As of 29 March 2021, the Residential Tenancies Act and Regulations mandates regular essential service safety checks of smoke alarms, electrical installations, and gas appliances by qualified professionals.
It is mandatory to have the checks completed for new tenancies in a timely manner. Faults found may require immediate rectification or risk of the gas or electrical service being shut off. Rental providers should be made aware that it is in their best interests to have these tests scheduled at a convenient time, rather than having to react urgently when a deadline approaches.
The services & checks include:
Smoke Alarm safety - each smoke alarm must be correctly installed and in working condition with testing occurring at least once every 12 months, this includes the cleaning, battery replacement and testing.
Electrical safety – an electrical safety check of all electrical installations, fittings and appliances in the rented premises is to be conducted every two years by a licensed or registered electrician.
Gas safety - a gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings in the rented premises is to be conducted every two years by a licensed or registered gasfitter.
Smoke Alarm Service
It is a requirement that smoke alarms must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. Rental providers are responsible for fitting and maintaining smoke alarms in rental properties.
Electrical Appliance Safety
The Residential Tenancies Act requires rental providers to ensure rental properties are maintained in good repair. This includes ensuring the safe working and proper maintenance of all electrical appliances provided by the rental provider.
Gas Appliance/Carbon Monoxide Testing
It is mandatory that rental providers engage licensed contractors to carry out regular carbon monoxide testing and servicing of gas appliances in rental properties to ensure they are safe to use.