This year not only do we have to be ready for our usual bushfire season, but we also need to be prepared for living through our third consecutive La Niña event!
Prepping your property is more important now than ever. Plus, as a bonus, not only does regular maintenance prevent costly problems at your property, it keeps the place in great condition so you can attract and keep quality renters. Read on for our steps to making sure your property is ready for what’s to come.
Get smoke alarms tested
No matter where your property is located, there’s likely a legislation in your jurisdiction that states installing and maintaining smoke alarms is the property owner’s responsibility (this is part of the legislation for Victoria). Not having working smoke alarms is dangerous to your renter and to your property. If they haven’t already, make sure your property manager arranges your annual smoke alarm test to ensure your smoke alarms are in working order. At Mint Property Management we engage the services of Smart House, a certified smoke alarm safety service provider, to ensure alarms are serviced and in good working order.
Clean gutters
Summertime means it’s bushfire season. If your property is in a high-risk area, make sure the gutters are cleaned before warmer days arrive. Any build-up of leaves, sticks and other dry plants and debris can be a fire hazard and block drains. On the flip side, with loads of rain, your blocked gutters can cause a water overflow into your roof and inside your property, causing very costly damage.
Clean storm water drains
With all of this excess water around, having clear storm water drains is essential. The water needs somewhere to go that isn’t your property! Take note of any pools of water around your property after any heavy rainfall, this could be indicative of a blocked storm water drain.
Tidy gardens and outdoor areas
The warmer weather is a great time to tidy up your gardens. Make sure mulch is refreshed, weeds are taken care of, and the watering system (where applicable) is working. You should also check if outdoor living areas need any maintenance or repairs before it’s used more often over the summer.
Trim overgrown trees
Especially important if your trees are close to any roofed areas where their fallen leaves can clog gutters and drainage systems. As La Niña can also bring on winds strong enough to uproot even large trees, trimming back overhanging branches and removing trees situated too close to your property can help to avoid any unwanted damage.
Check the roof for leaks
Even though we check for any immediate visual signs of water leaks at routine inspections (such as spots on the ceiling) it is impossible for us to check the inside or the top of the roof. Older buildings can be prone to roof leaks in heavy rain and hail, especially tiled roofs. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure your roof is structurally sound.
Check the window fittings
Damaged window fittings can allow water to seep into the home, especially those that are constructed from wood which are prone to shrinking, warping and rotting. Having your fittings checked is a great idea for avoiding unwanted water damage.
A little time spent on odd jobs now can lower the risk of more costly problems in the future, plus you can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind knowing that your property is in good shape.
Remember, this article is general in nature and is not financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself.
