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NSW Fair Trading has reminded tenants that one child a week will fall from a window or balcony, and stressed that keeping a rented home safe should be a priority.
Property managers who know a tenant has small children should keep an eye out for furniture close to windows, as well as balconies.
The reminder suggests tenants can fit locks or guards to windows so that they cannot be opened more than 12.5 cm, except by an adult.
“Don’t get fooled by fly screens. They’re designed to keep insects out – not hold kids in. They’re simply not strong enough,” the report claimed.
Tenants who are looking to install safety features cannot, by law, refuse consent according to Fair Trading.
“If you live in a rented property make sure you get the landlord’s written consent before adding a fixture or making an alteration to your home," the newsletter warned.
“By law, a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent for a tenant to make minor changes, such as installing window safety devices or other security features.”
The reminder comes almost six months after a central Queensland coroner suggested tougher laws should be introduced to make sure tenants' safety is paramount after the death of a seven week-old baby.
