But in reality, DIY repairs can create serious risks – especially when it comes to landlord insurance. Here’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
A 2024 hipages survey found nearly 4.2 million Aussie households had experienced a DIY disaster in just 12 months – often motivated by the desire to save money or time. But for landlords, the consequences of DIY work can be more than just a botched paint job.
Most landlord insurance policies exclude damage caused by unqualified work – including attempts by landlords, tenants, or anyone without proper licensing. If DIY repairs cause further damage or fail to meet compliance standards, insurers may reject your claim entirely. Worse still, the policy itself could be voided for breaching conditions such as the requirement to act to prevent further loss or to adequately maintain the property.
While it might seem harmless to tackle small fixes yourself, more complex work – think plumbing, electrical, structural changes or anything involving asbestos – must be completed by licensed professionals to meet legal requirements. Any unlicensed or illegal work not only puts safety at risk, but can also result in hefty fines, invalidate warranties, and render your insurance worthless.
In the event of injury – especially if a tenant is involved – the stakes are even higher. If a tenant is permitted to carry out repairs and is hurt in the process, the landlord may be held legally liable. Insurers may refuse to cover such claims, especially if the landlord knowingly allowed unsafe or unlawful work to be carried out.
It’s tempting to cut costs, especially when tradespeople can be hard to book or pricey to engage. But hiring an unqualified handyman or doing it yourself can turn into a false economy. If something goes wrong, not only is there the cost of fixing the new damage, but there’s also a very real risk your insurer won’t cover any of it.
On the other hand, licensed professionals are required to carry public liability insurance and, in many cases, professional indemnity insurance. This means that if a tradie makes a mistake, the financial burden for repairs typically rests with them and their insurer – not you.
While DIY might seem like a money-saver, it’s simply not worth the risk for landlords. Insurance exclusions, legal liabilities, compliance issues, and safety concerns all make it clear: repairs and renovations at a rental property should only be undertaken by licensed, insured professionals.
Need help maintaining your investment property the right way? Contact our expert property management team today to ensure your property – and your insurance – stays protected.