Victoria

To reconnect power after a switchboard upgrade, an inspection by an electrical inspector is required. Unfortunately, with less than 100 electrical inspectors in the whole of Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria has called out that many electricians are skipping this vital step.

Electrical work is potentially fatal if not conducted safely. The Electricity Safety Act 1998 has prescribed safety rules for electrical workers and providers.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) recently issued an industry alert reminding electrical workers that when upgrading a main switchboard, the power to that switchboard must remain off unless and until the work has been inspected by a licensed electrical inspector.

With an identified increase in switchboard and electrical work defects across the state, ESV has sounded the alarm that some switchboards are being re-energised before the required inspections have been completed as required under the Act.

The problem

As an agency, it’s critical you are informed whether your provider is following the requirement for electrical inspection prior to reconnecting power. Failure to do so is in breach of the requirements under the Act and increases the risk of serious safety events including house fires, electric shock and electrocution.

Unfortunately, with less than 100 electrical inspectors in the whole of Victoria, ESV has called out that many electricians are skipping this vital step. With switchboard upgrades at all rental properties being legislated for completion by March 2023, the spike in demand is likely to create more pressure.

How Detector Inspector has responded

Detector Inspector recognises the importance of reconnecting upgraded switchboards on the same day as the upgrade, minimising inconvenience for the renter and their property manager. To achieve this, Detector Inspector works closely with licensed electrical inspectors to guarantee that inspections will be conducted same day as any switchboard upgrade we complete.

Our diligence and efficiency in following the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act means that we can perform critical upgrades at scale right across Victoria, making more homes safer every day.

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

We are completing product warranty replacement of non-Detector Inspector smoke alarms for properties that are enrolled in our smoke alarm safety service with no call-out fees and no charge for replacement alarms.

Learn more(opens in new tab)
Share this page

While you’re here

Regulations
Queensland 2027 smoke alarm laws: what you must do, and what it costs
10 August 2026
Regulations
Queensland smoke alarm regulations: 2027 standards for owner-occupiers
26 August 2025
Regulations
The story behind Queensland’s smoke alarm laws: The tragedy and the data that shaped policy
25 August 2025
New minimum standards apply for electrical safety in Victorian rental properties from March 2023. Renters will have new rights and rental providers will be financially 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 on or before the day on which the renter enters into occupation of the premises will be financially 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 will be financially 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.

Learn more
Share this page
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.

Learn more
Share this page
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 10% 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
Category Safer Home subscription Pay As You Go
Discounted, consistent pricing~10% 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 callouts for certain faultsFree callouts for beeping smoke alarms or faults in checked gas and electrical items including pilot light relightsCallouts 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
Period of coverage starts from date of enrolment
One stop shop
Urgent repairs capacity
Consistent, predictable price
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.
stripe badge white

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.

Learn more
Share this page
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) increased the mandatory safety obligations on electrical safety checks from 29 March 2021. Every two years, an electrical safety check must be carried out by a licensed electrician and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

An electrical safety check is more than just a switchboard test and is not just an appliance service. An electrical safety check includes a comprehensive service and testing of all electrical installations and fittings within the property. This ensures occupants are safe from the danger associated with electrical faults and landlords and property managers are fulfilling their obligations.

1. Testing of switchboard

At Detector Inspector, we conduct a thorough switchboard test including:

  • Visual inspection
  • Checking all fuses for signs of damage or overheating and appropriateness of Amp rated fuse wire/cartridges and replace any damaged fuses
  • Checking all individual breakers for compliance & correct Amp rating and replace any faulty breakers
  • Checking that type of wiring is appropriate, compliant and neither exposed nor damaged
  • Main earthing system compliance testing
  • Safety switch testing and reset and replacement of any faulty or damaged items


Duration

  • 20 – 40 minutes
  • Where issues are identified, time may be extended.


Why it’s important?

The condition and correct operation of a property’s switchboard is critical to home safety. Ensuring there is no exposed wiring, that fuses and breakers are undamaged and compliant and that safety switches (where installed) are operating as expected.

