Prevention

Springtime Property Risks: A Guide For The Upcoming Season

Spring is a welcome change after winter. The days are longer, the gardens are growing, and rental properties get a chance to dry out after months of cold, wet weather.

But spring is not just a time for fresh starts. It is also one of the most important seasons for property maintenance.

At EBM RentCover, we have seen firsthand how small maintenance issues can quickly become costly problems if they are left unchecked. Spring presents the perfect opportunity for landlords and property managers to inspect their properties, address any winter wear and tear, and prepare for the warmer months ahead. 

Here are some of the key risks to watch this season.

Address winter damage before it becomes a bigger problem

Winter can leave its mark on a property. Spring is an ideal time to inspect the property for issues such as water ingress, roof damage, blocked gutters, cracked masonry, deteriorating sealants, damaged pathways, rotting timber and signs of rising damp. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more extensive and expensive repairs later. 

Prepare for severe weather 

While spring often brings sunshine, it can also deliver some of Australia’s most unpredictable weather. Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, thunderstorms and hail can cause significant damage to rental properties. Landlords should ensure gutters and downpipes are clear, drains are functioning correctly, overhanging branches are trimmed, and any existing roofing or drainage issues are repaired before storm season ramps up. 

Bushfire season starts in spring 

For many parts of Australia, spring marks the beginning of bushfire season preparation. Even if a property is not located in a traditionally high-risk area, landlords should still assess potential hazards. Clearing gutters, removing excess vegetation, pruning trees and maintaining defensible space around the property can all help reduce risk. 

Stay on top of maintenance and compliance 

Beyond weather-related risks, spring is an excellent opportunity to review the property’s overall condition. Check that doors and windows operate correctly, flyscreens are intact, plumbing is functioning properly and any signs of deterioration are addressed promptly. If the property includes safety features such as smoke alarms, pool fencing or security devices, ensure they meet relevant legislative requirements in your state or territory. 

Get ready for summer 

Spring is the ideal time to prepare a property for the hotter months ahead. Consider servicing air-conditioning systems, checking insulation, arranging pool maintenance where applicable, inspecting outdoor entertaining areas and ensuring exterior areas are safe and well maintained. 

Remember your policyholder obligations 

Taking care of a rental property is not just good property management, it is an important part of protecting your investment. Maintaining the property, attending to repairs promptly and taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage are important responsibilities for landlords. Failing to address known maintenance issues can not only increase the risk of damage but may also affect an insurance claim. 

A season of prevention 

Spring maintenance may not be the most exciting item on a landlord’s to-do list, but it can be one of the most valuable. A few proactive checks today could help prevent costly repairs, minimise disruption for tenants and better protect your investment property in the months ahead. 

If you have questions about your EBM RentCover policy, our Expert Care team is here to help 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.