If you are a landlord in Victoria, it’s a legal requirement to maintain basic safety standards in your property. This is to ensure that your property is safe to reside in, compliant with the set standards, and legally maintained. Doesn’t matter if you manage just one apartment or an entire property; you have to comply with all the local laws to keep your renters safe. This blog guides you on the costs of an electrical rental safety check in Melbourne in 2025. 

Electrical inspections have become mandatory every 2 years, especially after the laws for rental agreements were enacted in 2021. The checks should be done by a licensed electrician covering all electrical installations & fittings. The electricians are required to provide all the necessary documentation and reports for compliance. Some businesses providing electrical services on a commercial basis also offer rental property inspections for both renters and property owners.

Why Electrical Inspections Are Mandatory In Melbourne?

As per the law, electrical safety checks have become mandatory every two years to ensure the safety of tenants in the residential property. It is to reduce any risks and keep the rental properties compliant with the Victorian safety laws. 

• To prevent the chances of any injuries or fire risks due to old equipment and faulty wiring. 
• To stay compliant with the rental legal requirements that renters are required to fulfill under Victorian regulations.
• To maintain insurance coverage that comes with routine safety checks. 

What All Is Covered In A Standard Electrical Safety Check?

A standard electrical check covers all the electrical fixes & checks in a rental property. An experienced and licensed service provider checks the electrical systems for all safety risks, damages, or faults. This is to fulfill the legal requirement and ensure the safety of the tenant in the rented property.

• To test all fixed appliances, power points, and all lighting systems. 
• To test RCDs and RCBOs to correct and reset tripping.
• To check for any issues related to loose wiring, overheating, or any damage to the switchboard.
• To maintain the proper earthing systems and bonding of electrical installations. 

Cost of Rental Electrical Safety Checks in Melbourne In 2025

Though the costs for a rental electrical safety check depend upon the property layout, the number of circuits that need to be checked, and the distance travelled. The average cost of a standard rental electrical safety check is somewhere between $150 and $200. The final amount can increase spending on the booking timings, larger property space, and the number of faults fixed. 

The costs may vary based on how many power points and circuits need to be tested, how easy it is to access the property, and how long it takes for an electrician to complete the entire inspection. Just don’t forget to get the necessary documentation that can also be helpful in further inspections. All these factors combined contribute to the overall price.

When Is The Need To Perform An Electrical Inspection?

Starting from March 2021, a law has been ruled out by the government to perform the routine electrical & gas safety checks in a leased property. This is to ensure the safety of the tenant. If the check has not been done in the past 2 years, it is mandatory to perform the safety check by hiring a licensed electrician. Also, an inspection must be carried out before the renter moves into the apartment. After that, every tenant needs to go for an electrical security check at least once every 2 years.

Penalties One Has To Face For Non-Compliance

If you fail to meet the standard electrical & gas safety obligations set by the Victorian authorities as per the laws, you may be at risk of facing penalties.

• You may get orders for urgent repairs from VCAT. 
• You might get a notice for a breach of duty from tenants. 
• You may get penalized by the Consumer Affairs.
• You might be at risk of increased liabilities in case of any incident or damage to property. 

Misconceptions To Avoid For An Electrical Safety Check

There are some misconceptions that people believe in to avoid regular electrical inspections in their property.

• I can do the safety check myself: The safety checks done by the tenant or the landlord themselves are not valid. 
• New appliances don’t need a safety check: No matter how new the electrical equipment or systems are, there’s always a risk associated with them. 
• I do the regular maintenance: Even though you do regular maintenance of your electrical equipment, it still needs a safety check from time to time to mitigate the risks not seen by an inexperienced eye. 

Key Takeaways

Regular electrical safety checks are essential for both landlords and tenants in Melbourne. By adhering to legal requirements and ensuring thorough inspections, property owners can maintain safe living environments, avoid penalties, and protect their investments. Don’t overlook these critical checks to ensure compliance and safety in rental properties, and also save yourself from the risk of legal penalties. Appliance Fixer provides you with regular electrical & gas safety checks as per the set standards. 

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