Amendments to the minimum standards introduced by the Victorian Government now mandate the use of safety anchors on all corded blinds in rental properties. This requirement applies to blinds installed at any time and takes effect from 1 December 2025.
Key information
- Mandatory safety anchors: All corded internal window coverings in residential rental properties must have an anchor installed to secure or tension the cords, preventing them from forming a loose loop from 1 December 2025.
- Closing the compliance gap: Previously, corded window coverings installed before 2010 were not required to meet updated safety regulations.
- Injury statistics: Between 2010 and 2020, the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit recorded 26 emergency department presentations due to injuries caused by blind cords. Two fatal accidents have occurred in Victoria, with an additional two deaths reported nationally over the past decade.
Why the change?
The regulatory update follows a coroner’s recommendation after the death of three-year-old Lincoln Shearer in 2020. Lincoln’s grandmother, Kerrie Shearer, became a fierce advocate for change after her grandson accidentally became entangled in a blind cord while playing on a windowsill at home.
Working alongside Kidsafe, Kerrie campaigned to close the legal loophole that allowed unsafe blinds to remain in rental properties, pushing for what she hopes will be known as Lincoln’s Law.
"Any looped or hanging cords are a danger to children, so they need to be affixed to the wall," she said.
Legislative context
As part of the Residential Tenancies and Residential Tenancies (Rooming House Standards) Amendment (Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards) Regulations 2024, the installation of safety anchors for corded internal window coverings will become a minimum safety standard under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, effective 1 December 2025.
Achieve compliance and protect your tenants with Detector Inspector
Detector Inspector offers a corded blind safety service as a simple add on to existing services at your property. For $25+GST, rest easy knowing your tenants are safe and you are compliant. You can learn more about our corded blind safety service here.
