All Queensland property owners and managers have a duty of care under electrical safety laws to ensure that their rental property is electrically safe for all tenants and people that may visit or work on the premises.
What are the electrical safety laws for rental properties in Queensland?
Electrical safety laws for rental properties seek to ensure the safety of the tenants. These laws also aim to prevent injuries, casualties, and damages to public and private properties. Here are some of the important things you should remember:
Installation of Safety Switch
As a rental property owner, you must always secure that your rentals have an installed and working safety switch. It can help protect your tenants from electrical emergencies. In the same way, it is also advantageous to protect your investment from such an incident.
On the other hand, if you are a tenant who will be moving into a rental property; then you have to check if your unit has safety switches installed in the switchboard. You should be able to see at least one safety switch in the property you’re renting. It is mandated for property rentals in Queensland to have at least one safety switched installed.
You can easily tell if there is a safety switch at your property as it will be labelled with “TEST” on your switchboard. If you couldn’t find one, you should ask the property owner about it. If there is one, ensure that it gets tested every three months or change in season. Remember that compliance with safety switch installation is both the owner and the tenant’s responsibility.
Compliance with Smoke Alarm Regulation
Smoke alarms can save lives. The installation of smoke alarms for properties whether privately owned or rented are mandated in Queensland. As a tenant, you must check if the property you are renting has complied with the regulation, however, the property manager should provide you with a certificate of compliance within 14 days of the signing of the lease.
Additionally, it is the task of the tenants to maintain the smoke alarm installed in their rented properties. They need to check for flat or nearly flat batteries and test the test button. Should you encounter a problem with the smoke alarm, you must inform your landlord at once.
Do not attempt to fix an electrical problem in the unit This rule applies to both the landlord and the tenant. If there is a problem with any electrical components inside the unit, the tenant must inform the owner. The owner must then contact a licensed electrician to work on the electrical problem. Attempting to do DIY electrical work is dangerous. It can cause accidents such as electrical shock and fire. Unlicensed electrical work is also punishable by law. Violators may face penalties such as fine and imprisonment depending on the severity of the case. Report tingles or shock immediately As a tenant, you might experience a tingle or electrical shock when coming in contact with metals inside the property. This must not be taken for granted. When you experience such a sensation, you must immediately inform your tenant. Your landlord must call for an electric maintenance service provider as soon as possible. This will help prevent more serious accidents. Proper use of electrical appliances
Tenants are expected to take care of the property while renting. Part of such responsibility is to ensure that the appliances are being used properly. Follow the instructions on how to use
electrical appliances at all times. Do not overuse a power outlet and avoid getting appliances in close contact with water.
Buying electrical appliances online should also be minimized. Overseas appliances may not have the authorization to be used in Queensland. It will be safer to buy at registered appliance centres in the area.
Conclusion
We work with a number of Strata Property Management companies keeping rental properties safe and maintained. If you work for a Property Management Company, are a Property Manager, or even own a Rental Property give us a call today to discuss how we can help you and help maintain your property portfolio.
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