Does your Airbnb comply with the latest QLD Pool Safety Laws?

Since 2008, Airbnb has given more and more investors the possibility of owning more homes and making a handsome income while enjoying the appreciation of their investments. However, in our experience as pool safety inspectors, we find that at least 6 out of 7 Airbnb pools don’t comply with the latest QLD pool safety laws.

Unsafe pool fences not only leave the property owner at risk of a hefty fine but could result in severe injury or, worse, death of a young child.

Airbnb properties are no different to standard property rentals and must comply with the latest QLD pool safety laws. With backyard pools now being put under the microscope by local councils, on the spot fines for unsafe pool fences are a way authorities are trying to protect kids from drowning this summer. In the last 3 months, we have seen more notices issued by the council than ever before. Pool owners are given 90 days or less to rectify any unsafe pool fences or face a fine of up to $824 for homeowners and $2000 for businesses.

With owning a pool, supervision is always essential. Yet, this is not something you can’t always be in control of, as the Airbnb owner. Having a competent and compliant pool barrier is another way of slowing down and reducing access to the pool. 

Here’s what you can do to ensure your Airbnb pool fence is safe and compliant with the latest QLD pool safety laws:

• Get your pool inspected by a QBCC Licensed and insured pool safety inspector. By using a reputable and experienced inspector, you’ll have peace of mind that you won’t have future worries with council inspections and potential drownings.
• A pool safety certificate on rental properties must be renewed every 2 years. This will help you pick up any problems like broken gate latches that could make the fence unsafe.
• Pool safety guidelines must form part of your rental contract. For example, renters need to ensure that they keep the pool gates closed at all times. To meet the new standards, pool gates must self latch from any open position and never be propped open.
• No climbing objects are allowed within 900mm of fences. 
• An updated CPR sign, listing breath before compressions must be installed to be visible from anywhere in the pool area.
• Download our pool safety certificate checklist to stay on top of any pool fence maintenance that will keep your fence safe.

The fact that you are not normally living at your rental or Airbnb property makes it even more difficult to control the use and maintenance requirements of the pool fence. That’s why it’s so important to get your pool inspected within the 2-year timeline.

Staying on top of pool fence maintenance will also give you peace of mind when you’re not at the property.

Simply put, if you own an Airbnb or rental property with a pool, you’ve got a responsibility to ensure the fence is safe and compliant for anyone using the property. We can help you get your pool fence safe and keep it that way for years to come.

Get your Airbnb pool fence safe today. Give us a call on 0457-445-197 or send us an email here.