As the chill of winter sets in across Wagga Wagga and the Riverina, PRD is urging local landlords and homeowners to prioritise heater servicing and fire safety to reduce the risk of preventable house fires.
Each winter, Fire and Rescue NSW responds to hundreds of residential fires caused by faulty or poorly maintained heating equipment. According to the NSW Government’s Fire Safety campaign, heaters, fireplaces, and electric blankets are among the top three causes of winter house fires in the state (NSW Government, 2024).
A Reminder to Landlords: Servicing Is a Legal and Safety Obligation
For landlords, ensuring heating systems in rental properties are properly serviced isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal responsibility under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act. Heating appliances provided with a rental property must be safe and in working order, and failing to maintain them could leave landlords liable.
“Landlords should be treating heater servicing the same way they treat smoke alarm compliance—it’s essential,” says Tara, one of PRD Wagga’s experienced property managers. “We always recommend an annual professional service, particularly for gas or wood-fired heaters, which can pose significant health and safety risks if neglected.”
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Unserviced gas heaters can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal in confined spaces. The NSW Health Department warns that poorly ventilated or malfunctioning gas appliances are a leading cause of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning during winter (NSW Health, 2024).
Wood heaters and fireplaces also require regular chimney and flue cleaning to prevent the build-up of creosote, a highly flammable residue that can ignite with use.
Fire and Rescue NSW advises:
-
Have heaters and flues inspected and cleaned annually by a licensed technician.
-
Never use outdoor gas appliances or barbecues indoors.
-
Keep furniture and flammable materials at least one metre away from any heater.
-
Install and maintain smoke alarms in all living and sleeping areas—test monthly.
The Bottom Line: Prevention Is Better Than Emergency Response
In 2023, over 1,200 residential fires occurred in NSW during the winter months—most of them preventable with simple precautions like appliance maintenance and safe usage habits (Fire & Rescue NSW, 2024).
With Wagga Wagga’s median house value now at $630,000 and rental demand at historic highs, it makes sense to protect property and tenants by taking these steps seriously.
PRD encourages all landlords and homeowners to schedule a heater check-up with a licensed technician and ensure smoke alarms are up to date before the coldest months arrive.
To find out more about rental compliance or to request assistance with property maintenance, contact PRD Wagga Wagga at (02) 6923 3555 or visit prdwagga.com.au.
