The Electrical Safety Office in Queensland has recently released new guidance for tenants and property owners regarding electrical safety in rental properties. The purpose of the electrical safety regulations is to make sure that everyone is protected from electric shock. Property owners and managers must ensure their property is electrically safe for tenants and people that visit or work on the property.

Safety Switches
Safety switches protect people from electric shock. Domestic rental properties MUST have a safety switch fitted to all power circuits as a minimum.

Testing Safety Switches
Safety switches should be tested at regular intervals – a push button test every three months (this can be done by the tenant – ideally they would retain a record of this). Operation and trip time test done by an electrical contractor. It is recommended that this be done every 2 years.

Electrical Equipment
Landlords have an obligation to maintain the equipment or appliances that they supply. There should be a maintenance schedule and a process for electrical repairs. Conduct visual inspections of plug in and fixed appliances and installations such as power point outlets when conducting property inspections. A tingle is actually an electrical shock – do not ignore it, it could be fatal. Ensure tenants know the process to report concerns.

Smoke Detectors
Property owners and managers have the following obligations in relation to smoke alarms:
Replacement smoke alarms must be photoelectric and comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.

Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced (smoke alarms have their manufacture date stamped on them). Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacing must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm. Test and clean smoke alarms and replace any flat or nearly flat batteries within 30 days before the start or renewal of a tenancy. Never remove or touch a smoke alarm unless you are testing it, cleaning it or replacing the battery.

From 1 January 2022 at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal premises must meet new standards which require interconnected smoke alarms on each level, in each bedroom and in hallways leading from bedrooms.