Landlords have, at minimum, a duty to assure their tenants are occupying a safe and secure property but responsibilities differ across the country.
Fundamentally, the one consistent obligation nationally is to maintain the structure, make sure all landlord owned appliances are in safe working order, prevent health issues such as rising damp, and anything else mentioned in the lease agreement.
Around the country, some states require bonds to be lodged with appropriate Government authorities and fines apply to Landlords breaching the rules.
Smoke alarm legislation differs nationally but regardless, it’s critical that all homes are fitted with well maintained, appropriately located detectors – and that all heaters are checked by qualified technicians annually.
Fundamentally, all landlords should approach ownership of a rental property with the attitude that they are obliged to adhere to the laws of their state or territory, as is their property manager, and that they want to always be sure that their property is safe and secure for their tenants.