Summer Season Checklist for Landlords & Tenants in QLD

Summer in Queensland is an exciting and busy time, with hot weather, Christmas festivities, school holidays, and the start of a new year. However, it’s also a time when many properties are left empty as tenants head of to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.

Whether you're a landlord protecting your investment property or a tenant heading away during the summer, a little planning now can save a lot of stress as we get deeper into summer. This is our summer season checklist for both landlords and tenants. 

Checklist For Landlords

1. Confirm Emergency Contacts

The summer season is when most trades take time off work, especially around Christmas and New Year. With a limited availability of tradesmen, your tenants need clear instructions on who to contact in case of a maintenance emergency. 

In addition, ensure your tenant knows what counts as an emergency. Each property and tenancy agreement may differ, but common emergencies include burst water pipes, electrical hazards, fires, storm damage, lost keys, or break-ins.

2. Schedule Spring Maintenance

Before the summer season hits, consider checking in with tenants to see if they need any services such as air-conditioning (critical for Queensland summers), pest control, or smoke alarm checks. This pre-summer maintenance helps reduce urgent callouts whilst you (and the trades) enjoy some time off. 

3. Insure for Storm Season

The summer season is also the tropical storm season in Queensland, so you need to be prepared and insured. Ensure any property-related insurance policies are current and adequate.

4. Communicate Office Closure Dates

The summer is a busy time, maybe you want to go away over Christmas or maybe in January whilst your children are off school. Let tenants know when you'll be away and how they can reach you during this time.

Checklist For Tenants

1. Notify Your Landlord If You’re Travelling

It isn't a legal requirement to tell your landlord if you are leaving the property unattended. However, letting them know what dates you are away means they can be on hand if any emergencies arise.

You could also consider asking a friend to check the property periodically.

2. Secure The Property

If you’re heading away over summer, make sure you secure your home by locking all windows and doors, setting alarms (if you have them), hiding valuables, and moving things out of the garden or off the balcony. 

3. Turn Off & Unplug Appliances

Reduce safety risks and save on electricity bills whilst you're away by switching off and unplugging all non-essential appliances and devices, like televisions, kettles, and toasters. If you still have food in the fridge or freezer, don’t unplug this. 

4. Manage Food & Waste

No one wants to come home to bad smells or bugs caused by moulded food and overfilled bins. Ensure to remove all perishable items from the fridge and cupboards, take out all your rubbish, and clean sinks before you leave the property unattended. 

5. Prepare for Storms

As mentioned, the summer is also storm season. So, it's essential that you prepare for any tropical weather before you go away. Bring in, tie down, or cover up outdoor furniture, ensure gutters and drain aren’t blocked, and secure bins. 

6. Check Rent Payments Are Scheduled

There are four public holidays in Queensland over the summer season: 25th December (Christmas Day), 26th December (Boxing Day), 1st January (New Years Day), and 26th January (Australia Day in 2026). These public holidays significantly affect bank transfers as banks only process transactions on working days, so payments initiated on a weekend or on a public holiday are delayed until the next working day. 

Whether you’re staying at home or heading off throughout the summer season, ensure your rent is still paid on time, even if it means processing the payment a few days earlier. 

Final Thoughts

The summer season should be an enjoyable time of year, with the chance to take time off work, spend more time with your loved ones, and relax in the sun. Checking things off a simple checklist before the busy summer season begins helps both landlords and tenants protect the property, prevent costly issues, and enjoy their summer without stress.

In addition, Lloyd Estate Agents offer property management services, taking all the responsibilities from the landlord and ticking off the summer checklist, allowing them to relax for the rest of the year.