NSW pool compliance deadline: REINSW secures investors an extension
Property owners with swimming pools in the homes have secured more time to ensure their pools and spas are compliant, with the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales having worked with the government to extend out the deadline.
Investors looking to sell or lease their property will require the swimming pool to have a certificate of compliance, announced the New South Wales Office of Local Government, however now the commencement date is 29 April 2015. Previously, this had been April 2014.
“Real estate industry representatives want more time to ensure properties with a pool are compliant before selling or leasing,” explained the Office of Local Government’s chief executive, Ross Woodward.
“Council officer feedback indicates that high inspection failure rates mean that it is not uncommon for it to take three months from first inspection to the issuing of a compliance certificate.”
The REINSW CEO, Tim McKibbin, said that they sought a deferral from the minister earlier in 2014 to help avoid adverse consequences for those properties caught up in the legislation. He noted that there’s an inadequate number of existing qualified inspectors, which made the transition period extension appropriate.
“With some 300,000 pools and spas across the state, REINSW suggested that some transitional procedures be implemented as part of the commencement of the obligation,” he said.
This certificate must now be attached to the contract of sale. It includes all private houses, townhouses, units, strata and community schemes, moveable dwellings, hotels, motels, serviced apartments, backpackers’ accommodation, homestay, farm stay, bed and breakfast and other tourist and visitor accommodation. It excludes camping grounds, caravan parks and eco-tourist facilities.
