Safety Check Schedule — What's Required
Victorian law requires three mandatory safety checks for all rental properties:
Electrical Safety Check:
- Frequency: Every 24 months
- Cost: $600 + GST
- Re-inspection fee (if issues found): $150
- Must be conducted by a licensed electrician
- Common issues found: outdated switchboards, ungrounded sockets, faulty wiring
Gas Safety Check:
- Frequency: Every 24 months
- Covers: All gas appliances, connections, and ventilation
- Must be conducted by a licensed gas fitter
Smoke Alarm Inspection:
- Frequency: Every 12 months (annual)
- Covers: Battery replacement, functionality test, placement verification
- Hard-wired alarms still need annual testing
Bundled pricing: We offer a 3-check package for $500–$650 + GST covering all three checks. This saves approximately $200–$300 compared to booking separately.
Common Issues & Remediation Costs
These are the most frequent issues found during safety checks, with real costs from our maintenance team:
Electrical Issues:
- Switchboard upgrade (pre-1990s boards): $1,500+
- Main switch upgrade: $350
- Individual socket grounding fix: $280 per socket
- Whole-house downlight and exhaust fan replacement: ~$2,000
Gas Issues:
- Carbon monoxide leak repair: Varies (emergency priority)
- Flue replacement: $300–$800
- Gas connection tightening: Usually included in check fee
Smoke Alarm Issues:
- Battery replacement: $10–$20 per alarm
- Hard-wired alarm replacement: $150–$300 installed
- Additional alarm installation (if coverage insufficient): $100–$200 each
Important compliance note: If a safety issue is identified, the landlord must address it before the property can be rented (or continue to be rented). Our team provides a 30-day advance notice before each check is due, with auto-scheduling if no response within 5 days — ensuring you never miss a compliance deadline.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Victoria takes rental safety compliance seriously. Penalties for non-compliance include:
VCAT Orders:
- Tenants can apply to VCAT for compliance orders
- VCAT can order immediate remediation at landlord's expense
- Repeated non-compliance can result in compensation orders to the tenant
Insurance Implications:
- If a fire or gas incident occurs without valid safety checks, your building insurance claim may be denied
- This can result in full liability for property damage AND tenant injury
Tenant Rights:
- Tenants can arrange urgent safety repairs up to $2,500 if the landlord is unresponsive
- The landlord must reimburse these costs
Our compliance guarantee: Our Ongoing Team tracks every safety check due date across all managed properties. We send reminders 30 days in advance, schedule tradespeople, and manage the entire process. No landlord in our portfolio has ever received a non-compliance penalty.
Best practice: Schedule your electrical and gas checks together (both 24-month cycles). This reduces call-out fees and ensures both are always in sync.