VIC Property Reports for safety compliance and minimum housing standards
In Victoria, the responsibility on property managers and rental providers has increased due to changes in the Residential Tenancies Act.
All rental properties must meet minimum rental standards and undergo bi-annual gas and electrical safety checks. To help navigate these changes seamlessly, our comprehensive inspection solutions encompass essential areas, helping you to ensure rentals are compliant to the legislation.
By entrusting this vital assessment to professionals, property managers and rental providers can safeguard their investments, protect renters, and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence.
Safety Compliance all-in-one
-
Minimum Housing Standards
Report checks the property against the Minimum Standards.
(excludes electrical safety – this is covered in the electrical safety check)
-
Electrical Safety Check
Check of all electrical installations and fittings in the premises as per section 4 of AS/NZS 3019 “Electrical installations – Periodic verification”
-
Gas Safety Check
Gas Installation Checks
Testing of Gas Installations
-
Smoke Alarm Safety Check
Assesses alarms are in working condition and positioned correctly.
Can only be purchased as an add-on to any of the minimum housing standards, electrical or gas reports.
Streamlined Process for Convenience & Compliance
One of the key advantages of our service is the convenience it offers. We understand the importance of reducing inconvenience to both renters and rental providers. If multiple report types are ordered, where possible, we will try our best to co-ordinate all inspectors to come at one time, creating an efficient inspection and minimising disruption for the renter.
Our service provides the expertise needed to minimise these risks and gives insights into maintaining legislative compliance, ultimately preserving the property's value and reputation.
VIC Safer Home Evaluation FAQs
Booking & Scheduling
-
Inspections can be booked for residential property in metro Melbourne areas.
-
Inspections are available for residential properties and can be purchased by Rental Providers, or via a Property Manager. Renters are unable to purchase inspections. To book please fill out our enquiry form.
-
No, you pay as you need. This means no heavy upfront costs, lock in contracts or yearly payments.
-
We can offer multiple report and property discounts, call us on 1300 350 000 for further details.
-
To order, send through a Booking Enquiry and we will be in touch to discuss payment options. If the booking is made through a Property Manager we can send an invoice to be paid via trust.
-
Once an inspection has been ordered we will reach out to find a time and date that suits the renter.
If more than one inspection is ordered, we will aim to schedule them on the same day. Inspections can be rescheduled with fair notice. Inspections are scheduled Monday – Friday.
If you would like to make a booking please visit Booking Enquiry.
-
The inspector will require access to the property to complete the inspection. We can arrange key collection from the managing agent within a reasonable distance from the property, if required.
Inspection Process
-
On average they can take between 45mins - 2hrs. This varies depending on the type of inspection ordered, how many are ordered and the size of the property.
-
Prior to the inspection, please notify us of any risks to health and safety, including any unsafe conditions, illness or hazards at the property prior to the scheduled date.
For gas and electrical safety checks please ensure the inspector has clear access to all rooms, appliances, and power points while onsite.
-
We will make safe by disconnecting either the appliance or circuit. If further works are required, we can help assist with quotes.
-
Location Photos
As part of the inspection procedure our Inspector will be taking photographs of locations within the property and of any issues discovered. The photographs will not identify you or any personal items and your privacy will be respected in all instances.
Electrical Safety Checks
The electricity must be connected to the property to conduct the electrical safety check.
The power will be switched off intermittently throughout the electrical safety check.
Ensure the electrician has clear access to all rooms, appliances, and power points while onsite.
Please note we do not reset any appliance clocks.
Post Inspection
-
Once the inspection has been completed you can expect a link to the PDF report to be emailed within 1-2 business days.
-
If the inspection has highlighted any areas of concern or non-compliance it is recommended that action is taken to rectify the issues. We can help assist with quotes.
-
We do not amend or update the report after the inspection is completed. If gas or electrical work is carried out to rectify any non-compliance, a rental provider must keep the compliance certificate or tax invoice issued by the trade who completed the work.
General Information
-
The minimum housing standars are a part of the VIC Residential Tenancies Act 1997. This covers the basic requirements rental properties must meet in terms of amenities, safety and privacy:
1. Locks
2. Vermin proof bins
3. Toilets
4. Bathroom
5. Kitchen
6. Laundry
7. Structual soundness
8. Mould and damp
9. Electrical safety
10. Window coverings
11. Windows
12. Lighting
13. Ventilation
14. Heating
-
PropertySafe inspections help ensure that your rental property is safe and compliant for renters to live in as per the legislation. If the minimum rental standards, gas or electrical safety requirements aren’t met, you would be in breach of an agreement leaving you exposed to compensation claims, urgent repair orders or lease terminations.
-
Electrical and gas safety reports must be completed by licensed qualified trades as stated in the legislation.
For minimum housing standards, PropertySafe offers specialised expertise and a comprehensive scope compared to a standard routine inspection.
Our inspectors are equipped with specific training and tools, and evaluate compliance to the legislated minimum housing standards.
Smoke Alarm Add-on Information
-
Smoke alarm units must be tested according to manufacturer’s instructions, every 12 months in rental properties.
• Assessing position of units within the property
• Testing and back up battery replacement
• Cleaning units to remove dust and insects
• Testing smoke detection ability
• Sound check
A Smoke Alarm Safety Check must be purchased as an add-on to any other inspection type, it cannot be purchased on its own.
-
If the smoke alarm is found to be faulty during the inspection, here's what may happen:
• 9-volt battery powered units: When you buy a Smoke Alarm Safety Check, we’ll ask for permission to replace faulty alarms during the inspection. If you agree and if it is required, we can replace up to 2 x 9-volt units which will be invoiced to you post inspection.
• 240-volt hard-wired units with or without a 9-volt battery back-up: We will check these smoke alarms against the requirements of the legislation. If found faulty, we can supply a quote via our partner RACV Trades, for a battery replacement or repair.
-
Smoke alarm units must be tested every 12 months, and replaced every 10 years. It is the rental providers responsibility to ensure their rental property meets the legislative requirements for Smoke Alarm Safety.