Landlord Compliance: What You’re Legally Responsible For

You own the property. That means the legal responsibility falls on you. Your manager should protect you from risk. If they don’t, you’re the one who wears it.

Here’s what you need to know. No legal speak. Just facts.

1. Smoke Alarms Are Not Optional

Every investment property must meet current smoke alarm legislation. That includes interconnected alarms, photoelectric technology, and compliance certificates. One missed upgrade can void your insurance and expose you to legal action. We audit this for every new client on day one.

2. Water Efficiency Means Money Back

If your property doesn’t meet water efficiency standards, you can’t charge tenants for usage. That’s money you should be recouping. We check the fittings, install what’s needed, and make sure the box is ticked. Simple process. Big impact.

3. Safety Switches Must Work Every Time

Your property needs to have functioning safety switches on all power circuits. This isn’t just a legal rule. It’s a life or death issue. Our team checks compliance as part of the onboarding process and includes it in routine inspections.

4. Entry Condition Reports Protect Everyone

A poorly completed entry condition report will come back to bite you. It’s your defence against claims when a tenant vacates. Every detail matters. Photos, comments, condition ratings. Ours are time-stamped, cloud-stored, and shared transparently.

5. Routine Inspections Shouldn’t Be Tick and Flick

Legally, you’re allowed to inspect up to four times per year. That doesn’t mean they should be rushed or templated. We look at more than the surface. We check for wear, risk areas, maintenance trends, and provide you with real commentary. Not just a few photos and a form.

6. Fair Wear and Tear Is a Real Thing

Not every mark or scratch is claimable. Tenancy law defines fair wear and tear clearly. You need a manager who knows the difference between damage and natural use. We advise you clearly and act with integrity. No inflated claims. No cut corners.

The Bottom Line

You shouldn’t need to know tenancy law inside out. But your property manager should.

We stay across every legislative change, so you don’t have to. We make sure your property and your name stays protected.