All residential rental properties must have safety switches installed from February 29 next year.

The Electrical Safety Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2006 state that landlords of residential rental property must install safety switches in their rental premises.

The legislation has two distinct categories:

Homes built after 1992

It has been a legal requirement for all homes built since 1992 to have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits.

Homes built before 1992

As of March 1, 2006, the law required that landlords install a safety switch to the power circuit of the rental property. The safety switch was required to be installed either:

• Within six months of a residential tenancy agreement being entered into (including any renewals), or by February 29, 2008 (whichever was the sooner); or

• From March 1, 2008, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence after a residential tenancy agreement has been entered into (this also applies to periodic tenancies which are not updated).

A periodic tenancy that began before March 1, 2006, which is not renewed or updated, has until March 1, 2008, to comply with the law.

However, it is strongly recommended that landlords install a safety switch as soon as possible.

It is also important to note that the installation of a safety switch can be carried out only by a licensed electrician.

More information is available from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, which administers the legislation, at www.dir.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1300 650 662.

For a list of REIQ accredited agencies in your local area, visit www.reiq.com.au or phone (07) 3249 7347.