Running an Airbnb or holiday let means keeping the property comfortable, safe and ready for every guest arrival.
Heating and plumbing problems can quickly turn into cancelled stays, emergency callouts and unhappy reviews, so regular maintenance is well worth building into your property routine.
Here are some of the key heating and plumbing checks holiday let owners should consider.
1. Keep Up With Boiler Servicing
Your boiler plays a major role in guest comfort, particularly during the colder months.
Regular servicing can help identify potential problems before they turn into a breakdown and gives an engineer the opportunity to check that the appliance is operating correctly.
For holiday accommodation with gas appliances, there are also legal gas safety responsibilities to consider.
Landlord gas safety duties apply to rented holiday accommodation, even where the property is only let for short periods. Relevant gas appliances and flues must have an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
2. Make Sure Guests Can Access the Gas Safety Record
For short term holiday accommodation where guests stay for less than 28 days, current Gas Safe guidance allows the landlord’s gas safety record to be displayed prominently within the property rather than providing a separate copy to every guest.
It is worth including this within your property management checklist so it does not get overlooked between bookings.
3. Consider a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can be particularly useful in a holiday let.
It may allow you to check or adjust the heating remotely so the property is comfortable before guests arrive, while avoiding unnecessary heating when the property is empty.
If guests are able to change the temperature themselves, leave simple instructions so they are not faced with an unfamiliar heating system on arrival.
4. Check Radiators Before Busy Periods
A cold radiator might seem like a small inconvenience, but guests are unlikely to see it that way during a winter stay.
Before the colder months, check that radiators are heating evenly throughout the property.
Cold spots can sometimes be caused by trapped air, while radiators that remain completely cold could indicate a valve, circulation or wider central heating problem.
If the same radiator repeatedly causes problems, it is worth getting the underlying issue investigated.
5. Check for Leaks Between Guest Stays
Small plumbing leaks can become expensive very quickly if they go unnoticed.
During changeovers, take a few minutes to check:
- Under sinks
- Around toilets
- Around showers and baths
- Behind accessible appliances
- Around visible pipework
- Ceilings below bathrooms
Look for damp patches, staining, dripping connections or anything that appears different from the previous inspection.
Catching a small leak early can prevent significant water damage later.
6. Pay Attention to Water Pressure
Guests notice poor water pressure almost immediately, particularly in showers.
If the pressure suddenly changes, it may indicate a problem somewhere within the plumbing system.
At the other end of the scale, excessive pressure can also place additional strain on plumbing fittings and appliances.
If you notice a significant or unexplained change, it is better to investigate rather than simply assuming it is normal for the property.
7. Protect the Property During Cold Weather
Holiday lets can sometimes sit empty for several days or weeks, which makes winter preparation particularly important.
Cold weather can increase the risk of frozen pipework, particularly in exposed areas.
Depending on the property, sensible precautions may include:
- Insulating vulnerable pipework
- Keeping the heating at an appropriate background temperature
- Checking outside taps
- Making sure loft spaces and outbuildings containing pipework are protected
- Knowing where the property’s main stop tap is located
If the property will be empty for an extended period, consider what precautions are appropriate for that particular heating and plumbing system.
8. Give Guests Simple Instructions
Guests should not need to understand the plumbing and heating system in detail, but a little information can prevent unnecessary problems.
Your welcome information could include:
- How to use the thermostat
- How to control the shower
- What to do if there is no hot water
- Where to report a leak
- Who to contact if there is a heating problem
- Any appliance-specific instructions
Keep it simple. Clear instructions are much more useful than a large technical manual nobody will read.
9. Fit and Test Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide safety is especially important in properties containing combustion appliances.
Appropriate alarms should be installed where required and tested regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
An alarm provides an important additional warning, but it does not replace regular servicing, maintenance or legally required gas safety checks.
10. Have a Plan for Plumbing and Heating Emergencies
Even a well-maintained holiday let can develop an unexpected problem.
Knowing who you will call before something goes wrong can make dealing with an emergency much easier.
Keep the contact details of your plumber or heating engineer accessible and make sure anyone managing the property knows what to do if there is:
- A major leak
- No heating
- No hot water
- A blocked toilet or drain
- A boiler fault
- A suspected gas problem
It is also worth making sure whoever manages the property knows where the water can be turned off in an emergency.
Gas Safety for Airbnb and Holiday Let Owners
Short term letting does not remove a property owner’s gas safety responsibilities.
Gas Safe Register guidance specifically includes rented holiday accommodation such as cottages, flats, caravans and similar short term lets within landlord gas safety duties.
Relevant appliances, flues and gas pipework must be maintained safely, and annual gas safety checks must be completed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
A boiler service and a landlord gas safety check are also not necessarily the same thing, so make sure you understand what work is being carried out when arranging your annual maintenance.
Heating and Plumbing Services for Holiday Lets in Worcester
Elgar Services provides plumbing, boiler servicing, gas safety checks and heating services across Worcester, Worcestershire and the surrounding areas.
Whether you manage one holiday let or several properties, keeping on top of routine maintenance can help reduce emergency callouts and provide a better experience for your guests.
If you need help with boiler servicing, plumbing repairs, heating maintenance or a landlord gas safety check, get in touch with the Elgar Services team.
Updated: August 2026
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