As the 29 April 2014 deadline draws closer, REINSW is advising agents to encourage their vendors and landlords not to leave it to the last minute to obtain swimming pool compliance certificates.
“We have some concerns about the ability of inspectors to respond to the demand,” REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said.
From 29 April 2014 property owners with a swimming pool or spa pool (as defined by the Swimming Pools Act 1992(NSW)) will be required to register their pool and produce a certificate of compliance before they can sell or lease the property.
“We recently wrote to the Minister for Local Government Don Page asking him to review the resources charged with the obligation of responding to the additional demand and satisfy himself that the market will be able to respond,” Mr McKibbin said.
“If those resources, on reasonable assessment, are unable to adequately respond and will as a consequence impede the transaction of property, then we suggest that some transitional procedures be implemented as a part of the commencement of the legislation.
“It is not appropriate for properties to sit idle until a certificate of compliance can be obtained.
“I did not gain a lot of comfort from the Minister’s response.”
In his letter to REINSW, the Minister said: “Please be assured that the Division of Local Government and I continue to monitor the situation. As an example, the Division is contacting councils to discuss their preparedness for the new sale and lease provisions.”
“I still hold concerns as to whether or not the market and specifically councils and other providers of these certificates can respond and unfortunately, I’m predicting that we are going to see some issues,” Mr McKibbin said.
“I urge agents to systematically work through the properties they are responsible for and ask their clients to obtain these certificates now, as the certificate has a three-year life cycle.”
Source: REINSW
