Frequently asked questions

General

What services does HomeSafeGV provide?

HomeSafeGV provides a range of rental property safety, compliance and maintenance services, including:

• Smoke alarm servicing
• Electrical Safety Checks
• Gas Safety Checks
• Rental Minimum Standards checks
• Water efficiency checks
• Electrical and plumbing repairs
• Heating and cooling services
• General compliance and rectification works

What areas do you service?

HomeSafeGV services Shepparton, Echuca, Cobram, Benalla, Kyabram, Numurkah and surrounding areas across the Goulburn Valley and beyond. Contact our team if you're unsure whether we service your area.

Can you manage all of our property's safety checks?

Yes. We can manage multiple compliance services for the same property, helping keep due dates, bookings, reports and required follow-up works in one place.

Do you work directly with property managers?

Yes. We work with property managers and agencies throughout the region to coordinate bookings, renter access, compliance reporting, quotes and rectification works.

Do you contact the renter to arrange access?

Yes. Once we receive the required details, our team can contact the renter directly to arrange access.

What happens if you can't get in contact with the renter?

If we're unable to arrange access directly with the renter, we'll contact the property manager to discuss the next steps, which may include arranging access via keys and a Notice of Entry.

Smoke alarms

How often should smoke alarms be serviced?

For the properties we manage, smoke alarms are serviced annually to ensure they are operating correctly and meet the applicable requirements.

What happens during a smoke alarm service?

Our technicians inspect and test the smoke alarms at the property, check their condition and operation, and identify alarms requiring replacement or further attention.

What happens if a smoke alarm needs replacing?

Where possible and authorised, we can replace faulty or expired smoke alarms during the service. If additional electrical work is required, we'll advise the property manager and provide a quote where necessary.

Can you replace a hardwired smoke alarm with a battery alarm?

Not necessarily. The requirements depend on the property and the existing installation. Where a hardwired alarm is required, it generally cannot simply be replaced with a battery-only alarm.

Electrical Safety Checks

How often is an Electrical Safety Check required?

In Victoria, rental providers must ensure an electrical safety check of electrical installations, appliances and fittings is conducted every two years by a licensed electrician.

What is included in an Electrical Safety Check?

Our Electrical Safety Checks cover the required electrical installations, fittings and appliances supplied as part of the rental property. We also carry out testing and safety checks in accordance with the applicable requirements.

What happens if something fails the Electrical Safety Check?

We'll document the issue and advise what is required to rectify it. Depending on the issue and authority provided, some minor items may be able to be rectified at the time of the check, while other works may require approval or a separate quote.

Does an Electrical Safety Check mean everything electrical in the property is guaranteed not to fail?

No. An Electrical Safety Check confirms the condition and compliance of the items inspected at the time of testing. Like any appliance or electrical component, faults can still develop after the inspection.

Gas Safety Checks

How often is a Gas Safety Check required?

In Victoria, rental providers must arrange a gas safety check every two years where the property has gas installations or appliances.

Who carries out your Gas Safety Checks?

Our Gas Safety Checks are completed by appropriately licensed gasfitters.

What does a Gas Safety Check include?

A Gas Safety Check involves more than simply testing for carbon monoxide. The gas installation and relevant appliances are inspected and tested in accordance with the applicable requirements.

What happens if a gas appliance is unsafe?

Safety comes first. If an appliance or installation presents a safety risk, it may need to be isolated or made safe. We'll document the issue and advise the property manager of the required next steps.

Is a Gas Safety Check the same as servicing a gas heater?

Not necessarily. A Gas Safety Check and an appliance service have different purposes and requirements. Our team can advise what is required for your property.

Rental Minimum Standards

What are Victoria's Rental Minimum Standards?

Victoria's Rental Minimum Standards set minimum requirements for rental properties across areas including locks, electrical safety, heating, ventilation, lighting, window coverings, structural condition and other important property features.

When does a property need to meet the Minimum Standards?

Rental properties must meet the applicable minimum standards before being rented to a new renter and must continue to meet the required standards throughout the rental agreement.

What does a HomeSafeGV Minimum Standards check include?

We inspect the property against the applicable Rental Minimum Standards and provide a detailed report identifying the items checked and any areas requiring attention.

What happens if the property doesn't meet a Minimum Standard?

We'll identify the issue in our report and, where the work falls within our scope, we can provide pricing or arrange the required rectification works.

Are the Minimum Standards changing?

Yes. Further Victorian rental property requirements are being introduced progressively, including changes relating to energy efficiency, heating and cooling, insulation and water efficiency. HomeSafeGV is continuing to update our inspections and processes as these requirements are introduced.

Bookings and access

How quickly can you schedule a service?

Once we receive a booking request, appointments are typically scheduled within 48 hours. Timing can vary depending on renter access and appointment availability.

Does the renter need to be home?

Not always. Depending on the arrangements made with the property manager, access may be available using agency keys and a valid Notice of Entry.

How long will the appointment take?

This depends on the service being completed and the property itself. Some services, such as smoke alarm servicing, are relatively quick, while Electrical, Gas and Minimum Standards checks require more time.

Can multiple services be completed at the same time?

Where possible, yes. We aim to coordinate services efficiently and reduce unnecessary appointments for renters and property managers.

What happens if the renter isn't home?

If access has been arranged via keys and the appropriate Notice of Entry has been issued, we may still be able to complete the service. If access isn't available, our team will contact the property manager to arrange the next steps.

Reports, repairs and quotes

When will I receive the service report?

Once the service has been completed, the relevant reports and documentation are typically provided to the property manager within 24 to 48 hours.

Can HomeSafeGV complete repairs identified during a safety check?

Yes, for many items. With electricians, plumbers and other experienced team members, we're able to complete a wide range of rectification works identified during our inspections.

Will you complete repairs without approval?

This depends on the authority and arrangements in place with the property manager. Where approval is required, we'll provide the relevant information or quote before proceeding.

Can I access previous reports and compliance information?

Property managers using our customer portal can access property information, reports and other available documentation online.

For renters

Why is HomeSafeGV contacting me?

We've most likely been engaged by your property manager or rental provider to complete a safety, compliance or maintenance service at your rental property.

Do I have to pay for the service?

No. If we've been engaged by your property manager or rental provider to complete a scheduled compliance service, you aren't required to pay HomeSafeGV for the appointment.

Can I change my appointment?

If you need to change an appointment, contact our team as soon as possible and we'll do our best to arrange an alternative time.

Do I need to prepare anything before the technician arrives?

Please ensure our technician can safely access the areas and appliances requiring inspection. We also ask that pets are appropriately secured before our team arrives.

Who should I contact if I have questions about repairs or approvals?

For questions regarding approval of works, costs or decisions relating to the property, please contact your property manager. For questions about your HomeSafeGV appointment, you're welcome to contact our team directly on 03 5897 7188.