Insurance: It is extremely important that one of your largest investments be covered by insurance. There are several policies our there so be sure to read the fine print so you know what you are covered for. Most policies cover you for loss of rent, malicious damage, public liability and some items of content such as curtains or carpet.
Smoke Alarms: The legislation requires all NSW residents to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on each level of their home. This includes owner-occupied homes, rental properties, relocatable homes or any other residential building where people sleep.
The Office of Fair Trading explains that the landlord is responsible for installing smoke alarms in a rented premises and where a smoke alarm is of the type that has a replaceable battery, it is recommended that the landlord put a new battery in at the commencement of a tenancy. After the tenancy begins, the tenant is responsible for replacing the battery if needed.
You can find further information on Smoke Alarm Requirements here.
Security: It is a requirement of the Residential Tenancy Act that all locks are secure and operate effectively with keys throughout the property. This will enable the tenant to feel secure during the tenancy and easily obtain contents insurance for their personal items.
Tenants can change or add locks or security devices with the landlord’s consent, or if it is reasonable to do so, such as in an emergency (eg. if the premises have been burgled and keys are missing or if their key breaks off in the lock). The tenant should give the landlord a copy of the new key within seven days.
It is important to note that all tenants listed on the Residential Tenancy Agreement are entitled to receive a full set of keys for the property.
Swimming Pool: Landlords must ensure that any residential tenancy agreement entered on or after 29 April 2016 for any property with a swimming pool or spa pool has a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance or a relevant occupation certificate, and
a copy of the certificate of compliance is provided to the tenant.