Home Maintenance Calendar

Home maintenance calendar — House · Gas boiler · garden: yes Starting January. Seasons assume the northern hemisphere; shift by six months if you are south of the equator. January - Check for frozen or dripping pipes after a cold snap - Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm; replace the batteries yearly - Change or clean the heating and ventilation filters February - Look for damp, condensation and mould on cold walls and window reveals - Check loft insulation depth and that the vents are clear March - Clear gutters and downpipes of winter debris - Check the window and door seals now the weather is turning - Service the mower; check the fences, gates and shed April - Look over the roof and flashing from the ground with binoculars - Descale the kettle, shower head and taps - Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm; replace the batteries yearly - Change or clean the heating and ventilation filters May - Check exterior paint, render and sealant around the windows - Wash the windows and look for blown double-glazed units June - Clean extractor fans, vents and the tumble-dryer lint trap - Trim the hedges — check for nesting birds first July - Check the loft and ceilings for stains after summer storms - Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm; replace the batteries yearly - Change or clean the heating and ventilation filters August - Vacuum the fridge and freezer coils; clean behind the white goods September - Book the annual heating service now, before the autumn rush - Book a gas safety check and boiler service with a qualified, registered gas engineer October - Clear the gutters again once the leaves are down - Bleed the radiators and run the heating before you need it - Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm; replace the batteries yearly - Change or clean the heating and ventilation filters - Cut back, lift the leaves and turn the compost November - Drain down and lag outside taps and exposed pipes before the first frost - Clear drains and gullies of leaves December - Know where the stopcock, consumer unit and meter are; check the torches This is a generic prompt list, not a compliance schedule. Ticking a line here does not mean any legal inspection, certificate or landlord duty has been satisfied. Anything involving gas, electrics, roofs, chimneys or structure should be done by a qualified person — check what your home, tenancy or lease actually requires.