In Australia, 15 people are killed and 300 hospitalised every year due to electrical accidents in the home. As at December 2019, 40% of homes were unprotected by safety switches. Even where safety switches are present, in 30% of homes it protects only power outlet circuits (and not light circuits).

Where we identify a switchboard with breakers but no safety switches, we will complete an insulation resistance test, to measure the total resistance between any two points separated by electrical insulation.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard safety switches, fuses and breakers at no charge.

2. Testing of every accessible power point in the home

In addition to a switchboard testing, we also test all accessible power point in the home. This includes:          

  • A visual inspection
  • Earth continuity tests (or can be substituted with earth loop impedance tests)
  • Voltage and polarity tests


Duration

These checks take approx. 20 – 50 minutes.


Why it's important?

These tests ensure that earth connections are undamaged and uncorroded. Earth connections in power points can often be damaged by a range of factors such as insulation being crimped under screw terminals, loose connections or too small a wire being used.

When earth connections are working as they should, then if a faulty appliance were to be used, or a child were to insert a metal object into the power point, the safety mechanisms at the switchboard will be triggered and the occupant will not be electrocuted. A damaged earth connection can also result in increased fire risk.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard power points at no charge.

3. Checks of each landlord supplied electrical appliance

As part of our comprehensive electrical safety check, we conduct checks of each landlord supplied electrical appliance including:      

  • Visual inspection of each appliance and assessment as to whether accessible and in good operating condition
  • Checks for faulty or damaged plugs or leads
  • Earth continuity test where the appliance frame is metal and/or conductive
  • Checks of all accessible light switches for compliance and replace faulty or damaged items (excluding globes)
  • Checks of all overhead fans for compliance


Duration

These checks take approx. 10 – 15 minutes.


Why it's important?

These checks do not require full servicing of the appliances. Instead, these tests are designed to ensure safe operating condition of landlord provided electrical appliances.

Faulty light switches create shock hazards. Each accessible light switch is inspected and tested for evidence of degradation and replaced where there are cracks or other faults.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace standard light switches at no charge.

Download our easy reference checklist

We have picked out the essential elements of the electrical safety check from the respective standards and created the below checklist that set out the main checks and testing required in the plainest English we could.

We are aware that some other providers are failing to complete all the required tests. If you are not currently enrolled in our electrical safety service, please ensure you ask them to validate that all of these checks, including the earth continuity testing of every power point, is included in the service provided.

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

Download our electrical safety check checklist (PDF 160KB)

Get the protection you need with our electrical safety service

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

Learn more
Share this page
From 29 March 2021, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) requires gas safety checks at residential rental properties every two years. The gas safety check must be carried out by a Type A Appliance Servicing accredited gas fitter and must meet the requirements outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 ("Regulations").

In order to complete a gas safety check, it’s mandatory to complete a full service of all gas appliances. Without this step, the gas safety check is incomplete and the property is not compliant.

1. Full service of all gas appliances connected to the main property gas supply

At Detector Inspector, we complete a full service of all gas appliances connected to the property’s main gas supply. This includes the following steps:

  • Clean dust and debris from appliances including burner, pilot, fan, filters and air intakes
  • Check the integrity of the heat exchanger
  • Check the gas supply and appliance operating pressures
  • Check that the gas appliance burner ignition is reliable and complete
  • Check for any gas appliance flame abnormality
  • Check the operation of the gas appliance, including safety devices
  • Complete a combustion spillage (carbon monoxide) test on all heating appliances and internal, open flued appliances


Duration

  • A full service of a gas heater will typically take 60-75 minutes.
  • A full service of other gas appliances will typically take 15-30 minutes.


Why it’s important?

A full service of all gas appliances every 2 years is strongly recommended by ESV and is now required by the RTA. The checks ensure that the appliances are running efficiently, that there are not dangerous cracks in the heat exchanger that could leak poisonous carbon monoxide into the home and that they are operating safely and effectively.

Carbon monoxide is poisonous, odourless and can be deadly. Any installation that is leaking carbon monoxide must be immediately capped off for the safety of occupants.

Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will replace faulty or damaged thermocouples at no charge.

