From our corporate director

Dean O’Brien.

As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the current economic climate, we wanted to provide you with some insights and advice on how to manage your investment properties in the coming months.

First and foremost, it is important to stay up to date with any legislative changes or new regulations that may affect your rental properties. This includes understanding your obligations as a landlord, such as maintaining the safety and health of your tenants, ensuring that your properties are up to code and with the end of March being the final chance to ensure your property is safe. If you are uncertain whether your property has had all the safety checks completed, please reach out to your property manager immediately.

The following are some of the safety checks that may be conducted during a residential tenancy safety check in Victoria:

1.Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms must be installed in all rental properties, and they must be working properly. The landlord or property manager is responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and mainta1.Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms must be installed in all rental properties, and they must be working properly. The landlord or property manager is responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and maintained in good working order.

2.Electrical safety: The electrical system in the rental property must be safe and compliant with the Australian Standards. This includes ensuring that all electrical appliances, power outlets, switches and lighting fixtures are installed and maintained in good working order.

3. Gas safety: If the rental property has gas appliances or a gas supply, the gas system must be safe and compliant with the Australian Standards. This includes ensuring that gas appliances are installed and maintained in good working order, and that gas leaks are detected and repaired as soon as possible.

4.Pool and spa safety: If the rental property has a pool or spa, it must be compliant with the Victorian Building Authority's pool and spa safety regulations. This includes ensuring that the pool or spa is enclosed by a compliant safety barrier, and that the barrier is maintained in good working order.

5.Asbestos safety: If the rental property was built before 1990, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos can be harmful if it is disturbed or damaged, so it is important to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials in the rental property.

6.Window safety: Windows must be safe and comply with Australian Standards. This includes ensuring that windows can be locked securely, and that any window openings that are more than two metres above ground level have appropriate safety barriers in place.

It is important for landlords and property managers to conduct regular safety checks in rental properties to ensure the safety of their tenants. The Victorian Government provides further information and resources on residential tenancy safety checks on their Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

At O’Brien Real Estate, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their investment goals through expert property management services. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your investment property, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Dean O’Brien Director