Consumer Protection and the Building Commission have issued a joint warning to landlords and tenants insisting pool fences and safety barriers must be properly maintained to keep children safe this summer.

The reminder follows a recent Coroners Court hearing that found delays in repairing a self-closing pool security door at a rental property contributed to the drowning of a young child.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, “an urgent repair to avoid exposing a person to the risk of injury must be organised within 48 hours”.

“The law in WA places responsibility on the owner and occupier to ensure a compliant barrier is provided around swimming pools at all times,” said Building Commissioner, Peter Gow.

Link to source:  Residential Property Manager 4 December 2013