Why do I have to install Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) and Hard-wired smoke alarms before I sell or lease my property?

RCDs

In Western Australia it’s law that a minimum of two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits must be fitted to a residential property before it can be sold and the transfer of title takes place. Penalties apply if RCDs are not fitted and the land title is transferred to another person.

Where a property is intended to be demolished, the seller is not required to install RCDs at the point of sale. The buyer must provide written notice to the seller, stating that the property will be demolished within six months of transfer. If the property is not demolished within six months of transfer, the buyer must then install the required number of RCDs. If the buyer does not do so, he/she is in breach of the legislation.

Similarly, landlords must arrange for a minimum of two RCDs to be installed at their rental premises before offering the property for lease.

Please click here and here for more information.

Hard-wired smoke detectors

Western Australia’s Building Regulations (2012) require the owner of a dwelling to have compliant hard-wired smoke alarms installed:

• prior to the sale or transfer of ownership
• where a dwelling is rented under a residential tenancy agreement or made available for such rental
• where a dwelling is made available for hire

For more information please see the DFES factsheet here.