Photography by Bernie Almanzer
The Australian summer is one of the harshest in the world, and with extreme heat comes increased risks. As a tenant, there’s a lot you can do to ensure your rental home stays safe for you, your family and your pets. Here’s our guide for keeping risks at bay this summer.
Photography by Brian Wangenheim
Maintenance And Repairs
As a tenant, it’s important to address maintenance issues as and when they arise – not just at routine inspections – before they worsen and cause further damage. Take some time to walk around your property, inside and out, and make a list of anything that might need replacing or repair before summer sets in. Tenants play an important role in raising issues in a timely manner to ensure their property stays safe and remains in the best possible condition. Property managers have strict procedures to ensure maintenance issues and repair requests are raised with the landlord quickly, and landlords are provided with solutions for rectification. Landlords will always be contacted first to obtain approval before proceeding with any maintenance.
Photography by Erik Mclean
Fire Safety
Aside from maintenance, fire safety should be top of mind all year round, not just during the summer months. Start by checking that all smoke detectors are working and have new batteries. It’s important to have fire extinguishers and fire blankets on hand, especially in the kitchen and around barbeques and outdoor grills where open flames and grease are present. Make sure to regularly clean your barbeque and check that it’s free from cracks and damage, especially near any outlets or pipes. Be sure to remove unused timber and other flammable items that might be lying around outside, as they might pose a fire hazard in extreme heat. Finally, any visibly worn electrical wiring or blocked drains, pipes or gutters need to be attended to immediately.
“There’s no better way to cool down on a hot summer’s day than in a swimming pool"
Photography by Frames FYH
Air Conditioning
As the temperature begins to rise, you’ll want to check that your air conditioner works properly in time for the peak of summer. Be sure to give all units and vents a clean as dust and debris can lower air quality and make the air conditioner work harder. This extra strain can also increase energy bills and the risk of damage. Testing and cleaning your system as early in the season as possible should allow enough time for you to lodge a maintenance request for a service or repair before the summer heat really sets in. It’s important to keep flammable materials like clothes, carpeting and drapes away from your air conditioner, and never leave the air conditioner running unattended when you’re not home. Watch for signs of overheating, such as blowing out warm air or any strange smells or sounds; if this happens, turn the air conditioner off immediately. Test the unit again after a short break, and if it still isn’t working, call your property manager to arrange for an inspection by a professional.
Photography by Carlos Lindner
S Wimming Pool
There’s no better way to cool down on a hot summer’s day than in a swimming pool, but it’s important to keep everyone safe, especially little ones and pets. According to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, swimming pools are the leading location for drowning deaths in young children. These days, we are lucky enough to have strong laws around pool fencing, but risks still exist and precautions need to be taken. Tenants with pools should inspect their fences and gates and alert the property manager of any problems straight away. Never leave pool gates propped open for any reason, and remove objects from around the pool’s perimeter that a child or pet could use to climb on and over the fence. While floating toys and noodles are great fun to use in the pool, they shouldn’t be relied upon for weak swimmers or considered safety equipment. Non-swimmers and weak swimmers of any age should not swim alone and should stay in shallow water. Children must always be supervised by a parent or guardian who knows how to swim and can administer CPR if needed.
Photography by Thom Milkovic
Photography by Sydney Rae
Enjoy this complimentary magazine, and feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your living.
To read the e-brochure click here.
