Why Blind Cord Safety Belongs on Your Landlord Checklist
Blind cords are one of the most overlooked safety risks in rental properties. They seem harmless but they can form dangerous loops that pose a serious strangulation risk for young children. Across Australia, blind cords have been linked to preventable tragedies which is why regulators are tightening the rules and why landlords need to pay closer attention.
This is not about adding complexity. It is about creating safe homes and meeting the new minimum expectations for modern rentals.
Why blind cords matter
A loose cord can wrap around a child’s neck in seconds. Most incidents involve toddlers who are curious and quick. They climb furniture. They tug on cords. They become entangled unintentionally.
These incidents are silent and fast which is why safety regulators treat blind cords as a high priority hazard.
What the law requires
Across Australia there are already national product safety standards that require blind cords to be secured and installed correctly. Victoria has now gone further with a new minimum standard starting on 1 December 2025. Every rental property must have secured cords on all internal window coverings.
Secured cords means the cord cannot form a loop at any height and is fixed with an approved tensioner or anchor point. This must be done for every blind in every room before the property can be advertised or leased.
Other states are expected to continue strengthening these rules so treating this as a universal requirement is simply good practice for every landlord no matter where your property is located.
What compliance looks like in practice
The simplest solution is to install cord tensioners or cleats that keep cords tight and out of reach. Some landlords are choosing to replace older blinds entirely with modern cordless options. Either approach works as long as the blinds cannot form a loose loop at any time.
During routine inspections, agents will begin checking blind cords as part of general safety compliance. Landlords should factor this into their maintenance cycle the same way they already do with smoke alarms or electrical safety.
Why this benefits you as a landlord
- Safe properties rent faster: Parents and carers look for signs that a home is child friendly and well maintained.
- You reduce your risk: Non compliant blind cords can lead to penalties and create significant liability risk if an incident occurs.
- It is a small upgrade with a big impact: Blind cord anchors are inexpensive and installation is quick. The return on peace of mind is huge.
What landlords should do now
- Check every blind in the property: Look for loose or dangling cords. If you see any loops, the blind is not compliant.
- Install approved safety devices: Use tensioners, cord guides or cleats that meet national safety standards.
- Consider upgrading to cordless blinds: This future proofs the property and removes the hazard entirely.
- Get documentation: Keep invoices or installation notes. This helps with compliance records and renter queries.
Need help making your property fully compliant
If you would like assistance organising blind cord upgrades or want support checking your property against the latest safety standards, Club Property Management can help.
Email leasing@clubpropertymanagement.com.au for support and guidance on keeping your rental safe, compliant and appealing to quality tenants.
Source: Product Safety Australia. National mandatory standard for blind and curtain cord safety.