SAFER HOMES / VICTORIAN RENTALS
Gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks help protect your renters and your investment. Keep the checks, records and follow-up work together.
Understand the checks ↗Victorian residential rentals · Reviewed 8 October 2026
THREE CHECKS. ONE CLEAR PLAN.
For residential rentals, each check has its own scope and timing. Use appropriately qualified tradespeople and review any faults identified in their reports.
All rental properties require annual smoke alarm safety checks. Alarms must be correctly installed, working, fitted with batteries and tested in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Give renters written operating, testing and fault-reporting information at or before the tenancy starts. Hard-wired alarm installation requires a qualified electrician.
CAV: smoke alarm requirements ↗A licensed electrician checks electrical installations and fittings. Energy Safe Victoria specifies assessment under AS/NZS 3019:2022, including switchboards and wiring.
If repairs are needed, use a registered electrical contractor or their licensed electrician. Keep the report and the record of corrective work.
Energy Safe: check scope ↗Gas installations and fittings must be checked by a licensed or registered gasfitter endorsed for Type A appliance servicing. Confirm the appropriate qualifications when booking.
Where a required check is overdue when a renter moves in, arrange it as soon as practicable. Ask the tradesperson to confirm the scope for your property’s gas equipment.
CAV: gas & electrical safety ↗*See the dates below for the current tenancy rules and the extension to all rental agreements from 13 October 2026. If you believe the property has no gas installations or fittings, confirm this before excluding a gas check.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS & UPCOMING CHANGES
The two-year requirements apply to relevant agreements entered into after 29 March 2021 and qualifying fixed-term agreements that roll into periodic tenancies. Older agreements require their circumstances to be checked; earlier commencement does not remove the duty to keep a property safe.
Check CAV’s current tenancy guidance ↗CAV has announced mandatory gas and electrical checks every two years regardless of when the agreement began. A gas ventilation safety check within the preceding six months will also be required before draughtproofing work.
Read CAV’s announced changes ↗Annual smoke alarm checks apply to all rentals from 25 November 2025. Properties must also meet minimum standards before advertising; internal window-covering cords must be secured from 1 December 2025.
View minimum rental standards ↗From 13 October 2026, CAV also requires records showing minimum-standards compliance before advertising, offering the property or move-in. New energy-efficiency standards begin in phases from 1 March 2027; these have separate triggers and requirements.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
Retain the latest gas and electrical reports until the next report is created. Provide a copy within seven days of a renter’s written request. Record the tradesperson, licence details, check date, results and remedial work.
Discuss required repairs with the qualified tradesperson, confirm completion and keep the supporting documents. A report identifying defects is not confirmation that the property is safe.
Keep alarm test records and the next due dates alongside the tenancy file. Review existing reports before a new renter moves in and disclose gas and electrical check dates and outstanding recommendations before signing.
Sources: CAV record and disclosure requirements ↗ · Energy Safe report guidance ↗
SAFER HOME CHECK COORDINATION
For an Ausky-managed property, share your current safety reports and any outstanding work with your property manager. Discuss booking appropriately qualified providers, arranging access and keeping the property records up to date.
Before approving a service, confirm the price, checks included, replacement items, repair costs and follow-up visits in the provider’s written quote.
Discuss your safety checks ↗Call Ausky 1800 885 886 ↗General information for Victorian residential rentals, reviewed 8 October 2026. Rooming houses and other accommodation types may have different requirements. Use the linked official guidance and qualified tradespeople for your property’s circumstances.
Also review your landlord insurance ↗