If you’re planning to sell or lease a property with a pool — whether it’s on the Redcliffe Peninsula or elsewhere in Queensland — understanding pool safety compliance is crucial. A key part of this process is the Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23).
Leaving this until the last minute can cause delays, stress, and potentially complicate the sale or lease of your property
What is a Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23)?
A Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) confirms that your swimming pool or spa barrier complies with Queensland’s pool safety laws.
A licensed pool safety inspector issues the certificate after checking:
- Pool barriers
- Gates and latches
- Climbable objects
- Overall compliance with the Queensland Pool Safety Standard
Certificate duration:
- Shared pools (apartments or community settings): valid for 1 year
- Non-shared pools (private residential pools): valid for 2 years
The Power of ‘Ticking the Box’ on Your Disclosure
When you sell a property with a pool, the contract requires mandatory disclosure about the pool’s safety status.
Disclosure Option | Your Position | Buyer Impact |
Current Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) Provided? | YES | Simplifies the contract, boosts buyer confidence, and removes buyer burden — the ideal scenario. |
Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate (Form 36) Provided? | NO | Alerts the buyer that the pool may be non-compliant. Transfers risk, cost, and a 90-day compliance deadline to the buyer — often leading to price negotiations. |
Getting your Form 23 early allows your agent to confidently tick the ‘YES’ box, presenting your property as fully compliant and hassle-free from the very start.
Pool Safety Certificates for Sales vs Leasing
Selling a Property (Non-Shared Pools)
You can sell a property in Queensland without a current Form 23, but you must disclose this by providing the buyer with a Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate (Form 36) before they enter the contract.
The buyer is then responsible for obtaining a Form 23 within 90 days of settlement.
Important: You must also provide a copy of the Form 36 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) prior to settlement.
Leasing a Property (Non-Shared Pools)
For non-shared pools (private residential pools), a valid Pool Safety Certificate (Form 23) must be in place before entering into any lease agreement or accommodation arrangement.
This is a mandatory requirement with no grace period
Understanding Pool Disclosure Statements
For property sales, disclosure statements ensure buyers are informed about key property details, including whether a pool exists and whether it complies with safety laws. The pool section of the disclosure statement typically asks:
Is there a swimming pool on the property? Yes / No
Is it a shared pool in a community title or BUGTA scheme? Yes / No
Is a pool compliance certificate provided? Yes / No
Or is a notice of no pool safety certificate provided? Yes / No
Having a current certificate allows you to tick “Yes” for compliance, simplifying the sale process and maintaining buyer confidence.
Why Disclosure and Certificates Matter
Transparency: Builds trust with buyers or tenants.
Compliance: Meets Queensland’s legal requirements.
Avoids Delays: Reduces complications during sale or lease.
Reduces Risk: Minimises potential disputes or legal claims related to non-compliance.
How Getting Your Certificate Early Helps Your Listing
- ✅ Smooth transactions: Your property disclosure is complete and accurate from day one.
- 💪 Build buyer confidence: Demonstrates a commitment to safety and compliance.
- 💰 Avoid price negotiations: Reduces grounds for buyers to request price reductions or retentions.
- 🧰 Gain time for fixes: If the pool isn’t compliant, early inspection gives you time to address issues stress-free.
Our Advice
Even if you’re planning to sell or lease in the next 6–12 months, booking your pool safety inspection now is a smart move. At Brisbane Pool Safety, we provide fast, reliable inspections and certificates, helping you stay ahead and list or lease your property with confidence.
Ready to get your pool safety certificate before listing or leasing your property? Contact us today at 0457 520 953 or info@brisbanepoolsafety.com.au to book your inspection.
Disclaimer: This information is intended as general guidance on the requirements for Pool Safety Certificates (Form 23) and Disclosure Statements (Form 36) in Queensland. As licensed pool safety inspectors, we are not licensed to provide legal advice. For specific advice regarding property sales contracts, disclosure obligations, or legal interpretation, please consult a qualified solicitor or conveyancer.