McGrath Lithgow Property Management Monthly Newsletter – November 2025

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This month, I wanted to highlight an important part of our role as your managing agent: communicating clearly when something is wrong—or could go wrong—at your investment property. When your property manager raises a concern, it’s never to create unnecessary expense or alarm. It’s because we have a responsibility to protect you from potential risks, whether those risks relate to tenant safety, financial loss, insurance coverage, or compliance with NSW legislation.

Our goal is simple: to keep your investment protected. That means staying on top of mandatory compliance items, such as smoke alarm and water efficiency standards, and also reporting any visible concerns that, if left unaddressed, could result in injury to your tenant or damage to the property.

Recently, I conducted a rental appraisal at a home that demonstrated this perfectly. While gathering the information needed to assess its rental value, I also identified several issues that posed risks for the owner—risks they may not have been aware of.

The first concern became obvious the moment I walked up to the front verandah. The decking boards were extremely worn and weathered. Not only did this affect the appearance of the home, but it raised a red flag: the boards flexed underfoot, suggesting that someone could easily trip, fall, or even break through. This kind of hazard doesn’t just threaten tenant safety—it exposes the landlord to liability, insurance complications, and potential legal repercussions.

Inside the home, another issue was discovered in the bathroom. The grate in the shower recess was loose and sat unevenly within the floor. A tenant stepping onto it could easily twist an ankle or slip – not fun if the tenant is also wet and naked inside a room made of glass.  Small issues like this are often overlooked by owners, yet they are exactly the kind of hazard that can result in injury claims or urgent repair demands.

When you add these concerns to the standard compliance requirements—ensuring smoke alarms are tested and maintained correctly, confirming water efficiency measures are in place, and addressing any minor maintenance before a tenancy begins—the cost of preparing a property for rent can increase quickly if these items have been neglected over time.

As your property manager, it is essential that we bring every area of concern to your attention, even if it feels like “just one more thing.” If something presents a potential for injury or damage, you need to know about it promptly so you can make informed decisions and maintain your legal obligations as a landlord.

At the end of the day, our job is to protect your investment and minimise your risk. Timely maintenance, proactive communication, and addressing issues before they escalate are the keys to keeping your property safe, compliant, and performing at its highest potential.

If you ever have questions about a recommendation we make or need clarification on the risks involved, please reach out—we are here to help you every step of the way.