The leaves are turning, the air is getting crisp, and before we know it, the clocks will go back, bringing those longer, darker evenings. Autumn is a beautiful season, but it’s also a crucial time to ensure your apartment is ready for the cooler, wetter months ahead.

As residents of an apartment block, you have the peace of mind knowing that Levels Property Management is taking care of the essential building-wide maintenance, like gutter clearances and roof checks. Our commitment is to manage the external and shared areas with a professional, proactive approach.

However, there are still several key areas inside your own apartment where a little autumnal preparation can make a big difference to your comfort, energy bills, and peace of mind. Here is your essential autumn checklist.

1. The Damp and Leak Detectives: Internal Checks

Wet weather is synonymous with autumn, making this the perfect time to play detective and look for potential water ingress or damp issues inside your home. Catching these early can prevent larger, more costly problems down the line.

• Internal Window Seals: Take a close look at the sealant around your window frames. Are there any cracks, gaps, or signs of deterioration? Damaged seals can allow water to seep in, leading to damp or mould, or simply let heat escape, increasing your energy use.
• Perimeter Walls: Pay attention to any outside-facing walls, particularly in corners or behind furniture. Are there any cold spots, dark marks, or a musty smell? If you find anything, report it to us straight away via our dedicated customer portal. With our fast and intuitive repairs and maintenance reporting system, we can swiftly rectify any issues.
• Extractor Fans: Ensure your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans are clean and working efficiently. Proper ventilation is vital for reducing internal moisture and preventing condensation and mould, especially as you start drying clothes indoors more often.

2. Beat the Draughts, Save the Pennies: Energy Efficiency

With heating systems coming back on, taking steps to draught-proof your apartment now can lead to significant savings on your winter energy bills.

• Internal Draught Proofing: While we handle the building envelope, you can focus on interior gaps. Check the bottom of your front door and internal balcony doors. Simple rubber or brush draught excluders can be highly effective in blocking cold air.
• Window and Door Frames: Beyond checking the seals for water ingress, feel around the edges of windows and doors for draughts, even if the glass is shut. Small gaps can be easily sealed with self-adhesive foam strips, reducing heat loss.
• Heating System Check: Turn on your heaters for a brief period. Do they heat up as expected? If any of your heaters are not working, contact a professional ahead of the cold winter months.

3. Safety and Security: As the Nights Draw In

The change back to Greenwich Mean Time in late October means it gets dark an hour earlier. This shift necessitates a renewed focus on security.

• Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: This is non-negotiable! Every resident should make sure their alarms are working, checking the battery and testing the unit.
• Door and Window Locks: Give all your locks a quick check. Are they functioning smoothly? Do your balcony doors lock securely? Ensuring your apartment is fully secured is your first line of defence against opportunist crime.
• Internal Lighting: While Levels will manage the common area lighting, consider your own internal lighting habits. Timer switches or smart bulbs can be a great way to make it look like someone is home during the darker hours, which is an excellent deterrent.

4. A Little Tidy Up: Balconies and Storage

If your apartment includes a private balcony or terrace, a quick tidy up will prevent issues when the inevitable strong winds and heavy rains arrive.

• Secure Loose Items: Wind is a significant concern in high-rise living. Bring in or securely tie down any loose items like furniture covers, planters, or decorations. Anything that can become a projectile in a storm must be secured.
• Clear Drainage: Ensure the drainage holes on your balcony or terrace are clear of leaves and debris so that rainwater can drain away easily, preventing standing water.

Your Autumn Apartment Maintenance Checklist

Task	Notes
Leak & Damp Check	Inspect window seals for cracks.
Ventilation Check	Clean kitchen and bathroom extractor fans.
Heating System Test	Turn on heating; check radiators are heating evenly.
Draught Proofing	Seal gaps around internal doors and windows.
Smoke / CO Alarm Check	Test alarms and replace batteries if necessary.
Security Check	Confirm all internal door and window locks are secure.
Balcony Tidy	Secure loose items and clear drainage holes.
Report Concerns	Use the Levels Customer Portal to report any issues 24/7.

At Levels Property Management, we aim for Next Level Management. We take the stress out of building-wide maintenance so you can focus on making your apartment a warm, secure, and comfortable sanctuary this autumn.