Warning of Lack of Pool Inspectors

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has issued a warning to buyers, sellers and landlords that they may find it difficult to obtain a pool safety certificate for their home.

The REIQ has written to the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning voicing its concerns about the shortage of qualified inspectors available to conduct pool inspections throughout Queensland.

New pool safety laws come into effect on 1 December which introduces the mandatory requirement for pool safety inspections at the point of sale and point of lease of all residential properties with pools throughout Queensland.

REIQ research has found that 12,000 sales of homes with non-shared pools potentially take place in Queensland every year. The REIQ understands, however, that there has not been one pool safety inspection licence issued less than three weeks out from when the new pool safety laws come into effect.

“REIQ’s best practice advice to its members is for sellers of properties with pools to have a pool safety inspection conducted before they list their home, but who exactly is going to do this?” REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said.

“And in the circumstance where there is no pool safety certificate at settlement after 1 December, it will be the buyer’s responsibility to obtain one within 90 days or face a hefty fine.

“Also, from 1 December, landlords of properties with non-shared pools – typically a house – are unable to enter into a new lease agreement, including a renewal, without having a pool safety certificate which will add dramatically to the demand for inspections.”

The State Government has said that Queensland’s 300 building certifiers will be licensed to inspect pools for one year in addition to their other duties, but the REIQ believes demand will exceed their capacity.

The REIQ is concerned that come 1 December, buyers, sellers and landlords will be unable to obtain a pool safety certificate and therefore will be unable to complete their property transaction.

“Many buyers, sellers and landlords are only now becoming aware of their obligation to have a pool safety certificate given the date the legislation would come into effect was only proclaimed in late October,” Mr Molloy said.

“With the Christmas holiday season rapidly approaching, the lack of inspection services is likely to be exacerbated even further.”

Source: REIQ