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National Property Managers Day on Friday 22 July 2022 marks the date to recognise the important role Property Managers play in supporting landlords and tenants and making homes safe.  

There have been none more challenging than the last couple of years and there are countless cases where Property Managers have gone above and beyond. As we move back to a more regular operating environment the pressures to balance the needs of landlords and their tenants whilst keeping up with elevated property standards raises the bar for an already complex role.

Over the month of July, Detector Inspector joins the industry in recognising the work done by Property Mangers to meet this need and the important role they play as compliance champions.

Property Manager wall of fame

We are celebrating nominated property managers by recognising some of the star performers we work with day in and day out.

The calibre and quality of our partners is truly amazing.

Feel free to join the celebration and add in your colleagues using the hashtag #nationalpropertymanagersday

You can also join Detector Inspector on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

 

With so many balls to juggle, we are fully behind the industry taking a moment to thank property managers for everything they do.

So we join in celebrating the amazing work these management superstars put in every day, and recognise the dedication, resilience and energy they bring.

Thank you property managers!

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While you’re here

News
Charging tenants for water? Landlords need to prove water efficiency
19 May 2022
News
House fires reinforce the importance of smoke alarm checks at all rental properties
25 March 2022
News
Electrical switchboard safety in Victoria – new minimum standards from March 2023
25 March 2022
In QLD and NSW, a landlord can only pass on water charges to a tenant if all water devices at the property meet water efficiency standards. The simple solution: a single service and a single certificate to cover water efficiency across the whole property.

In both QLD and NSW, landlords can pass on water consumption charges to tenants but only if the property meets minimum water efficiency standards.

If the property isn’t deemed water efficient, the landlord is not allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges to the tenant.

The simplest solution is to lock in a regular water efficiency service to make sure standards are maintained, with a compliance certificate to prove it. With this in place the landlord is able to pass the water bills on to the tenant with no extra hassle. Plus you’ll be minimising the waste of precious water!

Know the requirements in your state

Each state has individual rules.

In QLD:

  • Minimum water efficiency standards apply to internal cold water and mixer taps, shower heads and toilets.
  • In order for landlords to pass on the full water usage charges to tenants, the property must meet water efficiency standards for the entire tenancy period.
  • This means the property needs to meet standards before it’s rented out and water efficiency must be maintained throughout the tenancy.

In NSW:

  • Minimum water efficiency standards apply to internal cold water and mixer taps in kitchens and bathrooms, shower heads and toilets.
  • Additionally, there must be no leaking taps or toilets anywhere on the property at the commencement of the tenancy and any time water efficiency maintenance is done.
  • From March 2025, all toilets must be dual-flush and have a minimum 3-star WELS rating. Non-conforming toilets will need to be replaced before the new legislation becomes effective.

Full details of the rules in each state can be found on our legislation page.

Proving water efficiency

In both NSW and QLD, water efficiency measures should be stated on the entry condition report. Tenants are allowed (and encouraged) to ask for evidence that the standards have been met and maintained. Landlords need to keep written proof to show they’ve done the right thing.

Landlords can offer proof in one of two ways:

  • You could keep evidence for each individual water device: this must be written documentation such as receipts, warranties, packaging, instruction/installation manuals or plumber’s reports.
  • Or you can get an all-inclusive service and a single water efficiency certificate to cover the whole property.
A single service with a single certificate

The simple solution is to get a regular service and a compliance certificate that covers the whole property, tailored to meet the legislative requirements in your state.

Detector Inspector’s water efficiency service includes:

  • A water efficiency assessment checked against the relevant state-based legislation
  • Identification of leaking taps and toilets
  • Identification of all works required to meet the requirements
  • Water efficiency certificate issued once the property has been brought up to standard

As with all our services we keep a digital record of all water efficiency measures and compliance certificates for the property, so you can easily produce proof of compliance on request.

A water efficiency service is available for a low flat fee as an add-on to our smoke detector service.

Save water, save money, save hassle

If you’re charging tenants for water and you can’t prove that your property meets water efficiency standards, you could be in violation of legislation. Sort it out today with a simple service and get a compliance certificate to show you’re meeting requirements.

