Types of annual inspections required

Hi Everyone,

First time landlord here. I've just joined with a PM group, and they have sent through a list of annual inspections they want me to sign off on so they can complete it without my authorisation as it comes up. RCD and Smoke Alarm Check, Gutter Cleaning, Tree Pruning and Termite/Pest Inspection. Do these all sound like they need to be done annually?

Thanks.

 

Thanks for your response! Do you do these checks annually? Also why do you not get your PM to do it for you?

 

In Victoria the smoke alarm check has to be done annually - it’s the law. I do this myself.

Gas and electrical safety checks have to be done every two years - it’s the law. And has to be done by qualified people. RCD safety is part of the electrical check. I use the company Epic.

It’s good practice to do an annual termite inspection - but that”s up to you. But remember termite damage isn’t ‘t covered by insurance. Best to catch termites early.

If the gutters get blocked it could just be annoying - or if it’s a box gutter, it could flood the house or garage or whatever is underneath less there’s an overflow. Guess how I know!

Are there trees that would need pruning? Most trees don’t.

 

Maybe for the first year understand what is involved for each process instead of having the PM automatically charge you for the job. Eg, which trees are being pruned? are the gutters once or twice a year?

Once you're familiar and know what is involved, then you can maybe hand it to the PM going forward.

 

Could you please tell what are the charges associated with annual smoke alarm checks in Logan? PM advises $129.00 annual charge.

Is this mandatory requirement at every lease renewal even if it’s the same tenant who is continuing at the property?

 

$129 is about normal these days, our contractors are cheap at $99p.a. This is a subscription charge rather than a callout, which means they'll visit as many times as necessary within the year. Extra points if they've done your 2022 compliance upgrade, since they'll deal with any warranty issues for you when the alarms fail (fail rates are crazy on all brands, even the good ones, we get 2-3 a week...!).

It is widely considered "best practice" to have the alarms checked annually or within 30 days prior to lease commencement/renewal by a professional firm.

 

What sort of IP ?
House
Apartment
Retail
Commercial

 

Smoke detector is very common and as Tom says it starts around $99 per year.

I'd let them take care of the rest unless you want to be completely hands off.

 

Hi @wylie and @Tom Rivera, I am just wondering whether it is mandatory legislation to do corded blinds check annually in QLD too? My pm sent me this link, Corded blind safety

 

The check is not manditory at all, it's just manditory that they comply. We don't pay the extra for the corded blind or safety switch inspections.

 

Thank you,Tom.

 

Thank you, @wylie. They did have a price list on their website. $129 to do all checks annually.

 

their pricing just jumped to 99 recently. you must of got in early...

 

It's your home, if you lived in it, what would you do? Wait for problems or proactively undertake routine checks and/or preventative maintenance? This stuff isn't made up, it's brought to your attention for a reason. Not to be snide, just saying it for what it is.

RCD, Smoke Alarms, Blind Chords - tenancy matters require vigilance and or compliance
Gutters checked/cleaned, prevents flooding into ceiling which is a much bigger problem
Tree pruning, causes gutters to get blocked if overhanging the roof
Termite/pest inspection, do you want termites?