Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming gardens, singing birds, and buzzing bees — but that’s not all…
While Spring is often associated with sunshine and growth, it can present a range of risks for rental properties that landlords and property managers should proactively monitor and manage.
Let’s look at some of the key risks and how landlords can get on top of them…
Post-winter damage
Many properties across southern Australia took a battering over winter with heavy rains, hail and flooding. With the weather improving, look at getting in the professionals to take care of post-winter damage repairs and complete proactive maintenance tasks including:
-
Inspecting for water damage, leaks, or moisture build-up.
-
Repairing damaged exterior structures.
-
Inspecting and repairing the roof.
-
Checking walls and foundations for rising damp, cracks, or subsidence.
-
Inspecting driveways, paths, and siding for damage.
-
Re-sealing masonry joints and exterior woodwork.
-
Checking wooden decks, railings, windowsills, and steps for rot.
-
Checking water pipes for damage, particularly in freeze-prone areas.
Storms
While spring showers may conjure images of gentle raindrops, the reality is they can often arrive as torrential downpours rather than light sprinkles. In fact, some of the nation’s most severe hailstorms have struck in spring. Ensure the property is ready to withstand any storms by:
-
Regularly clearing gutters and downpipes.
-
Ensuring drains are free-flowing and channelling water away from the premises.
-
Trimming any overhead branches that could fall in heavy winds.
-
Getting a professional in to do a roof assessment.
-
Having any roofing, drainage or guttering damage repaired.
Bushfires
Although Australia’s costliest bushfire event is known as the 2019-20 Black Summer, the bushfires started in the spring (September). Bushfire season runs from 1 October to 31 March, so it encompasses spring months as well as the summer season. The AFAC spring bushfire outlook notes there is a heightened risk of bushfire this spring in parts of Australia’s east and west. Regardless of where the rental is located, most properties face some degree of bushfire risk. To help prepare, consider:
-
Checking out our tips for preparing your property for bushfire season.
-
Inspecting the property and eliminating any potential fire hazards.
-
Undertaking regular preventative maintenance including pruning overhanging tree branches, mowing the lawn, maintaining firebreaks, and cleaning out the gutters and roof gullies.
Temperature fluctuations
Spring can bring sudden temperature changes, which may cause issues around the rental. Proper maintenance and protective measures can help prevent damage occurring. Be on the lookout for, and fix, things like:
-
Warping or corrosion of steel/metal structures including garage doors.
-
Damage to doors and windows such as warping or sticking.
-
Flaking exterior paintwork.
-
Damaged window coverings such as awnings or shutters.
-
Leaking or corroded piping.
-
Damaged window screens and flyscreens on doors.
Pools
If the property has a pool, ensure it is ready for summertime use. Actions to consider include:
-
Having pumps and filters serviced.
-
Ensuring the water is safe for swimming.
-
Having fences and barriers checked for compliance with regulations.
-
Ensuring pool surrounds do not pose access risks (e.g. overhanging branches of trees, climbable structures near fences/gates).
Preparing for hot weather
Spring is an ideal time to get the rental ready for summer. Proactive maintenance tasks to consider include:
-
Getting the air-conditioning serviced.
-
Checking insulation is sound.
-
Testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
-
Ensuring any cooking appliances supplied for tenant use, including barbeques, are safe and in good working order.
-
Inspecting and repairing plumbing issues.
Dry and wet seasons
While it is springtime in southern Australia, conditions are different in the north. The dry season in northern Australia runs from May to October, and November to April is the wet season – so rentals in the north will need to be prepared for both seasons. We have summer and winter tips for weather-proofing your rental which could apply to the dry and wet seasons.
Meeting policyholder obligations this Spring
Taking care of the rental by undertaking repairs and maintenance not only helps to protect your investment, it also helps safeguard your landlord insurance. It is a condition of cover that the premises must be adequately maintained and if upkeep on your rental is lacking, it could impact damage claims. It is also a condition of cover to act to prevent further loss so, again, timely repairs are a must to ensure your insurance cover is maintained.
If you have any questions about policyholder obligations for cover in EBM RentCover landlord insurance policies, our Expert Care team are only too happy to answer your queries – 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.
You may also like
View all
Water damage is a common landlord insurance claim – but not all damage is covered...
As the use of lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, so does the fire risk...
We unpack the key rules, responsibilities and common misconceptions surrounding rental bonds...
