Renting a house with a pool: what tenants must do
QBCC says tenants of a property with a pool must keep the pool gate closed and never prop it open, keep the pool area clear of things a child could use to get in, and tell the landlord if the fence is broken or a gate doesn't self-close. Before you sign a lease for a house with its own pool, a pool safety certificate must be in effect.
What you must do as a tenant
- Keep the pool gate closed at all times, and never prop it open.
- Keep the pool area clear of objects that children could use to get in unattended: furniture, pot plants, toys.
- Tell the landlord or property manager if the fence is broken or doesn't meet the standard, for example when a gate doesn't self-close.
QBCC says propping a gate open is an offence under the Building Act 1975. Anyone can also report an unsafe pool to the local council at any time.
What the landlord must have
- House or townhouse with its own pool: QBCC says a lessor must not enter into a lease unless a pool safety certificate is in effect.
- Shared pool (units, complexes): the lessor gives a copy of the certificate to the new tenant and the pool owner, and the certificate is displayed near the entrance to the premises or the pool. If there isn't one, a Form 36 is lodged and the body corporate has 90 days to get one.
- A property manager, if there is one, is responsible for keeping the pool's safety features in working order and making sure tenants and owners understand the pool safety laws.
Before you sign
- Ask for a copy of the pool safety certificate, and check the date. A non-shared pool certificate lasts 2 years and a shared one 1 year.
- Check the property on the QBCC pool register.
- Look at the gate yourself: open it to a few positions and let go. It should close and latch by itself.
- Note any problem in writing to the property manager.
QBCC's pages don't say who pays for repairs to a pool fence in a rental. Ask the property manager, or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority.
Sources: QBCC, swimming pool safety laws (opens in a new tab) and QBCC, buy, sell or lease a property with a pool (opens in a new tab).
What to do next
Landlords and property managers: see leasing a property with a pool. Everyone: gate and latch basics.
Check the gate and fence in a few minutes
The self-check walks you through the gate and fence and lets you share what needs attention with your property manager.
Common questions
What are a tenant's pool duties in Queensland?
QBCC says tenants must keep the pool gate closed and never prop it open, keep the pool area clear of objects children could use to get in unattended, and tell the landlord if the fence is broken or a gate doesn't self-close.
Must a rental house with a pool have a pool safety certificate?
For a house or townhouse with a non-shared pool, QBCC says the lessor must not enter into a lease unless a pool safety certificate is in effect.
How do I check the certificate?
Ask for a copy and check the date, then search the property on the QBCC pool register. A certificate lasts 2 years for a non-shared pool and 1 year for a shared pool.
Who pays to fix the pool fence in a rental?
QBCC's pages don't say. Ask the property manager or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority.
What if the pool gate doesn't close?
Tell the landlord or property manager in writing. QBCC says a gate that doesn't self-close is a reason to report it, and anyone can report an unsafe pool to the council.