The Residential Tenancies Act
Electrical Safety Check
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 mandates specific electrical safety standards forrental properties to
ensure tenant safety and compliance
Periodic Electrical Safety Checks
Rental providers must have all electrical installations and fittings checked by a licensed electrician at least once every two years. This applies to new rental agreements and fixed-term agreements that roll over into periodic agreements after 29 March 2021. If an electrical safety check has n’t been conducted within the last two years at the time a renter occupies the property, the rental provider must arrange for one as soon as possible. Before entering into a rental agreement, the rental provider must disclose to the renter the date of the last electrical safety check and any outstanding recommendations.
We Need To RegularlyCheck The Following
Smoke Alarms And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Every 12 Months
Gas Appliances And Systems
- Every 2 Years
Electrical Appliances And Systems
- Every 2 Years
These checks greatly reduce the chance of a fire or other emergency in your home.
Why Home Safety ChecksAre Needed
Smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks greatly reduce the chance of a fire or other emergency in your home. By law, all rental providers must carry out regular safety checks of renters homes These checks are designed to keep you and your household safe.
What To Expect DuringAn Electrical Safety Check
During an electrical safety check for a rental property in Victoria (as required by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997), a licensed electrician will perform a comprehensive inspection and testing of electrical installations and fittings. Here’s what you can expect
Solar Inspection
The electrician will visually inspect
- The switchboard, ensuring it has circuit breakers and RCDs (residual current devices)
- Power outlets and light fittings for damage, proper installation, and wear
- Electrical wiring where accessible (e.g., in the roof cavity, under the house)
- Electrical appliances provided by the landlord (e.g., ovens, cooktops)
Testing ElectricalSystems
They will carry out functional tests including
- RCD (Safety Switch) testing – to ensure they trip correctly in the event of a fault
- Polarity tests – to confirm wiring is correct
- Insulation resistance testing – to ensure wiring is not deteriorating or faulty
- Earth continuity testing – to verify all metallic parts are properly earthed
- Voltage and current testing – to detect irregularities or overloading
- Electrical Safety Minimum Standards
As of 29 March 2023, rental properties must meet the following electrical safety requirements
Modern Switchboards
Properties must have switchboards equipped with circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs), also known as residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) or residual current- operated circuit- breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBOs).
Electrical Safety Checks
Rental providers are responsible for engaging a licensed electrician to ensure compliance with these standards. If the property has a circuit breaker-type switchboard, the electrician may add circuit breaker components to power outlets and lighting circuits without modifying other circuits like fixed cooking equipment or hot water units.
Urgent Electrical Repairs
Certain electrical issues are considered urgent repairs under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, including
Dangerous electrical faults
Failure or breakdown of the electricity supply
Report and ComplianceAfter the check
The electrician will provide a written report outlining
- Items tested and results
- Any faults found
- Recommendations or required repairs
If repairs are needed, the rental provider must ensure they are carried out by a licensed electrician
This report must be kept by the rental provider until the next inspection is done (at least every 2 years)
Renters can request a copy of the report, and the landlord must provide it within 7 days
Duration
An electrical safety check typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property
Access and Preparation
Renters should ensure clear access to
- The switchboard
- All power points and light switches
- Any fixed electrical appliances
Pets should be secured, and it helps to have someone home (though it’s not required if access is pre-arranged)
What you need to do
Make sure you’re home on the day you’ve agreed for the safety check Allow contractors to access your home to complete the checks.
Having an electrical check, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home’s safety checks are up to date.
Location
Haymark Electrics Pty Ltd , 7/39 Barri rd, Tullamarine, Vic, 3043
