Landlords must organise electrical inspections every 2 years if the rental agreement started after 29 March 2021. These checks must be done by a licenced electrician and cover all electrical installations and fittings.
Only licenced electricians can perform these inspections and provide the necessary compliance paperwork. Many businesses that offer commercial electrical services also handle rental property inspections for owners and agents.
This guide explains what to expect during an electrical inspection for a rental property, how much it costs, and when it’s due.
Why Mandatory Electrical Inspections Are Required
Mandatory electrical inspections are required because they help protect tenants, reduce fire risk, and keep rental properties compliant with Victorian safety laws. As a landlord, you must meet the minimum standards set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
A licenced electrician must perform the inspection every 2 years, and you need to keep records showing it’s been done.
Here are the main reasons these inspections are required:
- To prevent injury or fire due to faulty wiring or ageing equipment
- To keep rental providers legally compliant under Victorian regulations
- To maintain insurance coverage that may be voided without routine checks
What is Covered In A Standard Electrical Safety Check
A standard electrical safety check covers the switchboard, wiring, safety switches, power points, lights, and fixed appliances in a rental property. A licenced electrician looks for faults, damage, or safety risks that could affect tenant safety or legal compliance. This inspection is part of the mandatory 2-year check required under Victorian rental laws.
Here are the main tasks performed during a rental property inspection:
- To test RCDs and RCBOs for correct tripping and reset
- To inspect and test all lights, power points, and fixed appliances
- To check for damage, overheating, or loose wiring at the switchboard
- To confirm proper earthing and bonding of the electrical installation
How Much Does a Home Electrical Inspection Cost?
A standard residential electrical inspection in Victoria costs between $150 to $200, depending on the property layout, number of circuits, and distance travelled. Larger homes, urgent bookings, or additional fault rectification can raise the final figure.
Inspection costs vary based on how many circuits and power points need testing, how easy the property is to access, and the time it takes to complete the inspection and provide the required documentation. Each of these factors contributes to the overall price.
Meeting Victorian Minimum Standards For Rental Compliance
All rental properties must have safety switches installed on all power circuits. Most older homes require switchboard upgrades to meet this requirement. These upgrades often cost between $900 and $1,500 and must include a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Compliance depends on using a licensed electrician to carry out the work, installing approved circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs), and issuing a valid compliance certificate. This documentation must be provided to the tenant and kept on file as proof that the property meets Victorian rental standards.
When A Mandatory Inspection Should Be Performed
New or Periodic Tenancy After 29 March 2021
If a new lease starts or a fixed-term lease rolls into periodic after 29 March 2021, and no safety check has been done in the past 2 years, an inspection must be performed before the renter moves in.
Every Two Years During Tenancy
Existing tenancies must have a licenced electrician perform an electrical safety check at least once every two years.
