Login
iscover
A local government minister is calling on property managers and landlords to obtain a compliance certificate for rental properties with a swimming pool in order to protect toddlers.
Minister for local government Don Page’s reminder comes ahead of new laws to be introduced on April 29 that will require all pool owners to have a compliance certificate to confirm pool barriers meet required safety standards.
This includes any property with a pool that is already on the market or for lease on that date. Compliance certificates are valid for three years.
“With over 300,000 backyard swimming pools in NSW, swimming pool safety is a vital issue that affects the whole community,’’ Mr Page said.
“There is no substitute for proper vigilance, and I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise that supervising young children in and around swimming pools and safely developing water confidence is essential.
“In addition to this, effective pool barriers with self-closing gates are an important line of defence and help keep young children safe.’’
Mr Page said the changes were in line with a recommendation by the NSW Coroner, after a number of child drownings in backyard swimming pools.
The coroner noted that a disproportionate number of toddlers drowned in pools where the property was being leased.
“This means that families moving into a home with a swimming pool or spa pool – whether they are renting or have just bought a home – can be assured that the pool meets the swimming pool safety requirements,’’ he said.
The new rules apply to landlords and vendors.
“If you sell or rent out your property and it has a swimming pool or spa pool, a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance or an occupation certificate issued within the last three years must be provided to your tenants as part of the residential tenancy agreement,’’ Mr Page said.
Failure to annex the certificate will mean the purchaser may be entitled to rescind the contract at any time within 14 days of exchange, unless settlement has already occurred.
Newsletter
