Landlords

Rental Safe services cover all landlord requirements in one service under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, meaning landlords enjoy a complete service at a lower cost ensuring you’ve fulfilled your duty of care.

Landlords are becoming increasingly vulnerable, with more personal injury claims from tenants than ever before.

You’re responsible

Legislation states landlords have a clear responsibility to ensure the tenant is provided with a safe environment, free from issues. The defense ‘I was paying a professional property manager to look after the property, so it was their responsibility!’ is unlikely to be upheld in the court room.

Prevention is key

landlords need to be aware of the property condition and potential hazards. Property inspections are core to this, whether that be identifying risks or confirming that the property is safe. RentalSafe provides one single, clear and actionable report on property safety hazards that addresses all duty of care.

Claims cost you

Whether a landlord is or is not at fault, defending claims drain significant time and cost. Some personal injury claims have awarded whole of life damages approaching $30M. NOTE: Most building insurance policies will not fully cover injury claims involving hazards the landlord should have been aware of.

Do not risk your valuable asset or simply your time and money . . .

Many property inspectors only audit specific isolated risks such as fire alarms or electrical faults. All RentalSafe inspections cover 14 hazard groups, including the legislated requirements, as well as common causes for injury.

The Landlord’s Responsibilities:

Before re-letting, ensure all appliances are safe and any unsafe appliances are repaired or removed.
Ensure electrical appliances are cleaned regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Particular attention should be paid to dust build-up on cooling fan inlets and all parts of heaters.
Check electrical appliances for damage to plugs, leads and casings that may expose live parts or cause a ﬁre.
Ensure electrical wiring, socket outlets and switches are maintained in a safe condition.
Ensure all ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed.
Ensure all gas appliances, pipework and flue systems are maintained in a safe condition.
Ensure all pipes are sealed correctly if an appliance has been removed.
Record all safety checks and details of work carried out on a gas or electrical installation.
Flue systems must be examined regularly, especially those related to decorative gas log ﬁres, internal hot water heaters and space heaters. Flue terminals must be checked to ensure they are not blocked and are vermin-proof.
Burning or discolouration on the front or above a space or water heater indicates a problem and must be checked immediately.
Air vents must not be blocked or covered.
Piping systems should be checked every ﬁve years or whenever a new or replacement appliance is installed. Galvanised steel installations should be checked more frequently.
Ensure only licensed people do all gas ﬁtting and electrical work. (See Energy Safe Victoria at www.esv.vic.gov.au)

For further information regarding the legal responsibilities of Landlords, view the Energy Safe Victoria Brochure – Landlords’ Responsibilities or Homesafe Brochure – Landlord Services.