2. Gas installation checks

In addition to full service of all gas appliances connected to the main property gas supply, we also complete checks of each gas installation. During the service we:          

  • Check pressure retention on the main gas line
  • Ensure access for servicing & adjustment
  • Check that electrically safe
  • Check that gas installations, including gas cookers, are adequately restrained to avoid tipping over
  • Check that gas installations meet clearance requirements from any combustible surfaces
  • Where LPG cylinders are present, check that they and associated gas components are installed correctly
  • Check that there is adequate ventilation for appliances to act safely
  • Check that gas isolation valves are installed, as required
  • Check gas appliances for evidence of certification


Duration

These checks take approx. 20 – 50 minutes.


Some important information to note

  • Testing and checks are required to be carried out every 2 years. Where the gas regulator is unable to be accessed to complete the tests, it’s impossible to certify the compliance of the installation and it is a requirement that work is undertaken to permit servicing and adjustment.
  • Sudden movement of unrestrained gas installations could disconnect the gas line into the appliance, with potentially catastrophic effect. It is a requirement that gas installations are restrained.
  • Incorrectly installed LPG cylinders and components can present a significant risk to the health and safety of occupants.
  • Inadequate ventilation for gas appliances can present a significant risk to the health and safety of occupants.
  • Gas isolation valves act as emergency isolation valves and are required to be installed to enable rapid shut off of the gas flow in the case of an emergency.
  • Where the property is enrolled in our Safer Home subscription plan, we will rectify certain compliance issues including basic PTR line extensions, reconnection of minor loose ductwork, minor flue repositioning, securing of freestanding oven, gas regulator rotation and gas cooktop raising at no charge.
Download our easy reference checklist

We have picked out the essential elements of the gas check from the respective standards and created a checklist that set out the main checks and testing required in the plainest English we could.

We are aware that some other providers are failing to complete all the required tests. If you are not currently enrolled in our gas safety service, please ensure you validate that all of these checks, including a full service of each gas appliance, is included in any service provided.

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 ("Regulations").

Download our gas safety check checklist (PDF 160KB)

Get the protection you need with our gas safety service

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

Learn more
Share this page
When it comes to electrical work, DIY can be dangerous and expensive. To ensure rental properties are maintained to a professional standard, changes to the RTA (VIC) from March 2021 mandate that electrical safety checks and services must be carried out at least every 2 years by a licensed electrician.

It’s tempting for landlords to think that DIY is cheaper and less hassle than hiring a tradie. Property managers and landlords need to be aware of their responsibilities and the risks of unlicensed electrical work. Here are five reasons electrical work should only be carried out by a qualified electrician, plus the low-down on new electrical safety legislation.

1. It’s safer.

DIY can be dangerous: Energy Safe Victoria warns don’t DIY! Electrical accidents injure or kill more than 800 Victorians every year. An average of 75 of these incidents involve children at home. Detector Inspector has serviced thousands of rental properties, and we’ve found that at least 1 in 10 properties has a critical safety issue at the first service that represents a significant risk to tenants. Electric shock can cause permanent burn injuries to the skin and damage internal tissues, vital organs and the nervous system. Electrical faults can also cause house fires. DIY domestic electrical work exposes landlords and tenants to a risk which can be fatal. It’s not worth it!

2. It’s cheaper.

DIY doesn’t really save money in the long run. Landlords might resist paying somebody to do something they can do for free, but DIY doesn’t come with a professional guarantee that the work will last months or years. Quick fixes and patch-up jobs don’t replace a full, regular service: it’s easy for DIYers to overlook wear and tear, leading to the replacement of expensive parts or even the entire system which could have been avoided. Paying a fixed low, annual fee for a complete electrical safety service means landlords can plan for a set budget and are more likely to avoid major surprise expenses.

3. It saves time.

DIY is tricky and time-consuming. Without professional electrical training, DIYers are relying on google and YouTube videos to diagnose and fix electrical problems. It’s a minefield! Trying to repair a problem if you’re not sure what you’re doing is time-consuming and can create a bigger issue than what you started with. Plus, without regular checks and services, new issues will keep cropping up. Keeping the property’s electricals regularly maintained by a licensed professional will save landlords time and issues year-round.

