As many properties approach their second set of gas and electrical safety inspections, you might be wondering why this added expense is necessary.
The requirement for gas safety checks originated from recommendations following a tragic incident in regional Victoria, where two deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The recommendation was that all gas appliances must be checked within the past two years, with landlords required to provide evidence of these inspections. Over the past two to three years, we’ve seen very few carbon monoxide leaks in homes. When a leak is found, technicians cap off the appliance (usually a wall heater). The best solution for a capped gas wall heater is installing an electric split system in the same area, as this provides both heating and cooling. This will assist in reducing the cost for future gas inspections with some companies as you will be reducing the number of as appliances in the property. It’s also worth noting that the next set of minimum standards is likely to require cooling as a must-have feature.
This round of electrical safety inspections may result in more switchboards needing upgrades, as the standards changed in March 2023. If your property hasn’t had an inspection since then, it’s likely that an upgrade will be needed, especially in older homes and apartments. These upgrades may also be necessary if a large appliance needs to be replaced. While these checks represent an added expense for investors, they are essential for ensuring the property is abiding by the legislation put in place under the Residential Tenancy Act, 2021.
Looking ahead, it’s possible that these checks will need to be available for insurance purposes before a claim can be processed. Current legislation requires landlords to disclose the dates of these checks to tenants when signing a lease and to note any recommendations made. It’s also necessary to keep records of the checks and have them available upon request.
At JPP, we use multiple companies for these inspections, tailored to the needs of each investor and property. Most businesses conducting these inspections offer a subscription service that includes the two safety checks biannually, along with an annual smoke alarm check. Make sure to shop around and find a service that best suits the needs of your property.