If you’re not charging tenants for water, you could be! Just ensure the property is water efficient before the commencement of the next tenancy agreement, and you can start passing on water consumption charges to the tenant.

Water efficiency is good for the environment, good for tenants and good for landlords. Contact us about a solution today.

Detector Inspector's electrical safety service provides peace of mind that all electrical appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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Despite strict new smoke alarm legislation, many owners are yet to take up professional services to stay compliant. Recent house fires are a stark reminder that legal compliance isn’t the only thing at stake.
Smoke alarms save lives

Shortly before Christmas 2021, a house fire left a Caboolture family homeless but largely unharmed. Their property manager, a Detector Inspector client, says the smoke alarms in the home saved their lives.

Tragically, it was a different story in a Victorian house fire in November 2021. The Werribee community was shattered by the loss of four children in a blaze survived only by the parents and an eight-year-old brother.

Fires like this are not an anomaly, with over 3000 house fires every year in Victoria alone.

These sobering stories are reminders of the urgent need to maintain smoke alarm safety. Compliance guidelines aren’t just legal red tape—the bottom line is that smoke alarms save people’s lives.

Legislation changes in NSW, VIC and QLD reflect safety concerns

The Residential Tenancies Act has been updated in all three Eastern states to mandate stricter standards for smoke alarm safety. Regular smoke alarm checks have been mandatory in NSW since March 2020 and in Victoria since March 2021. QLD has the most stringent new regulations, with legislation mandating not only regular checks but detailed standards for smoke alarm type, placement and interconnectedness in all dwellings leased or sold from January 2022. The legislation reflects the reality that protective measures need to be taken seriously.

 

Property managers should be able to produce clear evidence that smoke alarms are installed correctly and maintained in good working order in every rental property under their management. In addition to putting occupants in potential danger, property managers may be carrying significant legal risk to themselves, their directors and owners if a fire causes damage, injury or loss of life.

Automatic compliance audits bring peace of mind

Despite general fire safety awareness, Detector Inspector finds that 1 in 3 properties do not have a working smoke alarm on our first visit. Owners still haven’t got the message about compulsory safety standards and regular checks.

Do all properties under your management have working smoke alarms? Are they correctly installed and regularly maintained according to the legal guidelines? If you can’t answer a resounding YES, you need a compliance audit urgently.

With Detector Inspector’s digital audit you can email every landlord who isn’t enrolled in a smoke alarm safety program and have them opt-in instantly online. This automatically recurs once a year, providing you with a digital trail to prove you’ve made every effort to contact your landlords and inform them of their compliance responsibilities. It’s a quick, thorough way to cover your bases and dramatically increase compliance service uptake.

Keeping safety simple

Once an initial safety check and service has got properties up to standard, enrol in a regular service to keep unbroken compliance year after year.

Detector Inspector uses smart technology to keep this process simple and watertight.

  • We cut down your record-keeping by uploading time and GPS-stamped photos and service records directly to your system, creating a digital trail to prove services are up to date.
  • We put an end to tedious mailouts by sending automated entry notifications when services are due.
  • We fix issues sooner with an online urgent job request form that tenants can use directly, saving you fielding those calls and emails.
  • You can stay in the loop by checking the status of your properties at any time through your online agency portal.

This all makes it easier for you to stay on top of compliance for your portfolio without letting any properties fall through the cracks.

Ultimately, this means more smoke alarms are maintained in working order year-round in case of an emergency. Because compliance isn’t just a legal headache—the bottom line is keeping people safe in their homes.

Property managers are driving towards 100% confidence in smoke alarm compliance in their portfolios. Contact us to find out how you can too.

Detector Inspector's electrical safety service provides peace of mind that all electrical appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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New minimum standards apply for electrical safety in Victorian rental properties from March 2023. Renters will have new rights and rental providers may be penalised for non-compliance.
What are the new minimum standards?

Minimum standards for safety and liveability apply to all rental properties in Victoria. New standards for electrical safety have recently been defined and will apply legally from March 29, 2023.

After that date, all power outlets and lighting circuits in a rental property must be connected to:

  • A circuit breaker that complies with AS/NZS 3000 for wiring, and
  • A residual current device that complies with AS/NZS 3190 or AS/NZS 61008.1 or AS/NZS 61009.1.

