As the days shorten and temperatures begin to drop across Ivybridge, Plymouth and the wider South Devon area, many tenants start thinking about how to keep their rental homes warm, dry and comfortable through the colder months. Winter brings its own set of challenges for rented properties, higher heating costs, the risk of condensation and damp, frozen pipes, and the need to stay on top of minor maintenance issues before they grow. At Your Home Let Devon, we work closely with tenants every day and know that a little preparation goes a long way towards a smoother, more comfortable season.
Whether you are in a modern flat in Ivybridge or a period property further into the South Hams, the same practical steps apply. Here’s our guide to getting winter-ready without unnecessary stress or expense.
Start with Heating and Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest concerns for tenants is keeping heating bills manageable while staying warm. Most rental properties in our area have central heating systems, and the golden rule is consistency rather than extremes. Setting your thermostat to a steady, moderate temperature (around 18–21°C in living areas during the day) is usually more efficient than letting the house cool completely and then blasting the heating to catch up. If you are going to be away for a few days, leave the heating on a low constant setting rather than turning it off completely, this helps protect pipes from freezing, which remains one of the most common and costly winter problems in Devon properties.
Check that radiators are working properly. Bleed them if they have cold spots at the top, and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow around them. Thick curtains, draught-excluding tape around windows and doors, and even a simple door sausage can make a noticeable difference to heat retention without any structural changes to the property. Many tenants also find that using the timer function on their boiler or thermostat helps avoid heating empty rooms for long periods.
If your property has an older boiler or you notice it is taking longer than usual to heat the house, report it promptly. Your landlord or managing agent (including our team at Your Home Let) will want to know early so any necessary servicing or repairs can be arranged before the coldest weather arrives.
Tackle Condensation, Damp and Mould Prevention
South Devon winters are often mild but damp, and condensation is one of the most frequent issues we see. Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors release moisture into the air. When that moisture hits cold surfaces it turns into water droplets and, over time, can lead to mould.
Simple habits make a big difference. Open windows for short periods each day, even ten minutes of fresh air helps. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens whenever you are cooking or bathing, and leave them running for a while afterwards. Where possible, dry clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated space rather than on radiators. If you notice black spots appearing on walls or ceilings, wipe them with an appropriate cleaner and report the issue so the cause can be investigated. Early reporting is always better than waiting until mould has spread.
Good ventilation and steady background heat together form the best defence against damp in most rental homes.
Protect Pipes and External Areas
Frozen pipes can cause significant water damage and disruption. In addition to keeping the heating on low when you are away, know where the stopcock is so you can turn the water off quickly if a leak does occur. In older properties or those with pipes in unheated spaces (lofts, under floorboards or external walls), lagging is important, if you notice any exposed pipework that looks unprotected, mention it to your landlord or agent.
Outside the property, keep an eye on gutters and drains if you can safely do so. Leaves and debris can cause water to overflow and seep into walls during heavy rain. Clearing what you can and reporting any obvious blockages helps protect both the building and your living conditions. Paths and steps can become slippery with frost or fallen leaves, so a little clearing around entrances is both practical and neighbourly.
Report Problems Early and Communicate Clearly
The most important tip we give every tenant is simple: report issues as soon as you notice them. A small drip, a radiator that will not heat, a window that no longer seals properly, or early signs of damp are all much easier and cheaper to resolve when they are caught early. At Your Home Let Devon we encourage open communication. Our local team based in Ivybridge is here to coordinate repairs and keep both tenants and landlords informed.
Keep records of any reports you make, a quick email or message through the usual channels creates a clear trail and helps everyone respond efficiently. Remember that landlords have legal responsibilities around gas safety, electrical safety and the overall condition of the property. Working together means problems are fixed faster and tenancies remain positive.
Practical Everyday Habits for a Comfortable Winter
A few extra habits can improve comfort and control costs:
- Close curtains at dusk to trap heat.
- Use rugs on hard floors to reduce heat loss and improve comfort underfoot.
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, replace batteries if needed.
- Know the emergency contact details for your managing agent or landlord in case of serious issues such as a complete heating failure or water leak outside office hours.
- Review your contents insurance so you understand what is covered for personal belongings during the colder months.
We Are Here to Help
At Your Home Let Devon we believe successful tenancies are built on clear communication and practical support. As independent, award-winning letting agents covering Ivybridge, Plymouth and the surrounding 25-mile radius, we work hard to keep properties well maintained and tenants comfortable year-round. Winter does not have to be a season of worry if everyone plays their part.
If you have questions about preparing your rental home, need to report a maintenance issue, or simply want advice tailored to your property, get in touch with our friendly team. You can call us on 01752 896813, visit our office at 5 Glanvilles Mill, Ivybridge, or contact us through the website. We are open Monday to Thursday 9am–5.30pm, Friday 9am–4.30pm and Saturday 10am–1pm.
A little preparation now will help you enjoy a warmer, drier and more relaxed winter in your South Devon home. Stay warm, stay safe, and remember we are only a phone call away.
