So, you’ve got a rental property in Melbourne. Great! But…electrical safety checks are not just “nice to have” anymore—they’re legally required. Yep. Welcome to Victoria.
Since March 2021, all landlords in Melbourne have had to ensure that their properties undergo an electrical safety check at least every two years. Otherwise, you might face a fine. Or worse, angry tenants. And believe us, nobody wants a tenant with a blown fuse. Literally or emotionally.
However, there is no need to worry. And we've got your back with our straightforward, slightly irreverent checklist to keep your property (and reputation) shock-proof.
An Electrical Safety Checklist for Melbourne Homeowners
1. Know Your Legal Stuff (You Need to)
To begin with, this is not optional. These checks are compulsory under the Residential Tenancies Regulation in Victoria.
A licensed electrician will inspect your:
- Switchboard
- Power points
- Safety switches (aka RCDs)
- Wiring and earthing
Now, before rolling your eyes and giving it a swish note, remember: this is the law. And it is supposed to keep alive. You know, minor details.
2. Excavate Old Reports like you are Treasure Hunting
Can’t remember the last time an electrical safety check was conducted? Yeah, welcome to the club.
Review your mail. Your hard disk. That dusty folder marked “IMPORTANT STUFF- DO NOT THROW.”
You’ll need:
- Previous electrical safety report (if there is any)
- Details of the electrician
- Last date of Inspection
If it’s older than two years, it’s expired. Sorry. It's time for another one.
3. Fix the Obvious Stuff First
Be realistic. You do not want to waste your money on a sparkie telling you that the light switch is... yeah... broken, which you already knew.
Here’s what to fix in advance:
- Loose power points? Tighten them.
- Busted sockets? Replace them.
- DIY wiring jobs from the '90s? Please don’t. Just get a Pro.
- Are appliances supplied with the property? Ensure that they are not fire hazards.
Pre-inspection clean-up will save you not only money but also embarrassment.
4. That Old Fuse Box? Might Be Time to Upgrade
Do you still have one of the old-fashioned ceramic fuses? Cute. But also dangerous.
According to new rules, your rental should be equipped with:
- Safety switches (RCDs)
- Circuit breakers (No fuses)
- A modern switchboard
If it looks like a museum exhibit, call an electrician now.
This is one of the reasons why some Melbourne landlords fail the check. Don’t be that guy.
5. Find the Perfect Electrician
Not every electrician can do these checks. Make sure yours is:
- Licensed
- Registered with Energy Safe Victoria
- Happy to provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES)
Ask if they’ll test polarity, earthing, and RCD response time.
If they say, “polarity, what now?”—move on.
6. Let Your Tenants Know (Please No Surprises)
You are legally obliged to inform your tenants before the electrician arrives.
Give them:
- 24 hours; one-day advance notice
- Order a rough time window
- A warning that somebody might switch off the power momentarily.
And maybe bribe them with coffee. Or chocolate.
Happy tenants = easy access = less drama.
7. Get the Report. Understand It. File It.
Upon completion, you will receive a comprehensive report. Do not simply fling it in the abyss.
Look for:
- “Pass/fail status.”
- Defects or any urgent repairs
- A suggestion to do follow-up work
Please put it in your landlord's file. Or better still, scan and save it online.
You are going to need it. (Thank us later)
8. Fix What Fails. Fast.
When there is something faulty in the report, please do not sit on it.
- Book repairs ASAP
- Get the COES after the job’s done
- Notify your tenants once it’s fixed
You don’t want sparks flying. And again, we mean literally.
9. Set a reminder. Don't Wait 2 Years And 1 Day
These checks are to be done every two years. Put an alarm on your phone—or your cat's calendar.
Whatever works.
And then, even when the lease rolls over or renews, the check must be up to date.
No loopholes. It is not Monopoly.
Final Words! (No Extension Cord Pun Intended)
An electrical safety check isn’t glamorous. You will not get a ribbon or a TikTok trend out of it. It keeps your tenants happy, your property intact, and protects your sanity. However, with this checklist, not only do you avoid fines, but you are also doing the right thing.
Go you!
Now call your nearby electrical service provider, grab your checklist, and go pass that electrical safety check.