Renters have the right to ensure minimum standards are met. Rental providers who fail to meet minimum standards or carry out upgrades when requested could be penalised.

Why circuit breakers AND RCDs?

The new standards specify that switchboards in rental properties must be fitted with both circuit breakers and a residual current device (RCD). Both devices play an essential role in home safety.

Basically, circuit breakers protect the electrical system and RCDs protect people. Circuit breakers detect overloads and cut the power to prevent damage to wiring. RCDs detect current imbalance caused by current flowing somewhere it shouldn’t (like into a person) and cut the power to prevent electrocution.

Many homes still aren’t fitted with RCDs, which is why it’s important to arrange regular electrical safety maintenance to make sure that properties continue to meet minimum standards.

What if the upgrades aren’t done?

As of March 2021, renters have new rights to insist that the property they’re renting meets minimum standards.

The rental provider must make sure the property complies with minimum standards on or before the day the renter gets the keys. If the property doesn’t comply, the renter has the right to:

  • end their lease agreement without notice or fees before they move in, or
  • move in anyway, and immediately request an upgrade as an urgent repair.

This means that renters will be able to terminate a lease agreement or request an urgent upgrade if the property’s switchboard isn’t fitted with a circuit breaker and an RCD. Rental providers can also be penalised for failing to meet minimum standards.

RCD switchboard & circuit breaker upgrades are compulsory on or before 29 March 2023. Act now to make sure your home is safe.

Detector Inspector's electrical safety service provides peace of mind that all electrical appliances, installations and fittings at a property are safe and compliant.

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The compliance maintenance industry in Victoria has unique challenges due to strict state-specific legislation, a statewide shortage of properly qualified tradespeople and skyrocketing demand for mandatory services. To pick a service provider with the right solutions, here are 6 questions to ask.
1. Do you use employees or subcontractors? What is your capacity?

Demand for compliance maintenance services has skyrocketed in Victoria since the introduction of complex new regulations in March 2021.

Many service providers are now operating under pressure due to a shortage of qualified technicians to carry out the work required. If jobs are performed late, or a properly qualified person isn’t available, compliance will lapse.

Detector Inspector is one of the largest and longest-established compliance maintenance providers in Australia. We’ve risen to the challenge by partnering with a Registered Training Organisation to qualify our employees in-house, recruiting new employees and training them so that we continually expand our capacity and keep up with demand.

2. Can you provide a list of what’s included in your gas and electrical safety checks?

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act increased the mandatory safety obligations for gas and electrical safety checks in properties in Victoria from March 2021. It’s important that you make sure your service provider is performing all the checks and services set out under the current legislation. Ask them to provide a list!

Detector Inspector has worked closely with the Victorian Building Authority and Energy Safe Victoria to develop a service that meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. Comprehensive checklists of what’s included in our gas and electrical safety checks are freely available to download.

3. In addition to the service checklist, what are your inclusions and exclusions?

Pricing can be deceptive. Make sure you understand exactly what the provider includes in the service fee, and what comes at an extra cost. For example, are standard parts like replacement light switches added on to the service fee? What about labour for replacing these parts? Is there a warranty on the service and does it cover callouts between services if an item is faulty before the next compliance check is due?

Detector Inspector’s Safer Home subscription plans offer enduring compliance protection for a low, predictable flat fee. We include a 24-month warranty on services (until the next service is due), covering callouts for repairs between services. We also include free replacement of standard parts during services such as light switches, powerpoints, safety switches and thermocouples—on average $200 retail value worth of replacement parts during a regular service, at no extra cost!

Our subscription vs pay as you go explainer makes everything clear so our clients can make an informed choice about the most cost-effective way to use our services.

4. Do you actually service every appliance and rectify problems, or is it just a “check”?

While you’re asking about inclusions, make sure you clarify whether the service provider will rectify any issues at the property on the day. Some providers will do a thorough check and then slap you with the list of items that will need rectifying, at extra cost and hassle.

Detector Inspector checks everything and services standard issues (like replacing broken switches) on the spot. Occasionally a problem requires extra work—for example, relocating a gas pressure regulator may involve cutting into cabinetry, modifying piping and issuing a safety certificate.

