The Victorian Government has issued an urgent safety warning concerning popular heaters ahead of the winter months. If your investment property is fitted with a Vulcan Heritage and Pyrox Heritage heater, you could be putting your tenants at risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Victoria’s Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon has released a statement stating that both types of heater emit high levels of the hazardous gas under certain conditions. Tenants should be advised NOT to use the heaters until they have been properly tested by a qualified gasfitter.
The heaters’ manufacturer, Climate Technologies, are offering to test every household with one of the heaters present. If your property has either type of heater, call (03) 8795 2462 to book a test. Climate Technologies will offer a $150 rebate towards the cost of the inspection, and if a carbon monoxide issue is identified, will discuss a discounted replacement.
Safety incidents like these reiterate the importance of having an experienced property manager on your side. When issues arise that require landlord action, a great property manager will notify you in a timely manner, and be empowered to address the matter on your behalf – or provide the best solution to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to attend to urgent repairs and ensure a safe living environment for your tenants. Urgent repairs include:
- failure or breakdown of any essential service or appliance provided by a landlord or agent for hot water, water, cooking, heating, or laundering
- any fault or damage in the premises that makes the premises unsafe or insecure
With winter on the way, look to provide your tenants with safer, more energy efficient solutions to heating. Your property manager may be able to send a notice to tenants to advise of the best way to maximise efficiency in the property, like closing off doors to unused rooms, closing curtains to trap heat and sealing up gaps to prevent heat loss. Reverse cycle air conditioners can be a cheap and efficient way to heat the home, too. Speak to your Think Property & Co manager about what will work best for your specific investment. For more information on gas safety, Consumer Affairs Victoria provides info for tenants and landlords here.
Better property management means a simpler life for you as a landlord, and a safer life for your tenants.