Mandatory Rental Electrical Safety Checks Victoria: What Landlords Must Do Before October 2026

What Are the New Rental Electrical Safety Check Requirements?

Under changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, all Victorian rental properties must undergo a formal electrical safety inspection by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licensed with Energy Safe Victoria. The inspection must be repeated every two years for as long as the property is rented.

The requirements apply to all rental properties in Victoria, including houses, apartments, units and rooms in shared accommodation.

Key obligations for landlords include:

• Arranging an electrical safety inspection by a licensed REC before the property is leased or within the required timeframe
• Keeping inspection records for a minimum of five years
• Providing a copy of the inspection report to tenants within seven days of the inspection
• Addressing any defects or safety issues identified during the inspection
• Ensuring the inspection is repeated every two years

What Does the Inspection Cover?

A rental electrical safety inspection is a thorough check of the property’s fixed electrical installation. This includes:

Common switchboard defects found during rental electrical safety inspections.

• Switchboard condition. The inspector checks for correct labelling, adequate safety switches (RCDs), appropriate circuit breaker ratings and any signs of damage, corrosion or overheating. Older properties with ceramic fuses or asbestos switchboards will likely require a switchboard upgrade.
• Safety switch (RCD) testing. All safety switches must be tested to confirm they trip within the required time. Properties without safety switches on all circuits will need them installed.
• Wiring integrity. The inspector checks accessible wiring for damage, deterioration, non-compliant installations and signs of overheating.
• Power points and light switches. All accessible outlets and switches are checked for damage, loose connections, correct polarity and proper earthing.
• Smoke alarm compliance. While not strictly part of the electrical inspection, smoke alarm compliance is typically checked at the same time, as both are legal requirements for rental properties.
• Earth fault loop impedance and insulation resistance. These are technical measurements that confirm the safety of the electrical system as a whole.

How Much Does a Rental Electrical Safety Inspection Cost?

For a standard residential property in Melbourne, expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the inspection itself. The exact cost depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits and the accessibility of the switchboard and wiring.

If the inspection identifies defects that need to be repaired, the repair costs are additional. Common items that come up include:

• Installing safety switches on circuits that do not have them: $150 to $350 per switch
• Replacing damaged or non-compliant power points: $80 to $150 each
• Switchboard upgrades for properties with old ceramic fuse boards: $1,500 to $3,500
• Rewiring sections with deteriorated cable: varies depending on scope

For commercial rental properties, inspection costs typically start from $500 and increase based on the complexity of the installation.

What Happens if You Do Not Comply?

Non-compliance with the mandatory inspection requirements can result in penalties under the Residential Tenancies Act. More importantly, if a tenant is injured due to an electrical fault in a property that has not been inspected, the landlord faces significant liability.

Thermal imaging reveals hidden faults that visual inspections miss.

Property managers and landlords should treat this as a non-negotiable part of their compliance obligations, alongside smoke alarms, gas safety and pool fencing.

What Should Landlords Do Now?

With the 13 October 2026 deadline approaching, landlords should take the following steps:

1. Book an Inspection Early

Demand for electrical inspections will spike as the deadline approaches. Book now to avoid delays. A licensed REC can typically complete a standard residential inspection in one to two hours.

2. Check Your Switchboard

If your rental property still has an old switchboard with ceramic fuses, rewirable fuses or no safety switches, it will almost certainly fail the inspection. Getting a switchboard upgrade done now avoids a second visit and additional cost later.

3. Review Your Smoke Alarms

Since your electrician will be on site for the electrical inspection, it makes sense to have smoke alarms checked and updated at the same time. Victorian law requires interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all rental properties.

4. Keep Records

Store the inspection report safely. You are required to keep records for five years and provide a copy to your tenant within seven days. A good electrician will provide a clear, detailed report that satisfies the record-keeping requirements.

What Tenants Should Know

If you are renting in Victoria, you have the right to request a copy of the electrical safety inspection report from your landlord or property manager. If the property has not been inspected, you can raise this with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

For practical tips on checking your own apartment’s electrical safety, see our guide to apartment electrical safety for Melbourne renters.

Frequently Asked Questions