For the occasional issue like this, Detector Inspector will quote transparently for the extra work and arrange a time to return. This way we take care of every non-compliance that comes to our attention during a service, rectifying them as soon as possible. We don’t just raise issues and leave them on your hands.

5. Do you complete earth continuity testing as part of every electrical safety check?

Earth continuity testing is a crucial component of an electrical safety test, but it’s recently become apparent that many service providers are skipping this step. Property managers and owners don’t know to ask about this so they unknowingly pay for a sub-standard service.

Protect yourself by asking potential providers: do you carry out earth continuity tests on all accessible power points? Do you supply photographic evidence of every test? And is the evidence automatically stored to prove compliance, in case of a safety incident at the property?

Detector Inspector not only does all of the above—we also provide free information on the required safety checks, so people aren’t left at the mercy of service providers to carry out the right test. Read our quick guide to earth continuity testing and never get caught out again.

6. How will you support us for urgent repairs? What is your service level agreement for urgent job requests?

With the new provisions relating to “Urgent Repairs”, renters can incur up to $2,500 in costs if the rental provider or agent doesn’t respond to their request.

After a thorough enquiry you should know whether urgent repairs between services are included in the provider’s fee. Cost isn’t the only consideration when it comes to urgent jobs. You should also ask about communication, time frames and the process for submitting an urgent job request.

Detector Inspector’s urgent jobs framework empowers our clients to understand the urgency level of their issue and lays out our commitments to assessing and attending the property within a time frame depending on the priority. Our clients can view the framework and submit an urgent request immediately using their personal agency portal or our online request form.

Find a service provider with the right solutions for your Victorian property.

Detector Inspector has decades of experience servicing Victorian homes and expert knowledge of the new state legislation. In consultation with Victorian authorities, we created the Safer Home plan to meet the unique needs of local property owners and managers. Ask us the 6 questions above and more to find the right solutions for your properties.

Got more questions about safety compliance management for your properties? Get in touch today!

We have worked closely and collaboratively with Energy Safe Victoria and Victorian Building Authority to ensure that our gas safety service meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.

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One of the most common issues we come across in our gas safety checks is the hard-to-reach gas regulator. This seemingly small problem is crucial to fix, or gas appliances will be non-compliant and impossible to test properly.
What does a gas regulator do?

A gas regulator is a pressure valve attached to every gas appliance.

The gas coming from the mains is under very high pressure. The gas regulator reduces this flow to a lower pressure as it flows into the gas appliances in a home. It maintains the flow of gas consistently at the right level for safe operation, cutting the flow when necessary.

If the regulator is faulty it might allow too much or too little gas into the appliance, either of which can cause dangerous conditions.

What makes a gas regulator inaccessible?

To test the gas regulator, the gas fitter needs to use a screwdriver to remove a screw and insert a tube running to a device called a digital manometer. The manometer measures the pressure while the appliance is running.

If the position of the regulator prevents the gas fitter from removing the screw and inserting the tube for the manometer, the gas regulator is considered inaccessible.

Unfortunately it’s common for gas regulators to be placed inappropriately—hard up against appliances or in cabinetry in such a way that the angle doesn’t allow for the gas fitter to do what they need to do. An inaccessible gas regulator is one of the most common compliance issues we come across in our gas safety checks.

Historically this issue probably went unchecked because gas appliances weren’t tested as regularly. With the introduction of mandatory safety checks every two years, proper positioning of the gas regulator has become a pressing issue.

Why does it matter?

In order to complete mandatory gas safety checks (as set out in AS/NZS5601.1), access to the gas regulator “without hazard or undue difficulty” is required.

We’ve experienced pushback from property owners and managers who are sceptical that the position of the gas regulator is a serious issue that needs rectifying. It’s understandable that people are guarded when it comes to incurring extra costs for what looks like a minor issue.

Since we were coming across this issue so often, we undertook extensive consultation with the Victorian Building Authority and Energy Safe Victoria to confirm we were giving our clients the right advice.

