The Victorian Government has recently expanded safety compliance requirements for rental properties. Effective November 2024, all residential rental properties, regardless of when the lease commenced, must adhere to updated safety standards. This includes mandatory smoke alarms, gas and electrical safety checks.
What’s Changing?
Smoke Alarms:
- Landlords must now ensure smoke alarms are:
- Checked every 12 months.
- Repaired or replaced immediately if faulty.
- Previously, these requirements only applied to agreements starting after 29 March 2021. From November 2024, they apply to all properties.
Gas Safety:
- Rental providers are required to:
- Conduct gas safety checks every two years.
- Use qualified professionals for inspections.
- This obligation now extends to properties with leases that started before 29 March 2021.
Electrical Safety:
- Similar to gas safety, electrical safety checks must be carried out every two years for all rental properties, regardless of lease commencement dates.
These updates ensure every tenant in Victoria benefits from the same level of protection, whether they live in a brand-new rental or one with a long-standing agreement.
For the full details, read the official Victorian Government press release here:
Making Victorian Rentals Safer
What Do Landlords Need to Do?
- Check Your Compliance:
If you have rental agreements that began before 29 March 2021, ensure you schedule gas, electrical, and smoke alarm safety checks to meet the new standards. - Book Regular Inspections:
Arrange inspections with qualified professionals every two years for gas and electrical safety, and annually for smoke alarms. - Keep Records:
Document all safety checks and repairs to demonstrate compliance in disputes or audits.
How Cliquey Realty Can Help
At Cliquey Realty, we understand that keeping up with regulatory changes can be overwhelming. We offer comprehensive property management services to ensure your investment meets all legal requirements. Here’s how we can assist:
- Schedule Safety Checks: We work with licensed professionals to handle gas, electrical, and smoke alarm inspections.
- Record Keeping: Our team maintains detailed records of all safety checks for your peace of mind.
- Proactive Compliance: We inform you of regulatory updates so you’re always ahead of the curve.
Don’t let compliance concerns take the joy out of property investment. Let Cliquey Realty handle the details, so you can focus on what matters most.
