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Safety switches and domestic rental properties

From 1 March 2008 owners of domestic rental accommodation in Queensland must have a safety switch installed in their rental properties if one is not fitted.

Landlords

If your rental property does not have a safety switch installed you must arrange installation by a licensed electrician before the cut-off date.

If a safety switch is not installed in your rental property after 1 March 2008 you may be liable for fines of up to $1,500.

The safety switch must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Find out more about what an electrical licence looks like, and check whether your electrician is licensed.

Tenants

The new regulations ensure people in domestic rental properties have the same protection from electric shock that homeowners have enjoyed since the installation of safety switches became a requirement in all new homes in 1992. This was extended in September 2002 to require the installation of safety switches within three months of the sale of a domestic residence constructed prior to 1992.

If you do not believe a safety switch is installed at your rental property you can:

talk to your landlord or rental agent, or;
call the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662.

How to identify if you have a safety switch installed

Last updated 27 August 2009

Resources

Owners of domestic rental properties are required by law to have safety switches installed by 1 March 2008.

How to identify if you have a safety switch installed

Safety switch requirements when buying and selling residential property brochure (PDF, 220KB)

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