Rental compliance: what rental providers and agents need to know

If you own or manage rental property in Victoria, safety compliance is not optional and it is not something a tenant can be asked to arrange. The obligations sit with the rental provider. This guide sets out the areas that matter and how to keep on top of them without chasing four different trades.

The four areas that come up most

Across the rentals we attend in the Goulburn Valley, the recurring items are smoke alarms, electrical safety, gas safety and the general condition items covered by the rental minimum standards.

• Smoke alarms - located correctly, tested, cleaned, and replaced when expired or faulty.
• Electrical safety - switchboards, socket outlets, lighting and fixed appliances inspected by a licensed electrician.
• Gas safety - appliances inspected and serviced by a Type A service gas fitter, including testing for carbon monoxide.
• Rental minimum standards - the condition items a property has to meet before it is let.

How often each check is due

Smoke alarms must be serviced every 12 months. Electrical Safety Checks and Gas Safety Checks are each required every two years under the Residential Tenancies Regulations. Tell us the property when you book and we will confirm exactly what applies and when it is next due.

The paperwork is the point

Having the work done is only half of it. If you cannot produce a record showing when a check happened and what was found, you are exposed. Every HomeSafeGV visit produces documentation you can file against the property, which is what an agency needs at renewal time or if a dispute ever arises.

One team instead of four

The reason most agencies come to us is simple: our licensed electricians and Type A service gas fitters are on the same team, so one booking covers the property rather than three separate trades, three sets of access arrangements and three invoices. Less coordination for your property managers, and fewer trips through the property for the tenant.

If you manage a rent roll in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Kialla, Tatura, Numurkah or the surrounding district, call 03 5897 7188 and we will talk through how we can work with your team.