ESV and the VBA confirmed that:

  • Measuring the gas pressure to appliances is a required element of a gas safety check
  • Gas regulators must be located so they can be accessed without undue difficulty while the appliance is in its installed position
  • If the above is not met, the installation is considered non-compliant.
How do you fix an inaccessible gas regulator?

If the gas regulator can easily be moved on the spot during the safety check, the team will do that.

Often it’s a more complicated job. Depending on the location of the regulator and the type of connection points, the pipework might need to be modified or lengthened.

For example, in the below photo, you can see that the regulator is connected directly to the cooktop. It is hard up against the underside of the cooktop, therefore not allowing it to be rotated for accessibility.

As it is essentially a fixed point, it requires additional copper to lengthen the connection point, move the regulator further from the cooktop connection and once completed, will allow the testing point to be accessed.

Inaccissble Gas regulator

Another example is when the regulator has been installed hard against cabinetry with a fixed connection point (e.g., glued together) like in the below photo.

It requires the whole regulator connection point to be modified with additional copper or potentially a full relocation.

Gas regulator 2

With all modifications to pipework, a specified certificate needs to be provided. It might also require additional parts and cutting into cabinetry. Relocating a gas regulator must be done by an accredited gas fitter.

Taking all this into consideration, Detector Inspector will provide a quote for further work.

A little valve that’s a big deal

Don’t let a plumber or a non-accredited tradesperson tell you that an inaccessible gas regulator isn’t a big deal. It renders the installation non-compliant, but more importantly, if gas pressure isn’t tested every 2 years it could allow dangerous faults to go unchecked.

Failure to make the regulator accessible for regular checks will leave owners and managers legally exposed. It’s crucial to enrol your properties for regular gas safety services carried out by a properly accredited service provider and designed meet all the requirements for gas checks under the new legislation.

Contact us to find out more about enrolling for a regular gas safety service.

We have worked closely and collaboratively with Energy Safe Victoria and Victorian Building Authority to ensure that our gas safety service meets all the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.

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With multiple services and multiple technicians, you’ve told us – key collections can be a time-consuming headache! After extensive consultation and input from our clients, the new Key Management page in your Agency Portal is now LIVE.

You told us and we listened. February 2022 has seen the release of an overhauled Key Management page that we are confident will make a significant improvement to the whole process.

You told us:

Too many reminder emails and too confusing!

We listened:

The new and improved key pick-up reminder emails will be sent 24 hours before (or 48 hours prior on request), and are simpler than ever.

Key letter
You told us:

The old pages were too cluttered and were confusing.

We listened:

The new key summary provides much clearer information that shows you at a glance the number of keys scheduled each day, with downloadable, printable summaries available at the click of a mouse.

Summary
You told us:

Confirming (or cancelling) key pick-ups was not intuitive.

We listened:

Updating us in real time is simple. The "ready to collect" column will allow you to confirm the status of a key 24-hours prior by choosing one of the following options.

  • Ready to collect
  • Key is not available for collection
  • Key is no longer assigned to the property
Status
You told us:

It would be helpful to group the keys based on who was picking them up.

We listened:

We’ve introduced the idea of key groups, to make the pick-up process more efficient.

Group
You told us:

We needed to update you on the status of keys in real-time.

We listened:

Each key now has a status so you won’t die wondering. We’ll tell you if we’ve picked it up, if you/us has cancelled it or where it’s been converted by the renter to an appointment.

key S
You told us:

It would be helpful to have easy access to the entry notice sent to the tenant.

We listened:

You can now access the entry notice sent via the Agency Portal.

key notice
EN 2 1
Want to give it a try?

This Help Centre article explains these features and how to use them. Click here to learn more.

Need access to the Agency Portal?
Click below and we'll get you set up in no time.

Request access
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Smoke alarms can be sensitive for a variety of reasons. Check out our smoke alarm troubleshooting tips for an urgent solve.
Does your smoke alarm beep regularly or go off when there’s no fire?

There’s nothing more annoying than a smoke alarm chirping intermittently or setting off at every hint of steam or burning toast. It’s not a good idea to disconnect or interfere with smoke alarms, even when they won’t stop beeping, because they need to function in an emergency. Instead of resorting to desperate measures, use these tips to troubleshoot next time your alarm is going off for no apparent reason.

