Pool Safety Certificates for Selling or Renting in QLD
If you’re selling or renting a property with a pool in Queensland, a pool safety certificate (Form 23) is almost always required. The certificate must be current — issued within 2 years for sales, or within 90 days before the tenancy starts for rentals.
Here’s exactly what you need to know.
Selling a Property with a Pool
What’s Required
When selling, you have two options under QLD law:
- Provide a current pool safety certificate before settlement (issued within the last 2 years for a non-shared pool)
- Disclose that there is no certificate and include a Form 36 (Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate) in the contract
What Happens With a Form 36
If you use a Form 36, the buyer takes on the obligation to obtain a pool safety certificate within 90 days of settlement. They can negotiate this cost into the contract price.
Most sellers prefer to provide a current certificate — it removes uncertainty, speeds up the sale, and demonstrates the property is compliant.
Timing Matters
Don’t leave it until the last minute. If your pool fails the initial inspection, you’ll need time for repairs and a re-inspection before settlement. Book your inspection at least 4–6 weeks before your expected settlement date to be safe.
Renting a Property with a Pool
What’s Required
Before entering into a new residential tenancy agreement for a property with a pool, the landlord must hold a current pool safety certificate. The certificate must have been issued within the 90 days before the tenancy starts.
Key Points for Property Managers
- A certificate issued 2 years ago for a sale does not automatically meet the 90-day requirement for leasing — a new inspection may be needed
- For shared pools in body corporate complexes, the certificate lasts 1 year and must be kept current at all times
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Certificate?
For sales: Settlement can be delayed, and buyers may have grounds to terminate or renegotiate the contract if a certificate is required and not provided.
For rentals: Entering a tenancy without a required pool safety certificate puts the landlord in breach of the legislation.
In both cases, it’s far better to get the inspection done early and know where you stand.
How to Get Your Certificate Fast
Budget Pool Safety Inspections offers same-week appointments across Brisbane South Side and Logan. Our licensed inspectors provide a detailed report on the day and issue your certificate within 2 business days of a successful inspection.
If your pool needs minor repairs, we’ll explain exactly what’s required so you can get it sorted quickly. Re-inspections are $99.
Book your pool inspection today — we’ll make the process as straightforward as possible.