Lithgow Property Management Monthly Newsletter
May 2026
Greetings from Tina’s Desk
This month, we’ve seen the ongoing cost-of-living pressures begin to flow through to rent reviews across our tenanted properties.
A number of tenants have reached out to discuss the impact these pressures are having on their day-to-day affordability, particularly in relation to recent rent increases.
At the same time, we recognise that landlords are facing their own financial challenges. Rising interest rates, fluctuating fuel costs, and broader global factors are all contributing to increased holding costs for investment properties.
For this reason, we want to acknowledge that rent reviews can, at times, require a more considered approach. While it remains important to ensure your property is keeping pace with the market, there may be situations where individual circumstances influence your decision.
It’s worth noting that maintaining rent in line with market conditions is critical—particularly when it comes to protecting your asset’s value. Properties that are significantly under market rent can be adversely affected at the point of sale.
Whenever we recommend a rent increase, it is supported by thorough market research. We assess comparable properties of similar size, style, and location, and provide a detailed comparative market analysis outlining current listings and recent leasing activity within the area.
As always, the final decision rests with you. We act on your instructions and ensure all legislative requirements are met, including providing tenants with the required notice periods under NSW tenancy law (currently 60 days).
If you would like to discuss your investment strategy or upcoming rent reviews in more detail, please contact your property manager or reach out to me directly.
Case Study: Landlord Protection Insurance
During April, our Lithgow office managed a particularly unfortunate situation involving the passing of a tenant in one of our rental properties.
The tenant had limited contact with family and friends, and concerns were initially raised by a regular maintenance contractor when the tenant became unresponsive—something that was out of character.
In situations like this, our office does not enter the property. Instead, we escalate the matter to local police to conduct a welfare check. As part of this process, we provide emergency contact details from the tenancy application. This reinforces the importance of having a fully completed application at the start of the tenancy, as these details can be critical in circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
Police will typically attempt to contact listed family or friends to determine whether the tenant may simply be away or uncontactable. Unfortunately, in this case, the tenant had passed away in the property and had been there for some time.
Following this, police coordinated with a nominated contact to attend the property and remove personal belongings.
From a landlord’s perspective, this is where the situation becomes both complex and potentially costly. There are often significant expenses involved, including specialised cleaning, potential repairs, loss of rent, and the administrative process required to lawfully finalise the tenancy.
This is precisely where landlord protection insurance becomes critical.
A comprehensive policy can provide coverage for loss of rent, damage, and in many cases, the additional costs associated with situations like this. More importantly, it gives you access to clear guidance on how to manage the process correctly, ensuring you are protected both financially and legally.
Without this level of protection, landlords may find themselves navigating a highly sensitive situation while also carrying the full financial burden.
While events like this are rare, they do happen—and when they do, the impact can be significant. Landlord protection insurance is not just an added extra; it is a key risk management tool for safeguarding your investment.
If you would like to review your current coverage or discuss suitable options, please contact your property manager or speak with our office.
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McGrath Lithgow's Property Management Team
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Our Offices Reach Network Experience
Mudgee
79 Church Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
T: (02) 6372 2584
Rylstone
90 Louee St, Rylstone NSW 2849
T: (02) 6379 1955
Lithgow
71 Main St, Lithgow NSW 2790
T: (02) 6352 5125
Rural
79 Church Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
T: (02) 6372 2584
