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If you own a rental property in Victoria, regular electrical safety checks are part of your legal responsibilities as a landlord. Under Victoria’s rental laws, you’re required to have your property’s electrical installations and fittings inspected every two years, regardless of when the tenancy began.
Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about what’s involved, who can carry out the inspection and how to make sure your property meets the requirements.
Quick Answer:
- A rental property electrical safety check must be done at least every two years by a licensed or registered electrician.
- If a renter moves in and there’s been no check in the last two years, you need to arrange one as soon as possible.
- The check covers the switchboard, safety switches, wiring, power points, light fittings and any electrical appliances you supply.
- You must keep the most recent record and give the renter a copy within seven days if they ask for it in writing.
- Smoke alarms are a separate requirement and need to be checked every 12 months.
What Does the Law Say?
Under Victoria’s rental laws, landlords must arrange an electrical safety check every two years. The inspection must be carried out by a licensed or registered electrician and cover the property’s electrical installations, fixtures and fittings.
These requirements originally applied to rental agreements starting on or after 29 March 2021. However, since 13 October 2026, they’ve applied to all rental properties in Victoria, regardless of when the tenancy began.
There are a few other responsibilities landlords should be aware of:
- Before a new lease: Tell prospective renters when the last electrical safety check was completed and whether any recommended work is still outstanding.
- Overdue inspections: If the property hasn’t been checked within the past two years when a renter moves in, arrange an inspection as soon as possible.
- Keeping records: Keep a copy of the latest electrical safety check until the next inspection is completed.
- Renter requests: If a renter requests a copy of the inspection record in writing, you must provide it within seven days.
These requirements are overseen by Consumer Affairs Victoria, so it’s important to keep your inspections up to date and your records organised.
What’s Checked During a Victorian Rental Electrical Inspection?
A Victorian rental electrical inspection looks at the electrical parts of the property that you’re responsible for. The electrician will usually check:
- the switchboard, including circuit breakers and its general condition
- safety switches (RCDs), which are tested to make sure they trip properly
- wiring that can be seen, looking for damage, wear or overheating
- power points and light switches
- light fittings
- electrical appliances you provide, such as the oven, cooktop, hot water system, heating and air conditioning
- earthing, to make sure the system is safely connected
The inspection follows the Australian Standard for periodic electrical checks, AS/NZS 3019. For most homes, it takes about an hour or two, depending on the size of the property.
What About Switchboards and Safety Switches?
The electrical safety check is separate from the rental minimum standards, but the two are closely linked. Under the minimum standards, every rental home must have a modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches. All power outlets and lighting circuits must be connected to them.
Older properties with ceramic fuses or no safety switches often won’t meet this standard. If the electrician finds this during your rental property electrical safety check, they’ll recommend an upgrade. It’s best to get it done quickly, because it’s a safety risk for your renters and a compliance risk for you.
Don’t Forget the Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms aren’t part of the two-yearly electrical check. They have their own rule. Rental providers need to make sure smoke alarms are working and tested every 12 months.
Depending on when the property was built, the alarms may also need to be hardwired or interconnected. If your alarms are old or don’t meet current standards, our smoke alarm installation service can replace them and make sure everything is compliant.
What Happens If Something Fails?
If the electrician finds a problem, they’ll note it on the report and explain what needs to be fixed. Small issues, like a faulty power point, can often be repaired on the spot. Bigger jobs, like a switchboard upgrade, are usually quoted separately.
Anything that’s unsafe should be fixed as soon as possible. Under Victorian rental law, electrical faults that make the property unsafe count as urgent repairs.
Making Compliance Easy
The simplest way to stay compliant is to put the next check in your calendar as soon as one is done. If you have several properties, it helps to keep all your reports in one place, along with the smoke alarm and gas safety records.
It’s also a good idea to book the check between tenancies where you can. It’s easier to access the property, and any repairs can be done before a new renter moves in.
Book Your Rental Electrical Safety Check
At O’Shea Electrical, our licensed electricians carry out electrical safety checks for landlords and rental properties across Melbourne. We’ll inspect and test everything the regulations require and give you a clear report for your records. If anything needs fixing, we’ll explain the options in plain English.
Book an electrical safety check today, or get in touch with the team to arrange a time that suits you and your renters.
