Australian summers are hot… and only getting hotter. With annual temperatures expected to rise, it is more important than ever for landlords to ensure their rental properties are cool and liveable for tenants…
Last month, we looked at how landlords can keep tenants comfortable and provide safe, liveable homes during extreme heat. If you have decided that installing an air conditioner is the right move, this article is the next step: exploring how to maintain your system and what your insurance might cover if something goes wrong.
We will explore the responsibilities landlords face when installing a cooling system, the importance of keeping these systems in good working order, and what is covered under landlord insurance when repairs or replacements are needed.
Why maintenance is important
Keeping a cooling system in good working order is essential for tenant comfort, protecting your property, and safeguarding your investment. Whether it is a fan, extractor, or air-conditioner, regular upkeep ensures tenants remain comfortable during hot weather and reduces the risk of damage to the property. Regular maintenance also has a direct impact on insurance, helping ensure your cover remains valid (more on this below).
Who is responsible
Landlords (or their property managers) are responsible for making sure cooling systems remain functional throughout the tenancy, unless it was specifically noted as inoperable on the lease. This means regular inspections, servicing, and prompt repairs are all part of the role. Staying on top of maintenance is both good practice and part of meeting your obligations as a landlord or property manager.
Insurance implications
As we hinted at, proper maintenance is also critical for insurance coverage. Many landlord insurance policies require that fixtures and fittings, including cooling systems, are well-maintained. If they are not, any related claim could be reduced or denied. Keeping your cooling system in good condition ensures both your tenants and your insurance protection are fully supported.
So, what is covered? And what is not?
Even with regular maintenance, cooling systems can wear out or get damaged over time. That raises the question: when can you rely on landlord insurance to cover repairs or replacements?
The answer is… it depends. For a claim to be valid, the cooling system generally needs to be damaged by an insured event. This could include natural disasters like bushfires, storms, floods, or cyclones. You may also be covered if the unit is damaged by a malicious act, fire, or water. In some cases, policies like RentCover Ultra and RentCover Platinum may even provide cover for electrical motor burnout.
On the other hand, if your cooling system simply fails due to wear and tear, age, or lack of maintenance, the landlord will usually need to cover the costs themselves. This is why keeping your system well-maintained is so important – not just for tenant comfort, but also to protect your insurance coverage and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
The bottom line
Installing a cooling system can be a smart move for several reasons: keeping your tenants comfortable, reducing heat-related risks to your property, and meeting future regulatory expectations (read this article for the low-down on legislation). However, landlords maintaining the cooling system is essential.
Have a question about cooling in rentals or what might be covered? The EBM RentCover team is here to help. Call us on 1800 661 662.
*While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you need us we are here, contact 1800 661 662 if you have any questions.
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