Rental Electrical Safety Check Mornington Peninsula: A Landlord’s Guide

Posted on by Nathan

In Victoria, rental providers must have a licensed or registered electrician carry out an electrical safety check on their rental property every two years, and keep a record of it. Since 29 March 2023, rentals must also meet a minimum standard for electrical safety: a modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs) protecting the power and lighting circuits. Here’s what that means in practice for landlords and property managers across Somerville, the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside and Cranbourne.

What is a rental electrical safety check?

It’s an inspection of the property’s electrical installation, fixtures and fittings by a licensed or registered electrician, to make sure everything is safe and working as it should. It’s part of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, which Consumer Affairs Victoria administers. Energy Safe Victoria notes that every switchboard must have RCDs fitted, which cut the power to a circuit when they detect current leaking where it shouldn’t.

What we look at during a check

  • Switchboard: circuit breakers and safety switches are fitted, labelled and trip when tested
  • Power points and switches: cracks, scorching, loose fittings or signs of overheating
  • Light fittings: secure, undamaged and suitable for where they’re installed
  • Fixed appliances: the wiring to things like the oven, cooktop and hot water service
  • Visible wiring: damaged, perished or unsafe cabling, including in sheds and garages
  • DIY or non-compliant work: anything that looks like it wasn’t done by a licensed electrician

You get a record of the check, plus any recommendations, so you can keep it on file with your property manager.

What the Victorian rules say

Landlord obligations

  • Electrical safety check every 2 years by a licensed or registered electrician
  • Gas safety check every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter (if the property has gas)
  • Keep the records, and show them to a renter on request
  • Before the agreement is signed, tell the renter the date of the last checks and any outstanding recommendations
  • If the checks are overdue, arrange them as soon as possible
  • Test smoke alarms every 12 months and replace batteries as needed

What renters can ask for

  • A copy of the latest electrical and gas safety check, requested in writing, which must be provided within 7 days
  • A condition report that lists the dates of the most recent gas and electrical checks and smoke alarm test
  • Urgent repairs if a smoke alarm isn’t working or hasn’t been tested in over 12 months

The electrical safety minimum standard (since 29 March 2023)

Under the rental minimum standards, a rental needs a modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs, RCCBs or RCBOs). What that involves depends on the switchboard you have now:

  • Already a circuit breaker board: we add RCD protection to the power point and lighting circuits. Under the standard, other circuits such as fixed cooking, hot water and air conditioning don’t need changes.
  • Old fuse board (ceramic fuses): the whole switchboard may need replacing, and then every circuit, including cooking, hot water and air conditioning, gets circuit breaker protection.

If your rental is an older place and you’re not sure what’s in the meter box, that’s the first thing to check. Our post on switchboard and electrical upgrades explains why an upgrade matters for safety and property value.

What happens if the check finds a problem?

We’ll explain what we found in plain English, tell you what needs fixing for safety or compliance and what’s just a recommendation, and give you a quote before any extra work goes ahead. If there’s a fault that leaves the property unsafe or without power, our emergency electrician service can help.

Tips to stay on top of rental electrical compliance

  1. Diary the due date. Book the next check a few weeks before the two years is up.
  2. Line up your checks. Book the smoke alarm test (every 12 months) and the electrical check together when they fall due in the same year.
  3. Use the gap between renters. An empty property is the easiest time to inspect and do any upgrades.
  4. Keep records with your agent. Renters can ask for a copy, and you’ll need the dates for the condition report.
  5. Act on recommendations. Outstanding recommendations have to be disclosed to new renters.

Frequently asked questions

Every two years, carried out by a licensed or registered electrician.

The rental provider (landlord), or their real estate agent on their behalf.

Yes. A renter can ask in writing for a copy of the most recent check, and it must be provided within 7 days.

Yes. Since 29 March 2023, the electrical safety minimum standard requires circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs) on the power and lighting circuits.

No. Smoke alarms must be tested every 12 months, separately to the two-yearly electrical check. See our guide to smoke alarm installation and compliance.

Book a rental electrical safety check

Luxen Electrical Group carries out rental electrical safety checks for landlords and property managers in Somerville, Tyabb, Hastings, Mornington, Frankston, Cranbourne and across the Mornington Peninsula and Bayside. See all the areas we serve, our residential electrical services, or our commercial electrician services for business premises.

Call Luxen Electrical Group on 0420 132 525 for a quote or to book, or contact us online.

Call 0420 132 525 Request a quote

Sources

This is general information, not legal advice. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria for the current rules.

About the author

Nathan Bryant, founder of Luxen Electrical Group, has 10 years of electrical experience in residential and commercial maintenance and service. Luxen is a family-run business on the Mornington Peninsula and Bayside area. Nathan and his team are highly skilled and trained to complete all electrical works.