Looks like a cold, cold winter: weather-proof your rental

Posted By Nikki Montaser

Wet and windy weather has wreaked havoc on rental properties. Ahead of more bad weather, ensure your investment property is prepared with these maintenance tips...

Winter should be all about cozying up on the couch with a mug of something hot – but all too often, landlords and their agents are called out to the rental (inevitably in torrential rain) to deal with damage caused by wild weather and seasonal mishaps.

It won’t surprise you to know that insurance claims for water damage spike in winter as heavy rain, hail, storms, and flooding ensue.

Water’s not the only element that wreaks havoc in the winter. It’s been estimated that up to 11,000 house fires occur in Australia every year – with a spike in insurance claims in winter. Common causes of winter home fires include logs and embers escaping a fireplace, electric heater failure, faulty chimney flues, faulty ducted heating, gas heaters, electric blanket failures, and bathroom heat lamps exploding.

Now you can’t control the elements, but some proactive maintenance – outside and in – can help reduce the risk of your investment property suffering damage this winter. It will also help safeguard your insurance policy, as adequately maintaining the premises is a condition of cover. If you haven’t kept up-to-date with repairs, you could find the part, or all, of your claim, rejected.

Before the wild weather descends, arrange for some maintenance to be carried out at the rental.

Outside, you might want to consider:

Having the roof checked for leaks, loose sheets, or cracked tiles
Pruning overhanging trees and branches so they can’t fall on the home or power lines
Making sure there are no overhanging branches near the chimney
Repairing damaged windows and doors
Anchoring structures that could take flight in heavy winds (like pergolas and fences)
Checking gutters, drains and downpipes are free-flowing and in good repair
Making sure rainwater easily drains away from all sides of the property
Checking that any paving running alongside the house drains water away from, not towards, the walls
Ensuring garden beds aren’t built up high against the outside wall above the damp-proof course
Checking on water pipes in and around the property, especially in areas where pipes may freeze
Inspecting walkways, stairs, and driveways for damage slip hazards, or water pooling issues
Making sure any exterior structures that may be subject to storm damage are sounds, such as patios and pergolas, outdoor steps and handrails, sheds, fences, and decks
Ensuring chemicals and poisons kept in sheds are stored above ground level
Supplying sandbags and tarps at the property

Inside the rental property:

Check the ceiling for leaks or seepage, brown/yellow/copper stains or watermarks, bubbling or peeling paint, signs of mold, obvious sagging or cracked cornices or plasterwork – they are sure signs of damage or weak spots elsewhere
Look for leaks or gaps around vents and chimneys
Investigate walls for signs of water stains, bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint or wallpaper
Inspect the ceiling insulation
Have any heating appliances (gas, wood, oil, or electric) checked and serviced
Ensure hot water systems are working properly
Make sure an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms are correctly installed and positioned throughout the home and they are regularly tested (always test them during inspections)
Consider supplying fire extinguishers and fire blankets at the property
Make sure fireplaces are in good working order – get the chimney professionally cleaned, ensure the fireplace is properly ventilated, and have the structural integrity checked (brickwork, chimney, and flue)
Supply a fire screen for use in each fireplace

TIP: You should engage professionals to carry out inspections, installations, and repair works, especially those in relation to heating, plumbing, roofing, and electricals. Be sure to speak to your property manager about a maintenance schedule for your property.