A more relaxed holiday for you and your strata community
You might be packing the car for some time away, making up the spare bed for family or looking forward to a quiet holiday at home! Whatever your plans, it’s nice to head into the break with a few things sorted around your home and the building you share with your neighbours.
Holiday check list for lot owners
Lock up and ask someone to check in
Before you head away, ensure the locks on your doors, windows and balcony doors are working, and test your alarm if you have one. If you’ll be away for a while, a lamp on a timer can make your lot look occupied, and a neighbour or friend can check in and collect any mail or parcels that arrive.
Check your taps and appliances before you leave
As you do your last checks before leaving, look over your washing machine and dishwasher hoses for signs of wear and turn off the taps that supply those appliances if you can safely reach them. Unplug any small appliances you won’t be using while you’re away.
Prepare your balcony or courtyard for summer storms
Clear leaves from balcony or courtyard drains before the next downpour, and bring in or secure anything that could blow around, from folding chairs to umbrellas and pot plants. If you’re travelling or planning an outdoor gathering, check the local forecast and keep an eye on Bureau of Meteorology warnings.
Put up festive lights and decorations safely
Before hanging decorative lights, look over the plugs and leads, replacing any damaged sets and choosing lights and leads rated for outdoor use if you’re decorating a balcony or courtyard. Switch the lights off when you go out or go to bed, and if you’d like to decorate a shared area, check your building’s rules and keep corridors, stairs and exits clear.
Plan for visitors and BBQs
If you’re having friends or family over, let them know where they can park and how to use the intercom so shared entry doors can stay safely closed.
If you’re planning to use the communal BBQ area or pool, check whether you need to book ahead and whether there’s a limit on the number of guests you can bring.
If you’re cooking on your own balcony, check your building’s rules before setting up the BBQ. For a gas BBQ, look for cracks in the hose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to check the cylinder connection for leaks before you light it.
Plan ahead for summer work
If you’re planning work in your lot over the break, have a chat with your strata manager about any approvals you might need, along with the building’s rules for work hours, lift bookings and contractor access.
Take stock of new purchases
If you’ve bought a new bike, laptop or piece of jewellery this Christmas, it’s worth checking your contents policy for limits on individual items. Keep the receipts and ask your insurer if any high-value purchases need to be listed separately.
Keeping strata communities safe
Keep everyone informed
A short update from the strata manager or committee can help residents plan around any changes to building access, security patrols, maintenance schedules or contractor availability over the break. Include changes to bin collection or shared facilities and post the notice where residents usually look for building updates. If you’re a landlord, pass it on to your tenants or ask your property manager to share it.
Follow up on common property maintenance
With trades often taking leave over the festive season, follow up on jobs already on the must-do list, such as a garage door that sometimes fails to close or water that regularly pools at a basement entrance. As part of any summer checks, arrange for common property gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains to be cleared where needed.
We’re here if you need us
Taking a few simple steps before the break, both in your lot and around the building, can make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
To discuss a claim, or for more information on after hours emergency assistance, please visit our Emergency Assistance and Claims page, send an email to claims@whitbread.com.au, or contact your Claims Consultant on 1300 424 627.
T: 1300 424 627
E: info@whitbread.com.au
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