4. It’s done right.

DIY usually involves a bit of guesswork. Professional electricians have the proper equipment and knowledge to pinpoint the precise nature of an electrical problem. Without the right gear and experience, DIYers are working in the dark and risk making mistakes. Making the wrong diagnosis or trying to improvise a fix puts the DIYer at risk of injury and even death. And faulty work that hasn’t been checked by a licensed professional could cause an accident later on, harming the people living in the home. Always hire a properly licensed electrician and get the job done right, first time.

5. It meets legal standards.

DIY done by a non-qualified person can have legal consequences. Minor chores like changing a light bulb can usually be done without too much fuss. But did you know there are fines of up to $100,000 for doing wiring without a license? And if electrical work performed by an unlicensed person leads to injury or death, the person who did the DIY faces up to two years jail time. Don’t risk it! Property managers and landlords have a duty of care to ensure the electrical work carried out at a rental property is done to a professional standard to keep occupants safe. To avoid the risk of legal exposure, only allow a licensed professional to touch the electrics.

Tougher rules on electrical safety: New responsibilities for landlords and property managers

From 29 March 2021, changes to the RTA (Vic) will represent tighter rules on electrical safety. Under the new legislation, an electrical safety service at least every two years will be a mandatory requirement for rental properties in Victoria. The services must be carried out be a licensed or registered electrician and apply to all electrical installations, fittings and appliances.

Renters will also have the right to request the date of the last safety service for both gas and electrical. If the last check has not been conducted within two years of a new renter taking up occupancy of a property, there is an obligation to have the service conducted as soon as practicable. Organising services and keeping appropriate records to meet the new legislation represents a huge administrative burden for property owners and managers.

The hassle-free solution for safer homes

Detector Inspector has created a tailored solution that’s safe, affordable and saves time and hassle. Victorian properties enrolled in our electrical safety service undergo a full safety check every two years, completed in accordance with all applicable standards, codes and legislation. (See what’s included here.)

Our system automatically rolls over the service to ensure that all properties are kept up to date and compliant year-round, with minimal administration for property managers. A predictable, low annual fee allows landlords to budget with no surprises.

Our safer home package for Victorian customers bundles electrical services with mandatory gas and smoke alarm services for a single fee, saving even more money and the hassle of dealing with multiple service providers.

Landlords—don’t be tempted to DIY. Property managers—don’t let them! For complete compliance coverage and peace of mind, contact Detector Inspector by completing the form below and see how our electrical safety service beats DIY, every time.

Our Safer Home Package is a subscription service that provides Victorian property managers and their landlords with a total compliance solution across smoke alarm, gas and electrical services

Learn more
Share this page
You may know us as one of Australia’s largest smoke alarm servicing company but we have employed electricians for much of the past 15 years and have been providing an electrical service and safety check since early 2020.

In this video, our focus is on providing property managers with the information they need to speak to their landlords about our electrical safety service. In it, we explain:

  1. Details regarding the elements that make up the service;
  2. Discuss some of the inclusions that we’ve added in to reduce the hassle for property managers and their landlords; and
  3. Let you know what actions we take when we find issues at a property and how we’ll make sure property managers are notified.
electrician testing power points
Play Video
Share this page

Detector Inspector. We make safer homes.

Learn more
You may know us as one of Australia’s largest smoke alarm servicing companies, but in the 5 years since we started providing our gas service, we’ve learned that for us, for you and for landlords, servicing gas appliances is different, more involved and more complicated than smoke alarm servicing.

In this video, our focus is on providing property managers with the information they need to speak to their landlords about our gas safety service. In it, we explain:

  1. Details regarding the elements that make up the service;
  2. Discuss some of the inclusions that we’ve added in to reduce the hassle for property managers and their landlords; and
  3. Let you know what actions we take when we find issues at a property and how we’ll make sure property managers are notified.
20JG1110
Play Video
Share this page

Detector Inspector. We make safer homes.