Tip 1. Keep smoke alarms clean

Dirt and insects are a very common reason for smoke detectors going off inappropriately. Physical obstructions can interact with the sensor and cause your smoke alarm to activate. For a quick solution, carefully dust and vacuum your smoke alarm to remove dirt. You can also spray insect repellent around the alarm (avoid spraying the alarm directly!) to deter bugs.

To maintain optimal functioning, smoke alarms should undergo regular services that include a thorough clean.

Tip 2. Ventilate for steam and fumes

Steam and cooking fumes can cause smoke alarms to go off. Shut bathroom and laundry doors to contain steam, use the exhaust fan when cooking and open up doors and windows for ventilation. If you’re using the toaster or another portable appliance, point them away from the smoke detector if possible.


Photoelectric smoke alarms are less sensitive to steam while still detecting real fire events. A professional technician will know how to place smoke detectors to keep them away from steam and fumes while still adhering to legislative requirements.

Tip 3. Manage humidity

In high humidity, condensation can cause water vapours to form and cause the smoke to react as it would to smoke vapour. If you suspect this is happening you can dry the smoke alarm yourself by gently blowing a hair dryer through it to evaporate moisture.

Tip 4. Rapid air movement

Another common culprit is rapid air movement created by fans or fan heaters, so point portable fans, heaters, radiators and air conditiong ducts away from smoke alarms. When installed, smoke alarms should also be placed away from air conditioning ducts.

Tip 5. Battery and power issues

Power surges can cause hardwired smoke alarms to beep. It should resolve itself after the power issue has passed, but if not you can try resetting the power by flipping it off and on again at your circuit box.

In some areas of QLD and NSW, electricity suppliers inject an off-peak signal onto the network (a ‘ripple’) which can set off smoke alarms. If your smoke alarm beeps at the same time each day it could be this.

A beeping alarm can signal a low battery. In keeping with legal requirements, smoke alarms should be regularly serviced to ensure batteries are kept fresh. In some Australian states it’s now a requirement that alarms are fitted with 10-year lithium batteries or hardwired into the mains power supply, so properly fitted alarms shouldn’t have battery issues. If the battery is faulty at a Detector Inspector enrolled property, you can request an urgent service to get it fixed.

Is your smoke alarm still going off?

If your property is enrolled in Detector Inspector's smoke alarm safety service, use our urgent jobs framework to assess the issue and easily log an urgent service request online. Don’t ignore a noisy alarm—when it comes to fire safety, you’re better safe than sorry!

If you're a tenant and not sure about your service provider, contact your property manager to find out what type of smoke alarm safety program they have in place and what to do in case of an urgent issue.

Not already enrolled? Contact us today to find out how our ‘set and forget’ safety program can keep your smoke alarms compliant, and your properties safe.

Our trained technicians provide a comprehensive annual service and safety check of smoke alarms in the home, to protect occupants from harm caused by smoke inhalation.

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Owners and managers of rental properties have been scrambling to get properties compliant with new QLD smoke alarm legislation before it takes effect in 2022. Now extra rules for properties being sold after 31 December 2021 are bringing more pressure. Are you up to speed?
What’s new for RENTAL properties?

Here’s a quick refresher on the new compliance rules for properties being rented or re-leased in QLD from 1 January 2022.

From 1 January 2022, before a new tenancy begins, an existing tenancy renews or the property is sold, smoke alarms in Queensland homes must be upgraded to meet the requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. This means:

  • All smoke alarms must be either hardwired 240-volt photoelectric alarms or powered by 10-year lithium batteries
  • Alarms must be installed in every bedroom, in all hallways or areas connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling, and there must be at least one on each storey in the most likely path of exit
  • All smoke alarms must be interconnected with each other.

Those are the basics, but the legislation contains more details about standards and placement. Read our summary here.

(If you’re not already on top of it, you’re legally exposed from 1 January 2022. Sort it out with our 2022 smoke alarm upgrade offer ASAP.)

What’s new for properties being SOLD?

On top of the existing legislation for rental properties, rules apply for properties sold after 31 December 2021.

