It is the responsibility of a landlord to ensure their rental property is safe and secure. When a property is rented, the landlord or agent must take steps such as making repairs so the property is fit to live in.

Before a tenant moves in a landlord or agent must fill out a condition report and give two paper copies, or one electronic copy, to the tenant prior to or at the time of the tenancy agreement being signed.
The condition report includes whether there are;

• visible hazards relating to electricity (e.g. a loose or damaged electricity outlet socket, loose wiring or sparking power points)
• smoke alarms installed (as required by legislation) and the dates that they were last checked and had battery replacement
• safety switches and confirmation that they are working, which can only be known if a test has been done

Any electrical fault in a rental property either before or during a tenancy would be considered an urgent repair and tenants need to notify the landlord or agent right away so arrangements can be made for repairs to be done as soon as possible. You can find more information on NSW Fair Trading’s repairs and maintenance in rented properties page.

It is always best for a tenant and landlord or agent to try to resolve repair requests together.