Gas and Electrical Safety Checks in Victoria: Who Can Do Them and How Often?

Gas and electrical safety checks are among the most critical compliance obligations for Victorian rental providers and some of the most commonly misunderstood. 

Here’s what Victorian rental providers need to know about how often safety checks are required, who is legally allowed to carry them out, and what records must be kept. 

Gas Safety Checks: Every Two Years - With a Critical Licensing Requirement 

Gas safety checks are required every two years for Victorian rental properties, but this is where many rental providers unintentionally fall out of compliance. 

In Victoria, not all plumbers or gasfitters are legally qualified to conduct a rental gas safety check. 

Who Can Legally Perform a Gas Safety Check 

A valid gas safety check must be completed by a gasfitter with a type A servicing license. 

A plumber or gasfitter who does not hold this specific license cannot legally conduct a gas safety check. 

If the gasfitter does not hold the Type A servicing license, the certificate is invalid for rental compliance purposes. 

Why This Distinction Matters 

This is one of the most common compliance failures in Victoria. 

Landlords often assume that: 

• a general plumber, or 

• a gasfitter who installed the appliance 

is automatically qualified to perform the safety check. 

They are not. 

What Must Be Checked During a Gas Safety Check 

A compliant gas safety check must assess: 

• all gas installations, and 

• all gas appliances supplied with the rental property 

This typically includes: 

• gas heaters 

• gas cooktops and ovens 

• gas hot water systems 

Each appliance must be tested for safe operation, not just visually inspected. 

Electrical Safety Checks: Required Every Two Years 

Under Victorian rental laws, rental providers must ensure that electrical safety checks are completed at least once every two years for rental properties. 

What must be checked 

Electrical safety checks must cover: 

• all electrical installations 

• all electrical fittings and fixtures supplied with the property 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• power points and switches 

• light fittings 

• switchboards 

• fixed electrical appliances provided with the rental 
  

Who can do the check 

Electrical safety checks must be conducted by: 

• a licensed electrician registered in Victoria 

Informal checks, handyman inspections, or visual checks alone do not meet the legal requirement. 

Documentation Requirements: What Rental Providers Must Keep 

Victorian law requires rental providers to: 

• keep a record of each gas and electrical safety check 

• retain documentation that includes: 

• the date of the check 

• the name and licence details of the tradesperson 

• the results of the inspection 

• provide evidence of the most recent safety checks to renters upon request 

Missing or incomplete records can result in a property being treated as non-compliant, even if checks were carried out. 

How LongView Helps Victorian Rental Providers Stay Compliant 

Safety compliance is actively managed as part of our property management service. 

• tracks gas and electrical safety check due dates 

• engages appropriately licensed and endorsed trades 

• ensures checks are completed every two years as required 

• securely stores compliance documentation 

• provides records to renters when requested 

This structured approach protects rental providers and ensures properties remain safe and legally compliant.