Is it illegal to change light bulbs without electrical licence?

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by property_geek, 10th Jan, 2018.

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  1. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Buy properties which don't have electricity, no need for lights whatsoever.
     
  2. Shane1

    Shane1 Well-Known Member

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    Hahahaha, electrician to change a lightbulb... My goodness... Who's your PM?
     
  3. Jacque

    Jacque Jacque Parker Premium Member

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    Tenant's responsibility. See Fair Trading NSW
    "You are responsible for doing things like replacing light bulbs, changing the smoke detector batteries, cleaning windows, dusting, removing cobwebs and routine garden maintenance such as watering, mowing and weeding."
    Getting repairs done - NSW Fair Trading
     
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  4. Possumcreek

    Possumcreek Well-Known Member

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    Looking at Ravi's original post it seems the brand new baton type thingies had never yet been used. I assume this is where the PM's hesitancy originated from. Not saying I agree though.
     
  5. Simon

    Simon Well-Known Member

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    When I did my NSW REA course 10+ years ago we were taught bulbs and batteries were an owners responsibility and that ideally an electrician should be used.

    I guess most tenants do their own.
     
  6. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    Really ? And does that seem logical or even with a hint of common sense ?

    Yes, working bulbs for when tenant goes in, from then on, tenant, and at no time is it appropriate to get a sparkie for this !
     
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  7. Simon

    Simon Well-Known Member

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    I didn’t say it was logical or appropriate. Just that it was taught as law on the course I did.
     
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  8. Blueskies

    Blueskies Well-Known Member

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    Different in QLD, from RTA website:

    The supply and replacement of light bulbs is not specified in the Act. Any arrangement about light bulbs should be included in the special terms of the tenancy agreement.

    Generally, the property manager/owner may be responsible for maintaining specialised bulbs and the tenant may be responsible for the replacement of everyday bulbs.

    If changing a bulb requires specialist knowledge or equipment, it may be part of the property manager/owner's responsibility to maintain the property.

    I take that as for a standard screw in bulb the tennant is responsible.
     
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  9. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    I think your wrong, or vital specifics are missing.

    As per post about QLD, NSW is about the same.

    It is a nonsense to pester the owner about normal, every day things that granny would find easy.

    I know some PMs are like this, but you have to wonder if they think they are engaged just to take EFT or cash rent and remove a slice for themselves, end of responsibility.
     
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  10. Simon

    Simon Well-Known Member

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    How can I be wrong?

    I’m not saying it is law. I’m saying that I was taught this on a Real Estate Agent licensing course.

    Perhaps it was law. Perhaps it was a common enough urban myth that it became subject matter.

    Take from that what you like.
     
  11. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    I do not have too take what I like....I know how it works. I actually look very closely at such rumours and claims, in fact 30 years ago was my first encounter with a PM pestering me about a blown light bulb in a normal batten.

    Not having a go at you, but this is a forum with a lot of new people who come here for good info, if you say things like...I was taught this and it may be the law" (or words to that effect) that may mislead, the person teaching it may have not had a clue ? If it is law, best to know it is and point it out. It can't be pointed out because there is no such law or rule about replacing normal light bulbs.

    Even many statements from Govt. authorities are often only suggestions, not actual law.

    As said, lot of missing critical stuff missing in the statement, it is wrong, it will confuse.

    Anyway, no need ever to send an electrician to change normal light bulbs, working at start of tenancy, from then on I expect tenant or PM to handle such things & I am not breaking the law.
     

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