Learn more
While the RTA has pushed back the deadline for legislation date changes, property managers shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security. As always, tenant safety comes first. There is still a shortage of technicians in Victoria to complete the necessary services, and the window for meeting new mandatory requirements is closing fast. Here’s how to meet your obligations and keep tenants safe in uncertain times.
1. Put safety first

The rental provider must ensure a gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings is conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter. (The gasfitter will require a license/registration for ‘Type A Servicing’). The rental provider must provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check upon request. If a gas safety check has not been conducted within the last 2 years the rental provider must arrange one as soon as practicable upon a renter occupying the premises.

2. Stay on top of compliance

While safety comes first, compliance is a close second. A simple compliance service makes it easier to check and maintain compliance regularly, making safer homes. And a watertight compliance management system, with everything backed up digitally, protects landlords in case of a safety incident.

In light of Covid restrictions, the RTA has extended the date for legislation changes to come into effect to 29 March 2021. The extension means that Covid-19 won’t be an excuse for not meeting the mandatory requirements by the new deadline. To get your portfolio compliant in time, how many services a day will you need between now and the 29 March? Don’t procrastinate!

Many property managers are feeling overwhelmed by the task of getting compliant before the deadline. Detector Inspector is here to help you! Reach out to us today and we’ll get the process started—giving you one less thing to worry about.

3. Plan ahead for the unpredictable

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that circumstances can change on short notice and planning ahead is difficult. While the situation in Victoria remains relatively stable, don’t miss the window for getting your portfolio compliant before the deadline.

Many property managers have procrastinated on organising compliance checks ahead of the new legislation, creating an even bigger spike in demand for service providers. There’s still a state-wide shortage of property qualified and accredited tradespeople to carry out the services required for over 600,000 rental properties in Victoria. The window before the deadline is closing fast!

As covid restrictions ease, there remains the possibility that legislation could come into effect earlier than 29 March. Take the opportunity to organise services while you can, as soon as you can!

As a essential safety service, Detector Inspector is operating normally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep everybody safe, our technicians are taking precautions outlined in our COVID-19 Action Plan. It’s just one more way we’re putting safety first in our communities.  

The new regulations: more rights for tenants, more work for property managers

Increased compliance obligations for rental properties in Victoria will create a significant increase in the administrative burden for property managers.

More rights for tenants. Under the new regulations, property managers will be obliged to:

  • On request, provide the date of the last safety service and a copy of the last service report
  • On or before occupation day, provide every renter with information about how each smoke alarm works, how to test it, and “no tamper” instructions
  • When notified by a renter that a smoke alarm is not working, consider it an “urgent repair” and arrange immediately for it to be repaired or replaced
  • Ensure there’s a fixed heater in the main living area or install an energy-efficient one

More work for property managers. There will be more record-keeping and increased negotiations with owners, occupants and tradies to meet the new safety obligations.

  • Time-consuming landlord education about their new mandatory safety obligations
  • Increased hassle where multiple property entries are required to get tradies in
  • Negotiation of new issues with owners (like extra costs) and tenants (increased disturbance for services)
  • Increased record keeping and audit trail obligations, including logging tenant requests
The Detector Inspector Solution

By putting safety first and compliance a close second, we’re driven to create solutions that ensure safety for tenants, year-round compliance for landlords and virtually no admin hassle for property managers.

Our Safer Home Package is an all-in-one solution for smoke alarms, gas and electrical safety compliance with an all-inclusive, flat annual fee. The predictable yearly price and automatic continuity of services keeps landlords happy and reduces the organisational burden for property managers, while year-round compliance keeps tenants safe.

We use a sophisticated digital mailout system that automates the service offer and onboarding of landlords, customised with your agency logos and the look and feel of your regular communications.  Once landlords are onboard, tenant entry notifications for services are fully automated via text and email direct from the system to your tenants.

2020 has been overwhelming and unpredictable. A hassle-free, reliable compliance solution helps you keep things under control and keep tenants safe in uncertain times.

Contact us to discuss a solution and a rollout strategy for your office before it’s too late to make the deadline.

Our Safer Home Package provides ongoing protection for property managers and landlords by ensuring optimal safety and compliance.

Learn more
Share this page
Go back
Go back
1300 134 563
Visit Help Centre Get in touch
Detector Inspector