Detector Inspector Welcomes Chris Crewther’s support in strengthening oversight of rental safety compliance

Suggested reforms would ensure services meet the standards prescribed under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) for smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks.

Crewther raised the issue directly with Minister for Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos, in Parliament last week, urging the government to address loopholes that allow unsafe practices in safety checks to continue.

In his speech, Crewther reinforced that Victorian renters remain at risk of preventable injury and death because critical safety checks are not conducted to the legislated standards.

Jordan Kagan Gescheit, Executive Director and co-founder of Detector Inspector, stands with Mr Crewther’s urgent call for the government to improve rental safety compliance in Victoria.

Brought together by key stakeholders from Victoria’s rental ecosystem, Crewther’s appeal aligns with the evidence-based McKell Institute Report, which confirmed a systemic breakdown in oversight, auditing and accountability for safety checks by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

“Chris' advocacy and commitment to tenant safety will be invaluable as we continue working with government and industry to strengthen compliance,” said Jordan Kagan Gescheit

Detector Inspector’s goal is to help landlords and renters navigate an increasingly complex and evolving regulatory environment.”

Featured in the McKell Institute Report, mystery shopping exercises conducted by Detector Inspector exposed that safety inspections completed by unlicensed practitioners were conducted in 15 minutes instead of the 60 minutes they require.

While a third of providers did not check the proper functioning of a single smoke alarm at the property.

By advocating for stronger oversight, accreditation and accountability across the sector, Detector Inspector is working to protect renters, support compliant landlords and professionals, and help build a safer, more transparent rental system for Victoria.