With autumn just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure you are aware of a few of the hazards that may be-‘fall’ your rental properties during the season and how you can safeguard your investment.
While the thought of autumn may conjure up visions of kicking through freshly fallen leaves, preparing to get cosy by the fire, pulling out your winter jumpers and watching the landscape change colour, it is not just a new season that is emerging – but also new seasonal risks for properties.
It is no secret that autumn is prime time for natural disasters and severe weather events in Australia. The disaster season includes not only the summer months, which have increased threat of bushfires and cyclones, but also the autumn, which brings heightened risk of storms and flooding.
In fact, some of the nation's worst floods have occurred in autumn, not winter, like the catastrophic floods in 2022 along the east coast. The floods in South East Queensland and New South Wales in Feb/March were not only the most expensive floods in Australia’s history, resulting in approximately $6 billion in insured losses, but they were also the second most costly insured event worldwide in 2022 (according to Munich Re).
It isn’t only the threat of flood that poses hazards for property owners during the autumn though. Here is a rundown of some of the main hazards to watch out for at your rental property – and a few tips to help mitigate the risk.
Flood
The damage to a property as the result of flooding can range from minor to total loss. Flood waters entering a property can lead to issues including water damage to contents, structural damage including warped floorboards and window frames, subsistence, and mould.
Flood-proofing your rental may help reduce the risk. What measures to implement will depend on the property’s flood risk level. While more extensive efforts are required to protect high-risk properties, these tips may be useful at all rentals:
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Ensure any flood mitigations required by the building code are in place.
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Repair damaged windows and doors and consider whether others need reinforcement.
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Keep drains clear of blockages and free-flowing.
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Channel water to drain away from the property.
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Landscape the property to divert flood waters away from buildings.
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Store all chemicals and poisons well above ground level.
Storm damage
Pelting rain, hail, lightning and wild winds can all cause chaos at a property this autumn. Storm-proofing suggestions include:
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Check the integrity of the roof and make any necessary repairs to keep it watertight.
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Prune trees and shrubs near structures.
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Prepare the yard by removing dead bushes, shrubs, and broken or dead branches.
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Trim low-hanging trees.
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Check decks and balconies for any damage including worn fixings, cracks, rot, dampness and bends in joists.
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Ensure all structures including fences, sheds and pergolas are firmly anchored.
Water damage
Damaged roofs, gutters and drains can allow water to come into the property and cause damage including ceiling collapse and rising damp. These tips may help reduce the risk this autumn:
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Clean debris from gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains.
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Repair any holes/damage to gutters and pipes.
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Ensure the drains are not covered over.
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Check pipes and drains are free-flowing. Have any blockages removed.
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Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed/caulked.
Burst pipes and water leaks
Although a pipe can burst at any time of year, the onset of cooler weather over the autumn months can increase the risk, particularly in cold parts of the country. To pre-empt the risk:
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Check pipes for leaks.
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Engage a licensed plumber to undertake repairs.
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In areas where pipes may freeze, be sure to insulate outdoor pipes and taps.
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Service hot water systems.
Heating
Whether your rental has a fireplace or gas radiators, heating has the potential to cause fires and also release harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO). Dodgy hot water systems are not only a bugbear for tenants, but also a possible source of fire or explosion. To reduce the risks this autumn, consider these tips:
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Ensure smoke detectors and CO monitors are working properly.
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Have any faults with lithium ion-powered or hardwired smoke alarms investigated and repaired.
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Get any heating appliances, including space heaters and hot water systems, professionally serviced.
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Ensure any gas appliances are installed and serviced by a licensed plumber/gasfitter.
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Ensure that regular smoke alarm, gas, and electrical safety checks are conducted according to relevant state or territory regulations.
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Have air-conditioners serviced.
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Make sure the electricals are safe and up to code (use a licensed electrician).
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Clean the fireplace including the chimney (a build-up of creosote can ignite and cause a chimney fire).
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Equip the property with fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
Pests
It isn’t only humans that like to come in from the cold – pests do too. If there is an infestation at the rental, it is important to remember that insurance does not cover any pest removal or clean-up costs, regardless of whose responsibility it is to deal with the critters. To help make the property less inviting for rodents and other vermin:
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Ensure tenants are aware of their responsibility to keep the premises clean and hygienic.
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Have annual professional pest inspections made, and treatments carried out.
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Seal any gaps or holes around the property.
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Ensure firewood is stored at least five metres away from the house and keep it off the ground.
Mould
While it is a constant issue in tropical locations, mould is more likely to appear in the cooler months around much of the nation. The responsibility for dealing with a mould outbreak depends on its cause. If it is due to a structural issue (like a leak in the roof), then the landlord is usually responsible. If it is due to the action or inaction of the tenant (for example from not using exhaust fans in the bathroom), then the obligation usually lies with them. Importantly, there is unlikely to be any cover for mould remediation in any insurance policy (though some exceptions may apply).
To help stop mould turning up at your rental property:
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Ensure there is adequate ventilation to enable sufficient air flow.
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Install exhaust fans in bathrooms (and other wet areas) and remind tenants to use them.
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Inspect the property to identify sources of dampness.
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Ensure windows can open to allow venting.
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Fix plumbing leaks promptly.
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Prevent rainwater from seeping into the home.
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Remind tenants to ventilate rooms (especially bathrooms and laundries) and to clean regularly.
Liability
Wet and windy weather can not only wreak havoc on the rental property, it can also pose liability risks. The autumn season can bring a range of liability concerns including slips and falls, so consider these actions:
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Ensure outside lighting is working, especially around stairs, balconies, paths and entranceways.
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Survey the property for any exposed electrical wires or other damage and get a licensed electrician in to make repairs.
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Check the structural integrity of stairs, decks and balconies.
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Make sure all handrails and stairs are solidly anchored and in good repair.
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Install anti-slip protection on stairs and steps.
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Remind tenants or arrange for a gardener to regularly rake up and dispose of leaves and debris.
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Fix any cracks, unevenness or trip hazards in driveways and walkways.
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Patch washed-away materials on loose-fill paths and remove moss build-up on solid paths or stepping stones.
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Make sure your landlord insurance includes legal liability protection – all EBM RentCover policies do, with cover up to $30 million (depending on the policy).
Don’t ‘fall’ foul of your obligations
Before the first crisp breezes herald the arrival of autumn, get on top of fall maintenance.
Preparing your rental property for the season not only helps to ensure safety and comfort but also helps safeguard your landlord insurance. Remember: Adequately maintaining the premises and complying with legal obligations are requirements for cover.
If you have questions about any of EBM RentCover’s landlord insurance policies, reach out to a member of our team 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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