Bedbugs
- Ants
- Moths
Prevention tips:
- Seal gaps around pipes and cables
- Fix any broken air bricks or vents
- Store food in sealed containers
- Address damp issues which attract many pests
- Act quickly at the first signs of infestation
Professional help is often needed for effective pest control, especially in connected properties like terraces and flats.
The outside of your property needs as much attention as the inside.
Common issues:
- Rotting window frames
- Failed double glazing seals
- Damaged fencing
- Blocked external drains
- Cracked or unsafe paving
Prevention tips:
- Repaint wooden windows and doors every 3-5 years
- Check window seals for condensation between panes
- Clear external drains after autumn leaf fall
- Inspect fencing after high winds
Windows and doors aren’t just about appearance—they affect your property’s energy efficiency and security too.
Qeeper takes the stress out of property maintenance so you don’t have to chase trades or juggle reminders.
Here’s how we can help:
- Fast, reliable fixes for leaks, cracks, broken fittings, and more
- Ideal for both routine upkeep and pre-tenancy repairs
Qualified Tradespeople
- Electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers—vetted and ready
- One point of contact for all your property needs
- We handle your Gas Safety Certs, EICRs, PAT Testing, and EPCs
- Get reminders before anything expires—no more scrambling at the last minute
Whether you manage one flat or a portfolio, Qeeper keeps your property in great shape—and your tenants happy.
Staying ahead of property maintenance isn’t about being handy with tools—it’s about being smart with timing. Catching problems early saves money, protects property value, and keeps you on the right side of regulations.
Regular checks and prompt action on small issues prevent them from growing into costly emergencies. But if juggling maintenance tasks feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone.
With Qeeper, you get peace of mind and a property that runs smoothly, year-round. Why wait for problems to happen when you can prevent them instead?