Protect your rental from summer storms

Torrential rain. Flash floods. Gale-force winds. Hail. Lightning. It is not the sunny, carefree image most people have of an Aussie summer, but from November to April, these months mark the peak of our natural disaster season.

Why prepare now? For southern Australia, summer is peak season for bushfires and severe storms, and in the north, it is cyclone season:

• Severe storms: Can cause flash flooding, roof damage, and fallen trees or power lines.

• Storm damage vs other disasters: On average, storms result in higher insurance claims than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods, or bushfires.

While you cannot control the weather, proactive maintenance can help reduce the risk of storm damage to your investment property.

Plus, if you fail to properly maintain your property, then your insurance claim after a storm could be partially or fully denied, since most policies require adequate upkeep.

Below is an action plan to help you get your property ready for storm season.

Top tip: You should engage professionals to carry out inspections, repairs and specialised work like roofing and tree lopping. Be sure to check that the tradie is insured and holds any required qualifications and licences.

Roof inspection checklist

• Check the roof for leaks and other damage.
• Fix any cracked, broken, or displaced tiles.
• Patch or replace damaged roof sheeting.
• Remove any built-up dirt.
• Inspect the inside of the roof space.
• Check flues and chimneys for damaged bricks or cracked joints.
• Examine ceilings and walls for signs of leaks.

Gutter maintenance 

• Clear all debris from gutters and downpipes.
• Check for rust, holes, blockages, and other damage.
• Ensure gutters and downpipes are securely attached.
• Clear leaves from roof valleys and ensure drains are free-flowing.
• Channel water away from the property.

Tree safety 

• Prune overhanging trees and branches to prevent them falling on your home or power lines.
• Report any potentially hazardous trees or power lines (not on your property) to your council or energy company.

Exterior structures 

• Repair any damaged windows and doors.
• Ensure structures that could be lifted in high winds (like pergolas, fences, roofing iron, and shed) are securely anchored.
• Check that exterior structures (patios, decks, steps, handrails, sheds, and fences) are sound and stable.
• Store chemicals or poisons (e.g. in outdoor sheds) above ground level to protect against flash floods.

Insurance timing and tips

• You cannot purchase or increase cover after a disaster strikes or becomes imminent - arrange protection in advance.
• Ensure the policy is up-to-date and the level of cover, including the sums insured, are sufficient.
• Make sure the insurance policy provides cover for the types of events specific to the location of your rental, these may include flash flood, storm water runoff, associated landslip (or landslide) and damage to properties by trees. Flood cover: A standard inclusion in EBM RentCover policies (commonly excluded by other insurers).
• Understand the policy – the inclusions and any exclusions, limitations and excesses applicable. It is also important to understand how the insurer defines certain events like flooding.
• Understand the policyholder’s obligations under cover, such as the loss mitigation clauses (i.e. acting to prevent further damage or loss).
• Keep on top of property maintenance as failure to maintain the premises can void the policy or limit the payout amount.
• Prepare a property inventory (keep copies of proof of ownership off-site).
• Remind tenants that they need their own contents insurance, as your landlord insurance does not cover their possessions.

While you cannot control the weather, you can make sure you have insurance in place in the event that your rental suffers summer storm damage and you suffer losses.

*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.