As Cyclone Alfred makes its way towards Brisbane, tenants must be prepared for extreme weather conditions and potential property damage. Understanding your responsibilities and knowing what to do in an emergency will help keep you safe and ensure your rental home remains secure.
Preparing for a Cyclone
If a cyclone warning has been issued, take the following precautions:
- Secure loose items: Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
- Stock up on essentials: Have bottled water, non-perishable food, a torch, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
- Check emergency contacts: Know how to reach emergency services, your property manager, and the State Emergency Service (SES) in Queensland (call 132 500 for assistance).
- Evacuation plan: Familiarise yourself with local evacuation centres and routes in case you need to leave your home.
- Get important updates from Brisbane City Council via their Emergency Dashboard
- In case of a life threatening emergency, dial 000.
Dealing with Property Damage
Once the cyclone has passed, assess the condition of your rental property while prioritising safety:
- Check for immediate hazards: Stay away from damaged power lines, broken glass, and unstable structures. If there’s significant damage, avoid entering the property.
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of any damage and inform your landlord or property manager as soon as possible.
- Emergency repairs: Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld), tenants can arrange emergency repairs if necessary and claim reimbursement.
- To understand what is considered an emergency repair – please see the following information on the Emergency Repairs page of our website.
What Repairs Can Tenants Do?
Tenants may undertake emergency repairs if they cannot reach the property manager in a timely manner. These include:
- Covering a smashed window to secure the property from weather exposure and intruders.
- Temporary make-safe to prevent further damage, such as covering a leaking roof with a tarp.
- Addressing electrical hazards (only through a licensed electrician).
Spending Limits for Emergency Repairs
Queensland law allows tenants to organise emergency repairs up to a cost limit specified in the tenancy agreement, typically equivalent to two weeks’ rent. Always keep receipts and inform Matthews Real Estate as soon as possible to arrange reimbursement. Remember to document with photos and videos if possible.
What to Do in Case of Major Damage
If your rental property suffers severe damage, such as a roof being blown off, major flooding, or structural collapse:
- Contact the SES (132 500) for urgent assistance or 000 if life threatening.
- Notify your property manager at Matthews Real Estate immediately. (Phone 07 3848 0655 or email )
- Seek alternative accommodation if the property is uninhabitable. You may negotiate a temporary rent reduction or lease termination depending on the severity of damage.
- Check your renter’s insurance policy (if applicable) to determine coverage for personal belongings.
The Annerley office for Matthews Real Estate will be closed on Thursday 06 March and Friday 07 March 2025, with staff working from home. Phone calls to our office on 07 3848 0655 will be diverted to Property Manager mobiles and email will be attended providing access is available. Please photograph any damage and email your property manager as soon as you’re able. You can also email and we will triage your emergency for your Property Manager.
Dealing with a cyclone in a rental property can be stressful, but knowing your rights and responsibilities ensures a smoother recovery process. Stay informed, act quickly, and seek help when needed to protect yourself and your home during Cyclone Alfred.