How to Talk to Tenants About Pool Compliance — Without Sounding Legalistic
Landlords across the ACT are asking the same question:
“How do I talk to my tenants about pool safety without sounding like I’m quoting legislation?”
With rental pool compliance now a legal requirement in the ACT, it’s important to keep things safe and clear — without making tenants feel policed or blamed. The key? Keep the conversation human, helpful, and practical.
Here’s how to navigate these conversations, based on real exchanges we’ve had with landlords and inspectors across Canberra.
✅ Start with Safety — Not Rules
Landlord: “I want to explain the pool rules to my tenants, but I don’t want to scare them off.”
Inspector: “Lead with safety. Say something like:
‘The pool’s certified for safety, and there are a few small things that help keep it that way — especially with the gate and garden.’”
By starting with safety instead of regulation, you build trust. It’s not about enforcement — it’s about care.
🤝 Keep It Collaborative, Not Adversarial
Landlord: “So, no ‘by order of the law’ talk?”
Inspector: “Exactly. That kind of phrasing sounds legalistic. Instead, make it about partnership.”
Reframing the message this way helps tenants feel involved rather than scrutinized — an especially important approach when dealing with families or long-term renters.
🛠️ Explain Their Role Without Blame
Landlord: “The tenants don’t maintain the fence — but if the latch breaks, my compliance is at risk. How do I bring that up?”
Inspector: “Say:
‘If you ever notice the gate not latching, or if something near the fence could be climbed, just let me know. That way we can stay on top of it together.’”
You’re not assigning them tasks — you’re inviting them to be observant. That’s the difference between empowering and delegating blame.
📄 What About Written Notices or Lease Add-Ons?
Landlord: “Should I write pool compliance into the lease or just mention it?”
Inspector: “Start with a conversation. Then follow up with a one-pager, or add it as a friendly appendix.”
You can get this from your pool inspection Canberra provider or your managing agent. It doesn't need to be formal — it just needs to be visible and easy to understand.
Landlord: “So no official legal form?”
Inspector: “Not unless your agent insists. A simple, clear note does the job.”
🧠 Making the CPR Sign Make Sense
Landlord: “Do I really need to explain the CPR sign? Won’t they just ignore it?”
Inspector: “It’s easy to overlook — but it matters. Try this:
‘If there’s ever an emergency in the pool, the CPR sign gives you clear steps to help before emergency services arrive. Even if it’s never used — it’s a fast way to act.’”
This reframing turns an ignored sign into a helpful tool.
🙌 Reassure Them That Compliance Is Normal
Landlord: “I’m worried they’ll think this means something’s wrong.”
Inspector: “Flip the message. Say:
‘We’re proud to keep the property fully compliant — not every landlord does. It’s part of keeping the home safe and well-managed.’”
By presenting certificate of compliance ACT as a badge of responsibility, you change the tone from defensive to professional.
🧩 Final Tips for Friendly Pool Conversations
✅ Keep language supportive and non-enforcing
✅ Use the word “safe” more than “compliant”
✅ Encourage observation, not responsibility
✅ Use real examples — not legislation
✅ Follow up with a simple one-pager if needed
🏡 From the Field: What Works Best
We work with hundreds of ACT landlords and tenants every year. And the most successful conversations about Canberra pool safety always follow this principle:
“Be proactive, not punitive. Be clear, not complex.”
When pool compliance is explained as part of being a responsible landlord — not a legal hammer — tenants respect it, remember it, and usually help protect it.
📍 Ready for a Tenant Toolkit?
Need help framing the message? Ask your pool inspection Canberra provider for a:
Friendly one-pager to include in welcome packs
Lease appendix template
Tenant-safe language guide
From Tom
We work with hundreds of ACT landlords and tenants. The trick is to keep pool safety practical, human, and no-pressure.
If you’d like a one-pager or prep script to help frame the conversation, just ask.
📍 Download Tenant-Safe Language Tips →
📘 Learn ACT Pool Safety Law →
