10 tips to ensure your rental property is safe and compliant

1. Engage a professional compliance contractor to conduct smoke, gas, and electrical safety checks. There are several qualified providers on the market who can complete all checks in one day for a reasonable fee.
2. Have the compliance checks done before your new renter moves in or as soon as possible after.
3. Make sure the compliance check contractor provides you with compliance certificates and quotes for any further works that may be required.
4. Immediately rectify all issues that come up on the safety report. Do not ignore reports for further works. Conducting safety checks does not make the property compliant; ensuring all further works are rectified does.
5. Hire a real estate agent with great industry knowledge and understanding of current rental laws and regulations. This may be your secret weapon when it comes to interpreting documentation and quotes. A good agent can save you money and time.
6. Use the rental minimum standards checklist to ensure you’ve checked off every category of minimum standards and are aware of any issues or items that need to be addressed and consequently rectified.
7. Ensure your agent is checking all 14 items of the minimum standards every six months during their routine inspections. Ask for the inspection report to be provided to you as soon as the inspection is completed and thoroughly check all the photos and comments entered.
8. Keep the property in good repair. Ensure any renter queries are acknowledged, investigated, and issues rectified. Store all documentation and communication as you may need them in the future.
9. Don’t try to save money by using cheap and unskilled trades. Remember, buying cheap means buying twice!
10. Stay informed about the latest changes in legislation. Make sure you are aware of your obligations and responsibilities as a rental provider. Ignorance is not an excuse and can cost you a lot of money and time.

In conclusion, prioritizing property compliance is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of both renters and rental providers. By following these ten tips diligently, you can effectively manage compliance requirements and avoid potential risks and liabilities. Remember, proactive measures such as regular inspections, prompt repairs, and staying informed about legislative changes can ultimately save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

What additional tips do you have for staying on top of property compliance? Let me know via our social media channels.