Smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks are now mandatory for all residential rental properties - regardless of when the lease started.
Key Changes in Regulation:
- Smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks now required in residential rental properties regardless of the status of the lease.
- Residential Rental Provider or Property Manager must immediately arrange for urgent repairs to be carried out on faulty smoke alarms
Other Key Points
- Smoke alarm safety checks are required annually, with gas and electrical safety checks conducted every 2 years.
- Gas and electrical safety checks must be conducted by qualified tradespersons
Previously, safety check schedules were calculated from the start of a new lease agreement: smoke alarm safety checks required annually; electrical and gas safety checks required every 2 years.
These reforms now require Residential Rental Providers to conduct these safety checks regularly on an ongoing basis, irrespective of whether the property is leased or not.
"“These new requirements will ensure that all rental properties in Victoria have working smoke alarms that are checked regularly – no matter how long someone has been living there.” (Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams)"
The Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams made the announcement in Ballarat in mid November, joined by the Scarff Family. In 2022, 52 year old Simon Scarff tragically lost his life in a fire in a rented apartment - no smoke alarm was able to be found in the property according to The Coroner's report. The family has been advocating for smoke alarm checks for all rental properties in Victoria ever since.
Helpful links:
Find out more safety checks here:
www.taskforce.com.au/gas-safety-checks-for-rentals
www.taskforce.com.au/electrical-safety-checks-for-rentals
www.taskforce.com.au/smoke-alarm-testing-for-rentals
