Five Property Management Tips to Keep Your Rental Safe Over the Holidays

With some early planning, you can make sure your Perth rental stays secure and well-maintained all summer. Here are five practical tips, tailored for WA landlords and property managers.

1. Check in with your tenants

The end of the year can be a financially tough period for many households, so touching base with tenants before Christmas is always worthwhile. A quick check-in gives them the chance to raise concerns early and helps reduce the risk of missed rent in January or February.

In Perth, many tenants head down south to Busselton, Margaret River or Albany for weeks at a time. If they’ll be away, remind them to:

• Switch off the water mains (important for preventing unnoticed leaks)
• Turn off gas where possible
• Unplug non-essential appliances
• Secure all windows before leaving

This is also a handy time to organise minor maintenance when the property is empty.

2. Prepare for urgent repairs, especially summer storms

Perth is known for its dry heat, but we also get sudden summer storms, strong winds and the occasional blackout — usually right after a heatwave. Having a plan for urgent repairs is essential.

Before the holiday period begins:

• Make sure you have reliable Perth tradies available (many shut down between Christmas and New Year)
• Confirm your property manager has updated emergency contacts
• Ensure tenants know who to call during urgent situations
• Remind tenants to report things like roof leaks, damaged gutters and faulty air-cons early

Air-conditioning failures are extremely common during Perth’s hottest weeks, so fast communication is key.

3. Clarify subletting and short-term stays

With Perth’s tourism picking up and events like Fringe Festival and the Hopman Cup bringing visitors during summer, short-term rentals spike this time of year. As a result, some tenants may be tempted to list their home or room on platforms like Airbnb while they’re away.

Subletting is only allowed if the lease permits it and you’ve approved it in writing.
Make sure you have a clear conversation before the holidays to avoid breaches, especially in strata complexes around areas like Victoria Park, South Perth, East Perth, and the CBD where building by-laws can be strict.

4. Strengthen property security

Break-ins tend to increase across Perth during December and January. Homes in suburbs where many residents travel — such as Como, Wembley, Scarborough, and Canning Vale — can be more at risk.

A quick security check can help prevent issues:

• Make sure locks, screens and sliding doors are working properly
• Encourage tenants to use sensor lights or timers
• Suggest keeping bins out until collection day so the property doesn’t look unoccupied
• If the property is in a strata complex, ensure tenants know the rules about gate access and common area security

You can also share a simple WA-focused holiday security checklist for tenants.

5. Keep communication open

Whether you’re heading away up north, down south, or simply taking a break at home, let your tenants know the best way to contact you over the holidays. If you’ll be unavailable, give them the details of someone who can handle urgent situations — whether that’s your property manager or a trusted contact.

Clear communication helps prevent small issues from becoming major headaches.

The bottom line

A little bit of planning goes a long way in Perth’s holiday season. By checking in with tenants, being storm-ready, keeping an eye on security, and setting up a clear communication plan, you can enjoy your break knowing your property is well looked after.