New Swimming Pool Laws in NSW

New legislation affecting backyard swimming pools and spa pools has been introduced in NSW to enhance the safety of children around private (backyard) swimming pools and spas. How will this affect you?

Pool owners

Swimming pool and spa pool owners are required to register their pools on an online Register to be provided by the NSW State Government. Owners are required to self-assess and state that their pool complies with the applicable standards when registering.

The NSW Swimming Pool Register is available for use at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au. Owners must register their pools by no later than 29 October 2013. There is a penalty for owners who fail to do so. Owners may also register their pools via their local council.

Owners may apply for a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate from their local councils or an accredited certifier so they are in a position to confidently register their pool. However, there is a fee payable for this service.From 29 April 2014 pool owners who wish to sell their property must apply and obtain a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate to be attached to the contract for sale, and pool owners who wish to lease their property must apply and obtain a Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate and provide a copy to the tenant.

A Swimming Pool Compliance Certificate is valid for 3 years.

Managing Properties Affected by the NSW Bushfires

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the Bushfires in NSW... For our Real+ Members managing properties near the affected areas - we wanted to provide you with some information on what to do if any of your tenancies are affected by the disaster. It’s also great information to know even if you are not in those affected areas. 

Office of Fair Trading: 13 32 20

For all Real+ members around Australia this tragic time is a timely reminder to ensure you have efficient procedures in place in regards to landlords insurance. Depending on the policy in your office and state you need to be recommending or ensuring to your landlords to always have up to date Home and Building Insurance so that they are adequately covered in an event such as this.

If you need help setting up an ongoing annual programme to ensure your landlords insurance policies remain up to date, and to eliminate any risk to your agency if your landlord chooses not to insure, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Real+.

What Face Do You Show on Facebook?

Cheeky status updates on Facebook can be fun and create a lot of ‘attention’ from your friends. Downside is, these types of posts give a client or work colleagues way too much information about your personal life and risk painting the wrong impression.

If business acquaintances have access to your personal page, then it’s time to shift your attention from just ‘social’ posting and include posts which highlight your values and character.

‘Un-friend’ any unsavoury types you’re connected to, avoid mixing alcohol and Facebook updates and try to steer clear of compromising photo opportunities.

Ultimately, the responsibility of what appears on your Facebook profile lies with you. If you’re concerned about your image, now would be the time to adjust your privacy settings and photo tagging permissions.

Your social media profile plays a huge part in how you present yourself publicly and should be the very best representation of you. After all, that potential client you’re trying to impress, could be weighing you up on Facebook right this very minute!