Spring is the busiest time of year for the Australian rental market. As landlords prepare properties for the seasonal surge in tenant activity, reviewing and updating landlord insurance should be at the top of your preparation checklist. Spring brings not only more rental enquiries but also storm season in many parts of Australia, making proper insurance cover essential.

Why Spring Matters for Landlord Insurance

Spring typically sees increased rental activity across Australia as families prefer to move during school holidays and before the summer heat sets in. At the same time, severe weather events, including storms, hail, and flooding, become more common in many regions. According to the Insurance Council of Australia, spring storm season can bring significant property damage, making it crucial for landlords to ensure their cover is current and adequate (Insurance Council of Australia, 2026).

Pre-Spring Landlord Insurance Checklist

1. Review Your Current Policy Coverage

Pull out your landlord insurance policy and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Verify that your cover still matches your property’s current use. Landlord insurance typically covers building damage, loss of rental income, landlord liability, and contents you provide (such as appliances or furniture). Check that all these elements remain appropriate for your property.

2. Update Your Sum Insured and Property Value

Property values change, and rebuilding costs can increase due to construction cost inflation. If your property value has risen but your sum insured has not been updated, you risk being underinsured. Contact your insurer to confirm that your building sum insured reflects current rebuilding costs (not market value). For contents cover, update the value of any landlord-owned items like appliances, furniture, or fixtures.

3. Check Storm and Water Damage Cover

Spring brings storms, hail, and heavy rain to much of Australia. Verify that your policy includes storm damage, water damage from burst pipes, and accidental damage cover. If you are in a flood-prone area, check whether flood cover is included or available as an optional extra. According to ASIC MoneySmart, flood cover is not automatic in many policies and must be specifically added (ASIC MoneySmart, 2026).

4. Confirm Loss of Rental Income Cover

If storm damage or another insured event makes your property uninhabitable, loss of rental income cover compensates you for the rent you cannot collect during repairs. Check the period covered (commonly 26 or 52 weeks) and ensure it is adequate for your circumstances. As covered in foundational finance texts such as Principles of Finance (OpenStax, 2022), insurance serves as a critical risk management tool, particularly for income-producing assets like rental properties.

5. Review Liability Cover Limits

Landlord liability cover protects you if a tenant or visitor is injured on your property and you are found legally liable. Check that your liability limit (often A$10 million or A$20 million) is appropriate. Consider whether any recent property modifications, such as a new pool, deck, or structural changes, increase your liability exposure.

6. Assess Excess Levels

Your excess is the amount you pay when you make a claim. A higher excess reduces your premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs if you claim. Before the busy spring season, consider whether your current excess is manageable if you need to claim for storm damage or tenant-related issues.

Read also: Landlord Insurance for Investment Property Buyers in Australia

7. Notify Your Insurer of Property Changes

If you have renovated, added structures (such as a shed or carport), installed solar panels, or made other improvements since you last reviewed your policy, notify your insurer. Failure to disclose material changes can result in a claim being reduced or denied.

8. Confirm Tenant Screening and Lease Compliance

While not strictly insurance-related, maintaining good tenant records and complying with lease requirements supports your insurance coverage. Some policies require you to conduct reasonable tenant screening or maintain the property to certain standards. Review your insurer’s requirements in the PDS.

9. Compare Policies and Premiums

Spring is an ideal time to compare landlord insurance offerings from multiple insurers. Premiums, cover options, and excess levels vary significantly. Use comparison sites to check whether your current policy remains competitive, but always read the PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) to ensure the cover meets your needs, not just the price.

10. Document Property Condition

Take updated photos of your property’s interior and exterior, including any landlord-provided contents. These records are invaluable if you need to make a claim after storm damage or tenant-related incidents. Store them securely, separate from the property.

Next Steps

Once you have completed this checklist, contact your insurer or broker to update your policy as needed. If you are switching insurers, ensure there is no gap in cover between policies. For personalised advice on the right level and type of landlord insurance for your circumstances, consult a licensed insurance adviser.

General advice warning: This article provides general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on this information, consider whether it is appropriate for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Consider obtaining personal advice from a licensed insurance adviser for your specific circumstances. Cover, exclusions, and availability vary by insurer and by state or territory.