Pool Safety & Compliance Certificates: ACT Rental Guide for Landlords
If you're leasing a property with a pool in the ACT, understanding your responsibilities under the certificate of compliance rules isn't optional — it's essential. From move-in requirements to post-tenancy damage, this guide breaks down what every landlord should know.
This article supports our main page on pool inspections in Canberra, helping ensure you stay compliant, informed, and protected.
Who’s Legally Responsible for Pool Compliance?
Landlord: “Am I responsible for making sure the pool fence is compliant, or is that on the tenant?”
Inspector: “The landlord is always responsible for compliance. The certificate of compliance — known formally as Form 23 — must be valid before the property can be leased, even if the tenant agrees to maintain the pool.”
Do I Need a New Certificate Between Tenants?
Landlord: “What if I got a certificate two years ago — do I need to get a new one now that I have a new tenant?”
Inspector: “If the certificate of compliance is still valid — and the pool area hasn’t changed — you're covered.”
What If the Tenant Damages the Fence or Gate?
Landlord: “My last tenant slammed the gate — the latch doesn’t catch properly. Could that void the certificate?”
Inspector: “Yes. If the latch no longer self-closes or holds securely, the pool barrier is non-compliant and needs to be repaired.”
Landlord: “But I didn’t even know until now.”
Inspector: “That’s why routine checks matter — the compliance responsibility is always with the landlord.”
Can I Lease While Waiting for Repairs?
Landlord: “I’m waiting for repairs next week. Can I sign the lease now and fix it before move-in?”
Inspector: “No. ACT law prohibits leasing a property with a non-compliant pool — even with plans to fix it.”
Landlord: “What if I write it into the agreement?”
Inspector: “Won’t protect you. You need a valid certificate of compliance (Form 23) in hand before keys change hands.”
How Do I Stay on Top of Reinspection Cycles?
Landlord: “I manage multiple properties — how can I make sure nothing lapses?”
Inspector: “Create a compliance calendar. Set reminders at 30 months, not 36. Track repairs. Log tenant complaints about gates.”
Landlord: “Can you help me keep track?”
Inspector: “Yes — we offer free compliance reviews and reinspection tracking.”
What’s the Easiest Way to Stay Compliant?
Landlord: “Can I just book you once a year and not think about it?”
Inspector: “You could — or use our checklist after each tenancy, and we’ll remind you when you’re due.”
Landlord: “Sounds like peace of mind.”
Inspector: “Exactly. That’s our job.”
ACT Pool Safety & Certificate of Compliance Resources
View ACT Pool Safety Compliance Rules (PDF)
Learn more about pool inspections in Canberra
Book an ACT Pool Inspection
From Tom
If you’re managing ACT rentals, I know how hard it is to keep track of every inspection cycle. That’s why we’ve built landlord-ready checklists, reminders, and flexible scheduling — so compliance doesn’t fall through the cracks.
