Your Summer Survival Guide as a Renter

Keeping Cool, Protecting Your Home, and Preparing for Holidays 

Australian summers are no joke and long holiday absences can create risk for your home. Whether you’re staying put or heading away, here’s your complete renter-friendly guide for a safe and comfortable summer. 

Before You Leave for Holidays: Protect Your Home 

Many summer issues happen while renters are away. A few minutes of prep can prevent expensive problems.

1. Turn off the washing machine taps - One of the most common causes of flooding in rental homes is a washing machine hose that bursts under pressure. Turning off the taps eliminates the risk and could save thousands in damage.

2. Make your home look lived in - For houses and townhouses: 

• Ask a neighbour to wheel your bins in/out. 

• Leave a pair of shoes by the door. 

• Use a light timer indoors. 

Burglars look for signs of vacancy, and bins are surprisingly reliable indicators.

3. Clean air conditioner filters - Dirty filters + summer humidity = mould. Give your filters a quick rinse under warm water and let them dry before reinstalling, your system will work better and smell fresher.

4, Check your fridge and pantry - A summer blackout + full fridge = a smelly disaster. 

• Finish perishables 

• Empty the bin 

• Don’t leave full laundry baskets or damp towels behind 

Humidity accelerates mould growth on fabrics. 

Staying Cool at Home: Practical Tips That Actually Work 

Keep the heat out 

• Close blinds and curtains during the day. 

• Use a draft stopper; heat sneaks in through gaps too. 

• Turn off unnecessary electronics (they radiate heat). 

If You Have Evaporative Cooling: How to Use It Properly 

Most renters don’t realise evaporative cooling works best when airflow is controlled. 

• Open windows furthest away from the vents (5–10cm) - This allows hot air to escape. 

• Use “Boost” mode for about 10 minutes - and open the windows a bit wider to help clear out the hot air.

• On humid days, switch to “Ventilation” mode - Evaporative systems struggle in humidity, the fan-only mode may feel cooler. 

• Clean or request cleaning of the pads/filters - Dirty pads reduce efficiency and make rooms feel warm even at full power. 

If cooling is still ineffective, log a maintenance request. 

Thunderstorms Forecast 

Summer storms can be intense. Before you leave or during a heatwave, renters should: 

• Secure outdoor furniture 

• Move electronics off the floor 

• Unplug appliances if lightning is close 

• Keep windows closed during high winds 

Renters in ground-level apartments should keep towels near balcony doors, water can blow in during storm surges. 

If your property does get damaged in a storm and there is a roof leak, please call the SES.  They can attend and make it safe, as no other contractors will attend to a roof issue in a storm.  Dry the wet area to mitigate further damage and notify your property manager.

Final Tip 

Summer can be harsh, but preparation makes all the difference. A little care keeps your home cool, safe, and ready for the season.