Safety and security is essential for rental properties and should be discussed at the first meeting with an owner, when listing a property. A good agent will make a landlord aware of their obligation to ensure the premises is safe for tenants.
Smoke alarms – Smoke alarms should be checked and batteries changed before each new tenant moves in. Tenants can be reminded to change their smoke alarm batteries when daylight saving changes. It is an easy way to remember: turn your clock forward or back, change your smoke alarm battery. Simple!
Window safety – Window safety changes took place on 13th March 2018. Owner’s corporations in NSW must now have window safety devices installed on all above-ground windows. It’s a sad fact that every year more than 50 children fall from windows and balconies.
Swimming pools – If a property has a swimming pool, owners need to ensure that the pool is fenced and meets pool fencing requirements. Pool owners need to register their pools on the NSW government swimming pool register. As of April 2016, all leased properties with a swimming pool or spa must have a valid certificate of compliance or occupation certificate that has been issued within the last three years.
Locks – All locks must be in working order to ensure the property is reasonably secure. Ground floor apartments and houses are at a greater security risk than a top floor unit. A house will need more locks, as there are more entrances and windows, side gates, front gates etc. A landlord needs to be advised on what they should do to ensure the premises is secure.