What Are My Electrical Obligations as a Landlord in Victoria?

Victorian rental providers have three main electrical obligations: the property must have a switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs), an electrical safety check must be carried out by a licensed electrician at least every two years, and smoke alarms must be tested and working, with testing at least every 12 months. These rules come from the Residential Tenancies Act and Regulations and apply to most residential rental agreements in Victoria.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria for the full requirements that apply to your property.

1. The electrical safety minimum standard

Rental properties must meet minimum standards, including an electrical safety standard: a modern-style switchboard fitted with circuit breakers and electrical safety switches (RCDs, RCCBs or RCBOs). Older switchboards with ceramic fuses, or with no safety switches, generally won't meet the standard and need upgrading.

Timing: for rental agreements entered into on or after 29 March 2023, the property must meet the standard before the renter moves in. Agreements that began between 29 March 2021 and 29 March 2023 had until 29 March 2023 to comply. If a property doesn't meet the standard, renters can request an urgent repair.

After upgrading, the electrician should give you a Certificate of Electrical Safety for the work. See what's involved in a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

2. Electrical safety checks every two years

For rental agreements that started on or after 29 March 2021, rental providers must ensure an electrical safety check is carried out by a licensed or registered electrician at least every two years. The check covers the switchboard, wiring and fittings, and follows the inspection requirements in the Australian standard for electrical installation inspections (AS/NZS 3019).

What you should receive: a signed written report listing what was checked, test results, anything not covered, and any recommended repairs. If repairs are needed to make the property safe, they should be carried out by a registered electrical contractor, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety issued for that work.

Record keeping: keep the most recent check record until the next one is done, and give the renter a copy within seven days if they ask in writing.

3. Smoke alarms

Rental providers must ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed and in working order, tested according to the manufacturer's instructions at least every 12 months, and that batteries are replaced as needed. Renters should report faulty alarms and not remove or disable them. Homes built since 1997 generally need hardwired (mains-powered) alarms. See how often smoke alarms should be tested and replaced and hardwired vs battery smoke alarms.

Common issues we find in rental properties

• switchboards with ceramic fuses or only one safety switch covering power points
• lighting circuits with no RCD protection
• damaged or loose power points and switches
• expired smoke alarms (older than 10 years) or alarms in the wrong locations
• old halogen downlights without proper clearance from insulation
• outdoor power points without weatherproof covers

Practical tips for rental providers and property managers

• Book the electrical safety check and smoke alarm test together to reduce visits and disruption for renters.
• Diarise the two-year check date from the last report.
• Fix issues before a new tenancy starts, rather than after a renter reports them.
• Keep all reports and certificates in one place, ready for renters, insurers or a future sale.
• Remember that urgent repairs, including electrical faults and failed safety switches, have to be dealt with promptly.

How VU Electrical can help

We carry out rental electrical safety checks, smoke alarm testing and replacement, switchboard upgrades and safety switch installation for landlords and property managers across Melbourne, with written reports and certificates for every job. Get in touch to arrange a check or a quote for a portfolio.