Corded windows compliance - How does it affect your agency?

There has been a big increase in the number of enquiries in regards to Corded Window Compliance, with Agencies asking us what they need to do.

We can all probably agree that something is required to prevent strangulation of young children.

Since 2001, eleven children have lost their lives due to strangulation of a cord attached to a fitted blind or window.

Due to this potential hazard, particularly affecting young infants and toddlers the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) have updated the current legislation nationwide in relation to Internal Corded Windows. As of the 01/01/2015 all new installations of any window coverings or blinds in domestic dwellings must be met with the new mandatory safety standards.

This new legislation states that any loose cord within the residency cannot form a loop 220mm or longer at less than 160cm above floor level, and that all coverings must be installed as per the installation instructions in order to meet the necessary requirements for cord safety. Cleats or similar devices that are used to secure or wound a cord are strongly recommended but must be attached to wall or other structure measuring at least 160cm above floor level.

Landlords or agents failing to comply with the new legislation are in breach of the ‘Trade Practices Mandatory Safety Standards’ and can face loss of license and penalties up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 million for companies, as well as the possibility of compensation claims.

The Legislation is specific to New Installations of window coverings and, at this stage, there has been no sunset clause that is requiring all existing properties to meet the code.

SATS have looked at all the legislation to make sure that the comprehensive service that we currently offer, not only meets current legislative requirements, but also the changes that are anticipated in the future.

We are already providing this comprehensive service to many agents across Australia and as well as to some Government housing contracts.

The SATS Corded Window Compliance Program is $99inc GST that includes an Annual inspection, including all fixtures and fittings, and also an additional inspection at Change of Tenancy, to ensure the property is safe for ingoing tenants and their guests.

Article provided by SATS

Please contact 1300 416 667 or visit https://www.sats.com.au for an Australia-wide service.

Are we keeping our staff safe?

by Hermione Gardiner

As many of us have seen in the news, an outgoing inspection ended in a trip to the ER for a Western Australian property manager last week after she was brutally attacked by a tenant. We thought it prudent for you, our business owners and department managers to make comment on this and raise some awareness for on the safety of your team.

The relationship between property manager and tenant is usually fairly normal until this last day. On this last day emotions are high both from:

-          The tenant:

o    Stress of packing, cleaning, moving

o    Stress of money on the line

o    Irate nature if they have been asked to leave or terminated

-          The property manager:

o    Worry of confrontation at vacate

o    Uncertainty of how to broach issues with a long standing tenant whom they have a working relationship with

o    A poor attitude of “finally this difficult tenant is leaving so I don’t care”

It’s no wonder these situations can escalate out of control, especially when you already have an irate tenant at play. As Sara Young of Realmark says: “Whilst these types of incidents are rare, the outcome can not always be prevented, and while we don’t want to spark panic, it is important risk is minimised”

So how can we minimise the risk to our teams? Each office will be different but here are some tips:

• Communication of process – What does your vacate confirmation letter say about how the vacate process will take place? Does the tenant think that they will get their bond back on the spot? Are they aware there can be a two week turn around on the bond refund? Have they been provided with a copy of their ingoing condition report? Have they been provided with the steps to ensure there is the best chance of their bond being refunded? Take a look at the “How to get your bond back” tenant checklist in the resources section of your Real Plus platform.
• It’s okay to leave – Do your staff know that they can just walk out and leave if they feel unsafe, uneasy or threatened? What is your procedure if they do feel unsafe or have to leave? Is it in your procedure to you report any violence or threats to police. Have you considered investing in panic alarms for your staff to carry?
•  Outsourcing inspections Have you considered this avenue to avoid confrontations with tenants – outsourced inspections provide an independent report, unbiased and based on the facts, allowing you to distance yourself from findings. Outsourcing comes at a cost of course, but perhaps consider the other benefits of your property manager not only being able to rely on an independent report, but also the cost savings of that time in the office.
•  Bringing two people, or a third party along Have you considered sending two people to inspection if tenant is already an irate customer. May not be plausible for every inspection but we need to support those team members. What procedures do you have in place to warning system for future property managers of past situations, is this recorded in your trust accounting software?
• Keeping track – Staff need to diarise all inspections so we know where they are at all times. Importantly if a PM is conducting their inspection on their way home, must check in after inspection – is this written into your office procedure?
• Training in conflict resolution – Do your team regularly undergo training on conflict resolution? Do they know how to get a clear head and get out of threatening situations? Do they know how to stay neutral and factual, stating what is different and that will be discussed with owner. Not what consequences are. We have some great webinar training on the platform or can cater something to your team.

What other tips and ideas do you have to ensure your staff stay safe? Let us know! And of course get in touch on our facebook if we can help in any way.