Since March 29, 2021, all Victorian residential lease agreements must comply with updated safety standards under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. These new requirements are essential for ensuring property safety and compliance, and it’s important that both landlords and tenants understand these changes.
Key Safety Check Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of the safety checks now required for every rental property:
1. Gas Safety Check
A gas safety check, conducted every two years, is required for all gas installations and fittings. Only a Type A qualified gasfitter is authorized to perform this critical check to ensure safe and efficient operation of the gas systems.
2. Electrical Safety Check
Also performed every two years, an electrical safety check involves testing all electrical installations and fittings. Only a licensed electrician can complete this check, safeguarding the property from potential electrical hazards.
3. Smoke Alarm Inspection
An annual inspection of smoke alarms ensures they are correctly installed and functioning as intended, providing essential safety for tenants in the event of a fire.
In the past, agents often handled these checks themselves or delegated them to tenants, which lacked the necessary qualifications for thorough, compliant assessments. Today, numerous professional companies offer bundled services for these safety checks, and it’s vital to select a provider who delivers comprehensive and reliable results.
Choosing the Right Provider: The Re-define Real Estate Approach
At Re-define Real Estate, we’ve seen that service quality can vary significantly among providers. If you’re outsourcing these essential safety checks, be sure to request a detailed report that includes descriptions, clear colour images, and identification of any issues. Ideally, the report should be signed by the inspector and confirmed by the tenant, verifying attendance.
Risks of Non-compliance
Failure to meet these safety requirements can lead to serious consequences. Consumer Affairs Victoria may issue a breach and impose fines of up to $16,346. Additionally, insurance providers may cancel policies if the property is deemed unsafe.
Ensure Compliance with Re-define Real Estate
If your current agent hasn’t yet organized these safety checks, contact the Re-define Real Estate team. Let’s discuss how we can help bring your property up to the latest safety standards and ensure full compliance with the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.
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