Cleaning up for Spring

By Mark Hamblyn, Terri Scheer Distribution Manager

Spring is a time of renewal, and if your landlords are looking to attract new tenants or sell their investment, now is a good time to spring clean their property.

A thorough spring cleaning can freshen up a property, enhance its appeal and ensure tenants enjoy a comfortable and inviting living space.

Importantly, taking a good look at properties around this time of year provides opportunities to ensure that any maintenance or safety issues caused by winter weather are identified and addressed early to avoid further damage down the track.

It’s a tenant’s responsibility to maintain the general upkeep and cleanliness of a property and also raise any issues as they arise.

A property manager will monitor for issues outside of the tenant’s responsibility, many of which are age and weather-related, but also include fixtures and fittings.

Here are four key areas for property managers to keep an eye on when conducting their next round of property inspections:

1. Doors and windows

Ensure doors and windows open, close and lock properly. Looks for draughts and inspect window seals for signs of leaks or damage while also ensuring window chains and lock mechanisms operate smoothly ready for tenants wanting ventilation during warmer months.

2. Roof and gutters

Winter weather can take its toll on roofs and gutters, leading to issues including leaks, water damage and clogged gutters. Spring is a common time to notice and repair internal damage caused by rainfall during winter and note obvious external damage such as cracked or missing tiles and gutters filled with debris.

3. Exterior cleaning and repairs

Check for cracked or peeling paint, damaged siding, or deteriorating caulking as a result of harsh winter weather. Repairs and a fresh coat of paint where necessary can help maintain the property’s appearance and avoid costly remediation works.

4. Air-conditioning inspection and maintenance

Suggest landlords arrange an air-conditioning inspection and maintenance before the warmer weather arrives. This includes changing air filters and ensuring the unit is in good working order following a period going unused.

Maintenance matters

Encouraging landlords to undertake these maintenance tasks can help ensure their investment properties remain in good condition, attract the best tenants and returns, and maintain their value over time.

Landlord insurance

Regardless of a rental property’s age and condition, landlords should consider taking out a comprehensive landlord insurance policy. Specialised landlord insurance can provide a safety net should the property suffer damage, or if the tenant stops paying rent.

An insurance policy that covers these specific risks can assist landlords to protect their investments and ensure they continue to receive a steady flow of rental income.

Property managers should check their authority to distribute or refer before dealing in insurance.

A distributor is able to deal in insurance on behalf of their property owner. This enables the distributor to speak with the insurer, place cover, amend cover and cancel a policy. Property management businesses can become distributors with Terri Scheer.

For property managers who are not distributors, they can still inform their property owner of the existence of landlord insurance in the form of a brochure. The property owner must complete and sign the application form and send it directly to us by email. Alternatively, they can apply online through the Terri Scheer website.

For further information, call 1800 804 016.

Disclaimer:

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 trading as Terri Scheer. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance and consider whether it is right for you. Contact Terri Scheer on 1800 804 016 or visit our website at www.terrischeer.com.au for a copy. The Target Market Determination is also available.

The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries. This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.