Queensland’s cyclone season officially started on 1 November, so now is the time to get a rental ready. Here’s what to check on your Sunshine Coast property, who looks after what, and what happens if a storm causes damage.
What the season looks like
Get Ready Queensland gives the official cyclone season as 1 November to 30 April, and notes that cyclones can occur outside those dates. In a Queensland Government statement on 6 October 2026, the Bureau of Meteorology said October to April is the peak time for storms, tropical cyclones and floods, with the east coast at the highest risk of severe thunderstorms, especially from October to December.
Sunshine Coast Council says the Bureau has told local disaster groups to plan for higher temperatures and more heatwave and bushfire risk. It also says residents should prepare for severe storms and heavy rain that could cause flash flooding. These are seasonal outlooks only, and storms can strike at any time.
What to check before the weather turns
This list draws on guidance from Sunshine Coast Council and Get Ready Queensland:
- Gutters and downpipes: keep them clear, because overloaded gutters can push water into the eaves
- Roof: inspect it and fix any damage
- Trees: trim branches overhanging the property. Check with council before trimming, and tell the power distributor if anything is near powerlines
- Fittings and timber: repair loose fittings, rust, and rotting or termite-affected timber
- Flood risk: look up the property on Council’s flood maps
- Insurance: check that it’s current and adequate
If the home is tenanted, repairs need an entry notice at least 48 hours before entry. Entry on a Sunday, on a public holiday or outside 8am to 6pm needs the tenant’s agreement.
Who looks after what
The RTA says rental laws have no specific rule for gardens, gutters or storm-felled branches. The safest approach is to set out responsibilities in the tenancy agreement and record the condition of the yard on the entry and exit reports. As a general guide:
- Usually the owner: tree lopping and pruning, large trees that need specialist equipment, and gutter cleaning where the tenant didn’t cause the blockage
- Usually the tenant, if the agreement says so: mowing, edging and weeding
- Usually the tenant: clearing small branches and debris, and securing trampolines and play equipment
If a storm damages the property
Repairs. Serious storm damage, flooding and a serious roof leak are all emergency repairs. The owner or manager is responsible for repairs that make the property liveable, including fences, windows, doors, roofs and gardens. Tenants look after their own belongings.
If nobody can be reached. If the nominated repairer or owner can’t be reached, or repairs aren’t made within a reasonable time, the tenant may arrange emergency repairs up to 4 weeks’ rent. The owner then has 7 days to pay after written notice.
Entry. The Act requires no entry notice in an emergency, or where you reasonably believe entry is needed to protect the property from imminent or further damage. The RTA’s guide for owners says not to enter until it’s safe, to make sure electricity stays off until a professional clears it, to photograph the damage and to contact your insurer early.
Rent. Rent may be reduced if the property is damaged or facilities can’t be used. Reductions are generally negotiated and put in writing, and a tenant can apply to the tribunal.
If the home is unliveable. A tenancy doesn’t end automatically. It ends by written agreement, by a notice from either side, or by a QCAT order. A notice must be given within 1 month of the event and can take effect the day it’s given.
A word on insurance
Moneysmart says most home insurance covers storm damage, while flood may cost more or be excluded for high-risk homes. Some insurers won’t cover rainwater runoff if flood cover was declined. The Insurance Council also warns that home insurance might not cover you if you rent out part or all of your home. For strata properties, the body corporate may insure the building. Your policy wording is what counts, so check it with your insurer.
What this means for owners
- Book gutter, roof and tree work before the first big storm, with proper notice to your tenant
- Check that the tenancy agreement names a nominated repairer and that the contact details are current
- Confirm who handles the yard and small debris, and put it in writing
- Read your insurance policy for storm, flood and rental use
How Barker West handles it
Urgent repairs actioned within 4 hours is one of the 10 key commitments in the Barker West Standard. Routine inspections every 4 months, with photos and written reporting, give you a regular view of how the property is holding up. Both are part of how we manage your property. Read the Barker West Standard.
Want your rental reviewed before summer? Talk to us or request a free rental appraisal.
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Rules change, so check the RTA or talk to us about your property.