•Ensure timber pergolas, verandas and steps are not in contact with the ground.

•Be aware that nests in mature eucalypts, tree stumps and hardwood sleeper walls are potential sources of building infestations.

•Do not leave untreated timber lying around your yard or against the walls of your house.

•Do not build garden beds beside the walls of your house, and be extra careful not to have weep holes (small holes between the bricks near the ground) below soil level.

•If the floor is on stumps or brick piers, inspect the "ant" caps regularly for breaches, and make sure no flooring timbers are in contact with the ground.

•Don't buy a new home without a termite report from a BSA-licensed termite inspector.

•After the initial inspection, remember to have a professional pest inspection at least once a year. Don’t rely on an old report – the fact the house was termite-free last year doesn’t mean it still is.

•Don't rely on luck to protect your home. Even if your home is built on a concrete slab it still has a 'high' risk of termite attack.

•Don't assume your home was correctly pre-sprayed for termites when it was built. It probably wasn't.

Where a building is found to be infested, the infestation can only be chemically treated by a BSA licensed pest controller. The pest controller will attempt to locate and treat the source nest if possible, or install a chemical soil barrier or baiting system. •

Tenants have an obligation to replace any battery that is flat or nearly flat during their tenancy as well as report any fault or non working smoke alarm to the landlord or landlord’s agent.

"You should always be aware of these and other compliance obligations of Landlord’s and Tenant’s", said Guy.

The information here is general information only. If you require specific advice on your particular circumstances we can refer you to one of our Legal Partners. •