Landlords should take advantage of Spring to tackle the underlying cause of issues that might have developed over winter and complying with their increased responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The warning to tackle maintenance issues now comes after data released by Rushbrook & Rathbone showed that April can be the most expensive month of the year for landlord maintenance jobs, accounting for 11.5% of annual landlord maintenance spend in 2025, with the average job costing £797.

Understanding root issues

George Edwards, managing director of Timberwise, said that April tends to be the month when landlords turn their attention from quick fixes to understanding the root causes of issues that may have developed over months of cold and wet weather.

Edwards said: “What landlords often find in April is that the issue they can see is only part of the bigger picture. A damp patch, a mould problem or a bit of movement in the timber can be the result of moisture getting in over time, and by spring it is usually much easier to see where attention is needed.”

Edwards outlines his top tips on what to look out for and how to tackle issues to keep costs down.

Begin with where water is getting in

If damage from a leak is discovered inside the property, Edwards said the priority should be checking the building’s exterior, where many problems originate. “Blocked gutters, loose downpipes, slipped tiles, cracks in render and failed seals around windows and doors can all allow water to enter gradually over time. Fixing internal damage without addressing the source will usually lead to repeat issues.”

Keep an eye out for less obvious leaks

The root of some leaks can be less obvious, but just as damaging, he said. “Areas under sinks, around toilets, behind appliances and near pipework should all be checked. These issues can persist for months, gradually affecting timber, skirting and flooring without obvious signs.”

Don’t ignore persistent problems

He also warned landlords not to overlook persistent problems, such as recurring damp patches, visible water ingress, persistent mould, weakened timber or movement within the structure, and to call experts if required.

“Early intervention is key. The landlords who keep costs under control are not the ones who spend the least, but the ones who act before small problems turn into structural ones,” he said.