A practical guide
UK home maintenance checklist: a simple routine for your home
A starting point for keeping track of the recurring jobs, safety checks and useful details around a home.
A home maintenance schedule does not need to be complicated. Start with the equipment in your home, follow its manufacturer guidance, and keep the dates and details somewhere you can find them again.
Home maintenance checklist
Gas appliances and flues
Arrange regular maintenance by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The Health and Safety Executive advises homeowners to have gas appliances, flues and pipework serviced at least annually. Gas work is for a suitably registered engineer, not a DIY task.
If you rent in England, your landlord is responsible for an annual gas safety check on appliances and flues they provide. Ask for the current record and report problems to your landlord or agent.
HSE guidance for homeowners on gas safety · GOV.UK: a landlord's safety responsibilities in England
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Test alarms and replace batteries or units according to the manufacturer's instructions. Note the model and replacement date so you know which alarm is fitted and when it needs attention. An alarm is an extra safeguard; it does not replace proper servicing of fuel burning appliances.
Get ready for autumn and winter
Before colder, wetter weather arrives, look for obvious roof damage from a safe position, check gutters are not blocked, and make sure accessible water pipes and tanks are insulated. Use a qualified person for work at height or repairs you cannot do safely.
Met Office advice for preparing your home for winter weather
Check your home as you go
When you clean or use an appliance, notice leaks, unusual smells, visible damage or changes in how it works. Follow the appliance manual for cleaning and maintenance intervals. If you spot a fault, check the manual or contact a suitable professional rather than guessing at a repair.
Keep a home maintenance record
Save the make and model of appliances, manuals, fitted dates, warranty details, contractor contacts, and when a job was completed. Note where the stopcock, fuse box and meters are. These details are much easier to find before there's a leak or a repair to arrange.
Make the routine easy to keep
Write down each job, how often it needs doing, and the date it was last completed. Keep receipts and appliance details alongside the schedule. Review the list when you move home or replace an appliance.
Homesake is a home maintenance app for iPhone. It keeps recurring jobs, appliance details, home information and a logbook together on your phone, with no account required. See how Homesake works.
A note on safety: This checklist is general information, not a substitute for appliance instructions, professional advice or your legal responsibilities. Rules differ across the UK, and landlord duties depend on the home and tenancy. Use a suitably qualified professional for safety checks and repairs.