New Victorian tenancy regulations will mean big changes for the state’s rental providers to ensure electrical safety inspections are regularly carried out and electrical installations and appliances are compliant.

What is happening

Electrical safety checks of rented properties (commencing March 29, 2021)

Under the new residential tenancy regulations, the rental provider must ensure that an electrical safety check has been carried out on all electrical installations, fittings, and appliances that a renter is being provided.

• The check of all electrical installations, fixtures, and fittings must be carried out in accordance with section 4 of AS/NZS 3019.
• Electrical contractors will have to prepare an electrical safety report in accordance with section 2 of AS/NZS 3019.

Master Electricians will be able to access an online template to assist with creating this report.

Installation of safety switches on rented properties (commencing March 29, 2023)

The new Victorian tenancy regulations mean safety switches will need to be installed on rented premises. The regulations state that all power outlets and lighting circuits in rented premises are to be connected to switchboard-type circuit breaker and a switchboard-type residual current device. These RCBOs must be ESV compliant.

When it comes into effect

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 come into effect from March 29, 2021. Properties covered under the Regulations will require an Electrical Safety Check from that date.

From 29 March 2023, all power outlets and lighting circuits in the rented premises are to be:

• connected to a switchboard-type circuit breaker that complies with AS/NZS 3000,
• a switchboard-type residual current device that complies with AS/NZS 3190, AS/NZS 61008.1, and AS/NZS 61009.1.

 What you need

• Electrical safety inspection form – Coming soon for Master Electricians 
• Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 – Available free as a Master Electrician
• Standard AS/NZS 3019:2007 – Available free as a Master Electrician

All Master Electricians can access the above at no cost, just one of the many benefits of membership.

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