What I am looking for on site
The aim is simple. Reduce risk, prevent repeat issues and keep the place guest ready. This list is built so it works year round for Devon conditions rather than being rewritten every time the weather changes.
- Water ingress routes such as bathroom seals, shower trays, traps, pipework and overflows that can mark ceilings below.
- Exterior drainage and roofline, including gutters, downpipes, gullies and obvious slipped or cracked tiles.
- Early signs of damp and mould, especially in corners, wardrobes and behind furniture after heavy rainfall or cold spells.
- Heating and hot water basics such as obvious faults, pressure issues and how the system behaves when started from cold.
- Guest facing items that often trigger complaints such as poor lighting, loose or uneven steps, noisy extractor fans and loose fittings.
Season by season focus
Winter
Storm readiness, cold snaps, frozen pipe risk and heating reliability, especially for properties sitting empty between bookings. This is often when slow leaks first show up on ceilings or in corners.
Spring
Post winter checks. Gutters and drainage, slipped tiles, external joinery and any early signs of mould or poor ventilation before the main holiday season ramps up.
Summer
High guest turnover brings wear and tear. Fixtures loosen, seals get disturbed and outdoor areas see more use. Small repairs here keep reviews steady through the peak season.
Autumn
Clearing gutters, checking gullies and testing the heating before the weather turns. This is the time to pick up pointing, seals and external joinery before winter drives water into weak spots.
Why this matters in Devon
Wind driven rain, older stonework and exposed locations on Dartmoor and the coast mean small failures show up fast. A loose flashing or tired seal can look fine one week, then leak heavily in the next storm. Regular walk rounds reduce these surprises.
FAQ
How often should seasonal checks be carried out on a holiday let?
At least once per season, with the most important points being pre-season before peak bookings begin, and before winter when properties often sit empty. Higher turnover properties benefit from a mid-summer check as well.
What are the biggest seasonal risks for Devon holiday lets?
Wind-driven rain, blocked gutters and drainage are the most common causes of damage. Exposed Dartmoor and coastal properties are also vulnerable to frozen pipes, failed seals and heating faults during cold snaps.
Can I carry out seasonal checks myself?
Many owners can handle basic walk-rounds themselves, particularly for obvious items like gutters and guest-facing fittings. The value of an independent check is that patterns get spotted across visits, and findings are logged rather than forgotten between seasons.
How do seasonal checks link to compliance?
Seasonal checks often reveal things that sit alongside formal compliance — early damp, ventilation issues, heating faults. Logging them alongside your gas, electrical and fire safety records gives a more complete picture of risk.
How this fits with Acacia Property Care
Some owners live close enough to keep on top of seasonal checks themselves. Others manage from a distance or only see the property between guests which makes it harder to spot patterns. My role is to act as a consistent pair of eyes on the ground.
- Planned seasonal walk rounds with photo notes and clear next steps.
- Linking seasonal findings to your wider Compliance Audit so small issues are not lost.
- Carrying out minor repairs where appropriate, or flagging when specialist trades are needed.
Want seasonal checks tied into compliance and guest safety?
If you're managing from a distance, start with a quick compliance check and a clear priority list — then we can build simple seasonal routines on top.
Download the Free Compliance ChecklistLocal Dartmoor & Devon properties only. No hard sell — just a clear view of where you stand.