MINIMUM LEVELS OF SECURITY

Are you confused about the new minimum levels of security you are suppose to have well join the club. You have until July 2015 to comply with this new law - whose is going to police it no one, but if your tenant is robbed, or mugged or broken in to and you don't have these minimum requirements you will get fined - by who - hmmm DOCEP who are they - hmmm a Government Department that may or may not be in touch with real estate matters but appear to just want to fine agents.

What security must be installed on all rental properties:

Main entry door - deadlock or a key lockable security door that complies with AS 5039-2008 - what's that ???? rang The Department of Commerce Consumer Affairs didn't know have to ring the Australian Guide Lines - yep left a message for them to ring me back so at this stage none the wiser.  Let you know when the come back to me.
I am gathering it must be a particular standard of door lock, one that our robbers cannot open with a credit card.

How is this different from the current laws?

Landlords have always been required to provide and maintain locks or other devices to ensure rental premises are "reasonably secure".  These new laws simply provide more detail about the minimum standard that need to be in place to ensure the premises are reasonably secure.
Personally I don't believe that you are going to stop anyone from entering your home/rental property if they want to they are simply going to smash the window.  Have your base ball bat ready for them.

Why have the changes been made?

A review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 recommended the changes to provide clarity about what is considered "a reasonable level of security".  There is also an increasing concern within the community about the safety in the home of more vulnerable people, including the elderly and children.
Totally agree you have to have some level of security for your tenants cannot be having no door locks or security screens - open invitation.

How were the minimum standards of security decided?

The Department of Commerce consulted with industry representatives, property owners and tenants.
The Department also sought advice from the Office of Crime Prevention.
The minimum levels of security reflected a position of agreement reached with the majority of the stakeholders.
Really wonder how many people were actually consulted like to see the numbers on that.

I own an apartment that is not on the ground floor.  Do I still need to comply with these requirements?

You Will need to meet the minimum security requirements in relation to the main entry door.  If there is a door onto a balcony, you do not need to install the required security if the balcony can only be accessed from inside the premises.
You do not need to meet the requirement for an entry light if the external lighting is the responsibility of the strata body of owners rather than the individual owner.
Have heard of rental companies bowling into apartments and putting bolts on to sliding doors to the apartments balcony - there is absolutely no need to

Do the minimum standards of security apply to my two storey house?

Yes, but only to some of the doors and windows.  The required locks will need to be applied to all entry doors and windows on the ground floor.  If there is a door onto a balcony, you do not need to install the required security if the balcony can only be accessed from inside the premises.  The requirements also do not apply to any window that is situated on the second storey or above in a multi-storey home and is not easily accessible from the outside.

My property has louver windows.  Do I need to install window locks on these?

Louver windows rely on an internal lever to move them into the open and closed position.  This lever, when pushed into the fully closed position, locks the louver window.  If this locking mechanism is not functioning, you will need to install another mechanism that will allow this lever to be locked in the fully closed position.


Do the minimum standards of security apply to rural properties?

If the property is on land zoned for agricultural or rural use, you will not be required to meet the minimum security standards.  You will still be required to provide and maintain locks or other devices to ensure the rental premises are 'reasonably secure'.
Just take the key out of the door would be good and actually lock your door - most rural people I know don't ever lock their homes !!

The Property I own is heritage listed and I am not allowed to install deadlocks.

Properties listed on the State Heritage Register  are exempt from these requirements.  You will still be required to provide and maintain locks or other devices to ensure the rental premises are 'reasonably secure'.
Would be very interesting to see what they do.

Just remember that people need to have some form of security to keep them safe, however logistically how safe are we really !!  The laws don't even protect us, the biggest security I would suggest is a base ball bat by your bed and make sure it's a good hit the first time.
In all seriousness though you can lock yourself in good and tight but so tight that if there is a fire and you fumble for keys etc it might be an actual danger to yourself.  I don't know - what is this world coming to ???

Email for us the letter to the changes to residential tenancy law if you would like an actual copy.  gill@viviansresidential.com.au

MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS AND GIVE IT A REAL GO !!