Which rentals it applies to
Under the rules in place since 29 March 2021, the two-yearly check applied to agreements entered into after that date, including fixed-term agreements that rolled over to periodic after it. Consumer Affairs Victoria lists a change taking effect on 13 October 2026 that extends the two-yearly gas and electrical checks to all rental agreements, whether they began before, on or after that date.
When a new renter is moving in
If there hasn't been a check in the 2 years before a renter moves in, one must be done as soon as possible. The easiest time is between tenancies, when the electrician can reach every room, the switchboard and any shed or garage without working around someone's furniture and routine.
Who can do it and what it covers
The check must be done by a licensed or registered electrician, and in Victoria an electrician works for customers through a Registered Electrical Contractor. Energy Safe Victoria says the check follows section 4 of AS/NZS 3019:2022 and covers all switchboards, wiring and fittings. In practice the electrician inspects and tests the switchboard and safety switches, power points, light fittings, visible wiring and earthing. A handyman or a general building inspection doesn't count.
The electrician gives you a record of the check with their name and licence or registration number, the date, the results and any repairs. The annual smoke alarm check and the two-yearly gas check run on their own schedules, so keep all three dates in one calendar.
Services that can help
Read more in our guides
Related questions
- Do older leases now need gas and electrical safety checks?Yes.
- What records should a landlord keep after a rental electrical check?Keep the electrician's written record of the check.
- Does a rental have to meet minimum standards before it's advertised?Yes.
- Do I need to be home for the visit?Not always, but someone needs to give us access to everything the job involves.
Sources for this answer
4 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Rental providers who enter into a new agreement after 29 March 2021, must have all electrical installations and fittings checked by a licensed electrician at least once every 2 years. This also applies to rental… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Consumer Affairs Victoria: Mandatory gas and electrical safety checks every 2 years for all rental properties Rental providers and their agents must arrange gas and electrical safety checks by a qualified tradesperson every 2 years for all… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Energy Safe Victoria: Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) – in Victoria an electrician must work for a Registered Electrical Contractor to perform work for a customer. A Registered Electrical Contractor must be registered with Energy Safe… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Energy Safe Victoria: Rental providers must ensure an electrical safety check of all electrical switchboards, wiring and fittings in the premises is conducted every two years by a licensed electrician. The safety check must be conducted in… Accessed 30 September 2026.
General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.