Gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks for Victorian landlords: how often and what to keep
Last checked against official sources on 2 October 2026
Safety checks are one of the easiest things to forget and one of the costliest to get wrong. Here is what Consumer Affairs Victoria says about gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks, and what to keep on file.
A date to know
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s list of changes says mandatory gas and electrical safety checks every two years apply from 13 October 2026. Check the official page to see how it applies to your agreement.
Gas safety checks
Consumer Affairs Victoria says rental providers must have gas safety checks done every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter. The check should be recorded with the professional’s details, the date, the results and any repairs needed.
Electrical safety checks
All electrical installations and fittings must be checked by a licensed electrician at least once every 2 years. The electrician should be registered with Energy Safe Victoria as a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Smoke alarms
- Alarms must be installed and meet Australian Standard AS 3786.
- Buildings built after 1 August 1997 must have hard-wired alarms with battery back-up.
- Alarms must be tested at least once every 12 months, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Anyone can change a battery, but a qualified electrician must install hard-wired alarms.
- If an alarm stops working, it must be repaired or replaced immediately.
Renters must tell you if an alarm is faulty and must not deactivate or remove it.
What to keep
- The certificate or report for every gas and electrical check, with the date and the professional’s details.
- A note of when each smoke alarm was tested.
- A record of any repairs the checks recommended and when they were done.
- The date you gave any renter a copy, if they asked.
Before a new agreement is signed, you must also tell the renter the date of the last gas and electrical checks and any outstanding recommendations.
If something is dangerous
Gas leaks and dangerous electrical faults are urgent repairs. See our guide to urgent and non-urgent repairs.
How VicPropGuard helps
VicPropGuard tracks the last service date and the next due date for gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks (every 2 years for gas and electrical, every year for smoke alarms), flags what is due soon or overdue, and lets you record the technician’s details and notes for each check. You can attach the certificate or a photo, which is filed with the property’s documents, and you can send a job request to your usual trade. Request early access.
Common questions
How often are gas and electrical checks needed?
Consumer Affairs Victoria says every 2 years, by a licensed or registered gasfitter for gas and a licensed electrician for electrical.
How often must smoke alarms be tested?
At least once every 12 months, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Annual smoke alarm safety checks became mandatory for all rental properties from 25 November 2025.
Can the renter ask for a copy of a check?
Yes. The most recent gas safety check must be given to the renter within 7 days of a written request.
Sources
Related guides
General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a lawyer before you act.