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Information about RCD laws for homeowners, real estate agents, settlement agents, landlords, tenants and property managers. RCDs must be installed in accordance with the Electricity Regulations to protect all power and lighting circuits.
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 regulations.
Real estate agents should inform potential vendors that RCDs must be installed prior to the transfer of ownership of the property. When establishing property details from the vendor, it is recommended that the real estate agent include the following question on the vendor's property declaration:
"Is the house fitted with at least two RCDs which protect all power and lighting circuits?"
The settlement agent should provide their client with a copy of Building and Energy's RCD fact sheet. The appropriate time to provide this information is when an agent obtains or confirms an appointment to act. Supplying this information to clients will help agents comply with standards of due care and skill.
Regulations require all residential homes to be fitted with at least two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits.
Landlords must arrange for a minimum of two RCDs to be installed at their rental premises before offering the property for lease.
Regulations require all rental properties to be fitted with at least two RCDs protecting all power and lighting circuits in the house.
Check that at least two RCDs are installed before entering into a tenancy agreement.
Tenants should test their RCDs every three months to ensure their reliability. They should inform the property manager if the RCD does not operate. Faulty RCDs must be replaced immediately.
Property managers should check their residential rental properties to ensure that at least two RCDs are fitted to protect all power and lighting circuits in the residence. At least one RCD is to be fitted to power and lighting circuits in common areas of strata properties.
If RCDs are not fitted, property managers should advise the owner to have the RCDs fitted. If the owner fails to fit the RCDs then the property manager should advise Building and Energy on 6251 1900.
It is also recommended that tenants be reminded to test the RCDs every three months and inform the property manager if the RCD does not operate. This test resets the reliability of the RCD, ensuring that it is ready to protect the occupants of the house from electric shocks. Faulty RCDs must be replaced immediately.
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