Every agent should be well aware of all the changes and new legislations that come into place with managing investment properties. Safety and security in rental properties is very important and should be discussed at the first meeting you have with a landlord when taking on their property to manage. As agents need to make the landlord aware of their obligation to ensure the premises are safe for tenants.

Here are some items that need to be discussed: 

Smoke alarms – Smoke alarms should be checked and batteries changed before each new tenant moves in. Tenants should be reminded to change their smoke alarm battery when day light savings change and at both times of the year. It is an easy way to remember, turn your clock forward or back, change your smoke alarm battery. Simple.

Window Safety – Window safety will be changing in 2018. Owners corporations in NSW must have window safety devices installed on all above ground windows by 13 March 2018.  It is a sad fact that every year more than 50 children fall from windows & balconies. As agents it is our job to inspect this has been done at our routine inspections and if not follow the owners corporation or the landlord/s up to have the safety devices installed.

Swimming Pools - As a landlord, if the property you are leasing has a swimming pool you 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. This year, in April 2016, all properties with a swimming pool or spa that is leased 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 and that the property is ‘reasonably’ secure. If you are managing a ground floor apartment or a house then the security sometimes is generally greater than a unit on a top floor. A house will need more locks as there are many entrances to a house and more windows, side gates, front gates etc.  A landlord/s need to be advised on what they should do to ensure the premises is secure.