How to avoid festive season disasters

’Tis the season to be jolly – and it’s a lot easier if you don’t have to spend Christmas dealing with a disaster at the rental property…

As we have an inkling that you might prefer to be tucking into a fruit mince pie or two instead of being on the phone to a member of our Expert Care team about an insurance claim (lovely as our people are!), we’ve highlighted a few summer season risks that you should be aware of. 

Fires

Between all the twinkling fairy lights and cooking up a storm, the risk of a fire breaking out at the property increases. There are good reasons why firies across the nation issue warnings every year ahead of the festive season.

While a lot of house fires start in kitchens throughout the year, the number rises at Christmas as people attempt to cook up a feast. Beyond kitchen catastrophes, there is the risk of fires sparked by electrical faults. Just think about how many times you’ve seen some impressive tangles of power stations boasting extension cords, double adaptors and multiple power boards, or overloaded power points. Add in candles, flammable decorations and a dodgy light or two, and it can be a recipe for disaster. 

For summer fire safety tips, and to minimise the risks at your rental, click here.

If the worst happens, you will want to make sure you are protected by insurance. Fire damage is an important feature in most landlord insurance policies and can protect an investment if an electrical appliance fails, a candle ignites the room, a bushfire consumes a neighbourhood or a tenant sets fire to the property. Check that your policy offers this cover before we enter the summer season.

Accidents

The holiday season can be a quite chaotic time of the year, particularly with all the socialising. With it comes the risk of accidents which can see property damaged and, worse still, visitors potentially injured. Think overly excited children and pets who knock things over and smash things. The relative who gets a little squiffy and spills mulled wine all over the carpet. The roast turkey that was much heavier than first thought cracks the kitchen tiles when it’s dropped. The Boxing Day backyard test match where a cricket ball gets hit through a window. Or even the meter reader who takes a tumble over all the deliveries piled up at the front door.

While there aren’t really any practical tips you can pass on to tenants, what you can do is make sure that the property is protected with accidental damage cover in the insurance policy. Although your tenants are ultimately responsible for the damage they, their pets and guests cause, what happens if they don’t make good? You don’t want to foot the bill if a tree goes through a window, the kitchen catches fire, or you must replace carpets ruined by spilt cranberry sauce.

You should make sure you’re covered for more serious accidents too – in case someone gets injured or has their property damaged while they’re on the premises. If the reason why a tenant, guest or anyone else legally on the premises is hurt is because of something you did or didn’t do, then you’ll want to make sure you have legal liability cover in your insurance as you could be liable for compensation.

Theft

Other than a toddler, do you know who else might squeal with delight at the prospect of Christmas? A thief. It can be the most wonderful time of the year for the light-fingered, with so many goodies for the taking.

As a landlord you have legal obligations to fulfill when it comes to security at the rental. However, you aren’t responsible for any lack of security consciousness on your tenants’ behalf (such as failing to lock doors and windows).

A couple of things about theft and insurance...

First up, your tenants need their own insurance to protect their possessions against theft. Your landlord insurance does not cover the tenants’ belongings. The right landlord insurance policy will, however, protect your contents at the rental, so be sure that your policy includes contents cover.

It is also a good idea to check that your policy includes cover for malicious damage by third-parties, like burglars. It’s not called “breaking” and entering for no reason, and you will want to know that any damage caused by a break-in is covered.

Finally, there is a clause in landlord insurance policies relating to the policyholder’s obligation to act to prevent further loss and damage. When it comes to break-ins, be sure to let your tenants know what is expected of them if a burglary or vandalism incident occurs, as you will need to secure the premises quickly.

To summarise

By being prepared for the seasonal risks, which includes having the right landlord insurance, you just might improve your chances of having a relaxing festive season – one where you worry about whether you have room for another cup of eggnog, not how you’re going to sort out a drama at the rental!

If you do run into trouble, touch base with the EBM RentCover team – 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.