Smoke alarms must be installed according to the same guidelines set out for rental properties – hardwired into the mains power supply or fitted with 10-year batteries, interconnected with each other and installed in specific locations, as well as meeting other detailed specifications.

In addition, from 31 December 2021, sellers who are putting their property up for sale, need to make sure that the smoke alarms have been upgraded in line with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. Compliant smoke alarms must be in place before the seller enters into a sale agreement and be able to provide proof of upgrade status at settlement.

Along with the usual terms like satisfactory building and pest inspections, smoke alarm compliance is set to become a normal expectation in residential sales, and failure to comply could compromise a contract.

Properties may not be re-leased, rented or sold from 1 January 2022 if they’re non-compliant. Owners and managers will be left legally exposed if there’s an incident at a property where the smoke alarms don’t meet standards.

What are your responsibilities?

If you’re a property owner who is planning to sell soon, you need to ensure the smoke alarms will be compliant with the new legislation. In addition, you should be armed with a certificate of compliance to assure the buyer that the smoke alarms are recently serviced and properly installed in accordance with the rules.

Sales agents have a responsibility to make their clients aware of the changes, assist them to make properties compliant and produce documentation to demonstrate it.

Fast turnaround and no deposit

There’s a lot of boxes to tick when renting out a property, and even more when selling! Detector Inspector makes smoke alarm compliance one less thing you have to worry about.

As one of the longest-established compliance companies in Australia we’ve been all over the legislation changes since they were first announced, and we have a solution up and running.

For owners requiring 2022 smoke alarm upgrade compliance certification prior to selling their home, we offer a free, accelerated installation with 7-day turnaround.

Plus everything is digitally recorded and stored in our industry-leading automated system. This means detailed record keeping to show you’ve done everything right, with zero admin input from you.

Don’t delay! Get sorted today

If you’re a seller, have you got a plan to get your property compliant by 31 December 2021?

If you’re a sales agent, have you informed sellers of their new responsibilities regarding smoke alarms? Are you confident you know what they are?

If you’re a property manager, have you informed your clients of the legislation changes regarding leased and re-leased properties in writing and created a system for maintaining compliance?

If you’re not sure, make sure. Detector Inspector is here to help you understand the ins and outs, get properties compliant and keep you covered under the new legislation. Our comprehensive solution will take care of everything.

It’s not too late to make things right. Book your upgrade now or ask a question via the forms below.

All our subscription plans include smoke alarm and electrical services, with the number of gas appliances at the property determining the right plan for every property.

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It’s easy to get lured in by low prices and confusing plans so you don’t know exactly what you’re paying for. Detector Inspector offers services on a subscription or on a pay as you go basis in Victoria: find out exactly what’s included and the surprising truth about Safer Home subscription plans.
Subscription and Pay As You Go services: What’s the difference?

Detector Inspector offers safety services in Victoria on a "subscription" basis (we call this our Safer Home plans) or on a "pay as you go" basis.

In our Safer Home subscription plans, the fees are prepaid, they are bundled with a 13% discount and the services have a range of inclusions. While prepaid, the benefit is continuity of coverage and compliance. Under the Safer Home plan, you are covered and compliant from the date of enrolment.

Importantly, other than year 1, the annual recurring fee is the same each year, providing complete peace of mind that the property is protected for a low, predictable price.

Pay as you go services are invoiced after the service is completed. Each service, replacement part (unless warranty items) and callouts for gas/electrical issues are charged for individually.

Subscription and Pay As You Go services: Summary
CategorySafer Home subscriptionPay As You Go
Discounted, consistent pricing13% saving on the cost of individual services, smoothed into predictable, equal annual paymentsPay per service, no discount, lumpy costs based on services due
More peace of mind Period of compliance and coverage begins on the date of enrolment and for the duration of the subscription periodPeriod of compliance begins from the date the property is serviced
Enduring protectionProtection for urgent repairs on checked appliancesProtection limited to 12 month warranty on services
Free calloutsFree callouts for faults in checked items and other issues like pilot light relights, beeping smoke alarms and electrical faultsCallouts charged for gas/electrical issues (except where subject to 12 month service guarantee)
Free parts/rectificationFree replacement parts such as standard light switches, power points, safety switches and thermocouplesPay for all replacement parts (unless warranty items)
Additional Safer Home subscription plan benefits

With a Safer Home Plan subscription you also get invaluable benefits like enduring warranty protection and uninterrupted compliance coverage.

