Sustainability declaration Queensland
As of January 1 2010 if you are selling a property in Queensland you will be required to complete a checklist that identifies your properties environmental and sustainability features in four key areas; Energy, Water, Safety and Access. This checklist (form) is called the Sustainability Declaration and is a legal requirement of selling your home in Queensland. If you have advertised your property online you will need to make reference to how potential buyers can get a hold of the Sustainability declaration somewhere on your advertisement.
It does not matter whether the property you are selling is one of the existing 1.6 million homes already built in Queensland or whether it is a new home, either way you will be required to have this form completed and ready for viewing by any potential buyers on request. The fine for not completing the Sustainability declaration in Queensland is up to $2,000 dollars. A very hefty fee for a simple 2 page form.
The Sustainability declaration is available on the buymyplace.com.au website along with a few questions and answers directly from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning in Queensland about how to fill out this form.
The aim of the Sustainability declaration is to increase the awareness and marketability of your properties sustainable building features and will act as an incentive for home owners to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland’s homes.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the sustainability declaration in Queensland:
Where can I get a copy of the Sustainability declaration form?
You can download the most recent form here by clicking this link or you can visit the Department of Infrastructure and Planning's website. The form is in PDF format and can be easily printed.
Is there some information to help me complete the form?
There an official document available to help you complete the Sustainability declaration, however keep in mind that the form itself does carry a good deal of information that can guide you in completing the declaration form. You can find this reference guide by clicking Sustainability declaration reference guide.
What if I need to change some information on the Sustainability declaration form?
The easiest thing to do here is to replace the form with an updated one. Your other option would be to change the original form being sure to mark and date clearly where you have made changes. It is the onus of the property owner to ensure the Sustainability declaration is as up to date as possible.
What about rental properties?
At this stage a rental property does not require a Sustainability declaration. If you are selling the rental property then you will require a Sustainability declaration for the rental property.
What if the Sustainability declaration form is incorrect?
The sustainability declaration form itself does not form part of the sale document, so it is not possible for the buyer to terminate the sale contract. However as a result of the misleading information you may face legal ramifications for the buyer and also a costly fine from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
If I advertise my property myself do I need to make reference to the Sustainability declaration?
Yes. If you are selling a property you must make reference to where the Sustainability declaration can be accessed. This means you can simply ask the buyer to enquire with you directly via your contact details, or you can upload your Sustainability declaration to your online advertisement by simply calling buyMyplace.com.au on 1300 289 697.
Is there professional help I can get to help me complete the Sustainability declaration?
Yes. A number of consulting companies are offering paid services which will see an energy consultant come and complete the Sustainability declaration for a fee.
To find out more about the Sustainability declaration in Queensland click here.