Period of compliance starts from date of enrolment

Via their agency, owners have engaged a reputable provider to complete the mandatory safety checks as required by the legislation, and they’re in the queue for those services to be completed ‘as soon as practicable'

Period of coverage starts from date of enrolment

The protection afforded by the Safer Home plan accrues from the date of enrolment NOT from the date of service so we’ll be there when we’re needed

One stop shop

More inclusions means less reason for repeat visits, quotations and cost. And where we do find problems, we offer to fix them with lowest price guarantees and fast resolution

24-month warranty

We warrant our work for the full 24 months until the next safety check is due. Other companies provide a warranty only on jobs recently completed

Urgent repairs capacity

Under the RTA, where certain significant, defined issues occur at your property, the renter can incur up to $2,500 in costs to rectify them, without your approval. With our capacity, systems and processes, we're best placed to address these types of issues and avoid unnecessary cost to the owner

Consistent, predictable price

After the first year, you pay the same low annual fee and leave the management of your compliance to us

Isn’t it better to only pay for what you need?

Some clients assume that pay as you go services will work out to be more cost-effective.


Isn’t it better to only pay for what you need, and avoid paying for extras you might not use? The answer is yes – and a Safer Home plan is designed to include everything essential with a bundle discount, and no unnecessary extras.


Tailored individual services would be more cost effective if needs varied radically from property to property. The reality is that gas and electrical services are clearly defined under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act. After the first visit to a property (to bring everything up to standard), the scope and frequency of the work should be the same across the board, so we offer a fixed fee annually after the first year.

 

Pay as you go services require the technician to visit the property, usually at a cost, form an opinion about the work involved to rectify the issue and quote accordingly. You do only pay for what you use, but you might actually pay more, because you don’t get the discount benefit of a subscription.

 

The Safer Home subscription plans were created to eliminate the friction of itemised services. Since we know the legislation, we already know the scope of the work, how frequently it should be completed and how much it’s fair to charge before we arrive at the property. By bundling up the smoke alarm, gas and electrical services, we have been able to discount the price we would usually charge for those services individually, package up a range of valuable inclusions and, beyond the first year, make the amount payable a flat rate.

The hidden costs competitors don’t tell you about

Detector Inspector has been leading the industry for a long time, so our services look different to many of our competitors’. When we say ‘flat fee’ and ‘comprehensive service’ we mean it!

 

Some service providers promise a low flat fee up front, but they don’t clearly disclose that standard items like replacement light switches, safety switches and smoke alarms will be added on to the fee—not to mention extra labour for replacement! This can add up to hundreds of extra dollars for items that Detector Inspector always includes for free.

 

Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for compliance maintenance companies to skimp on services to save costs. Clients are lured in by low prices but they don’t realise their compliance is compromised because the provider omitted important elements of the safety checks, or used improperly qualified tradespeople to carry out the services.

 

We have designed our services to meet the RTA requirements: nothing more, nothing less. We meet all the required standards when it comes to the types and frequency of checks performed, the manufacturing standards of replacement parts, and the minimum qualifications of our technicians.

 

Our transparent pricing structure clearly lays out the inclusions and exclusions so our clients know what they’re paying for. We always include the services and items that we know every property will need as standard. We don’t include and charge for extras that aren’t typically needed.

The bottom line

Over time, a Safer Home subscription plan works out comparable or even more cost-effective than pay as you go services. Plus there’s the benefit of predictability, simplicity and knowing everything is covered.

No matter which option you choose, you can be confident that Detector Inspector safety services are meeting legislation, keeping properties safe and keeping you covered when it comes to your compliance responsibilities.

Detector Inspector offers both models in Victoria so clients can choose what’s right for them, and we’re always upfront and transparent about what you’re paying for.

Keen to switch to a Safer Home plan, or looking to get more information? Subscribe now or ask a question via the forms below.
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All our subscription plans include smoke alarm and electrical services, with the number of gas appliances at the property determining the right plan for every property.

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