Property Reports for Victoria’s rental minimum standards

Rental properties must now meet minimum standards.

There are 14 categories that a rental must meet before a renter moves in. If a rental fails to meet a standard, it is considered a breach of the rental agreement and is a criminal offence which incurs maximum penalties of over $11,000 for individuals and over $57,000 for companies. The Allan Labor Government has announced that it is establishing a new renting taskforce to crack down on those rentals that are not meeting the reform.

Protect your investment

PropertySafe offer a report to help you make sure your rental meets the minimum standards.

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What are the Rental Minimum Standards?

For full descriptions of each category we recommend you go to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

  • The property must be structurally sound and weatherproof.

  • All rooms must be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure.

  • Must have modern switchboards, with circuit breakers and electrical safety switches installed.

  • Must have a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order in the main living area.

  • Inside rooms, corridors and hallways must have access to light to make the areas functional.

  • The property must have a kitchen with, a dedicated cooking and food preparation area, a sink in good working order connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water and a stovetop in good working order that has two or more burners.

  • The property’s external entry doors must have functioning deadlocks or be fitted with locks that can be unlocked with a key.

  • Must have adequate ventilation in all habitable rooms including the bathroom, shower, toilet and laundry.

  • Must have a washbasin and a shower or bath, and be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water.

  • Must be in good working order and connected.

  • If there is a laundry on the property, it must be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water.

  • External windows are capable of opening and must have a functioning latch.

  • Windows in bedroom and living rooms must be fitted with curtains or blinds that can be closed, block light and provide privacy.

  • Must supply a rubbish bin and a recycling bin for the renter to use.

Rental Minimum Standard Report

$189 incl gst

A qualified inspector checks your rental property against the rental minimum standards.

  • Structural soundness

  • Locks

  • Ventilation, windows and coverings

  • Bathroom, toilet, kitchen and laundry facilities

  • Lighting and heating

  • Vermin-proof bins, mould and dampness

How it works

Order your inspection. Fill out the Booking Enquiry form to get started.

The PropertySafe team will schedule the inspection at a suitable time with the renter.

A qualified inspector will assess the rental.

The report will be prepared and emailed, detailing the findings and suggestions to any issues that may be found.

If trade work is required for compliance, we have access to a trade network that can help.

We also offer…

  • Electrical Safety Check

    $299 incl gst

    A licensed electrician checks your rental property electrical installations and fittings to ensure they are compliant. This safety check is required every two years.

    • Comprehensive switchboard testing, including safety switches

    • Earth continuity test for all accessible power points

    • Ensuring all accessible fittings are installed correctly

  • Gas Safety Check

    $299 incl gst

    A licensed gas plumber checks your rental property gas installations, appliances and fittings to ensure they are compliant. This safety check is required every two years.

    • Thorough check of gas installations, appliances and fittings

    • Safety tests for gas appliances

    • Negative pressure and carbon monoxide spillage test

  • Smoke Alarm Safety Check

    $74.95 incl gst

    A qualified inspector assesses that smoke alarms are in working condition and positioned correctly.

    Can only be purchased as an add-on to any of the rental minimum standard, electrical or gas reports.

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FAQs

Booking & Scheduling

  • Inspections can be booked for residential property in metro Melbourne areas.

  • Inspections are available for residential properties and can be purchased by Rental Providers, or via a Property Manager. Renters are unable to purchase inspections.

  • No, you pay as you need. This means no heavy upfront costs, lock in contracts or yearly payments.

  • We can offer multiple report and property discounts, call us on 1300 350 000 for further details.

  • A booking can be made by filling out the Booking Enquiry form here.

  • Once an inspection has been ordered we will reach out to find a time and date that suits the renter.

    If more than one inspection is ordered, we will aim to schedule them on the same day. Inspections can be rescheduled with fair notice. Inspections are scheduled Monday – Friday.

  • The inspector will require access to the property to complete the inspection. We can arrange key collection from the managing agent within a reasonable distance from the property, if required.

Inspection Process

  • On average they can take between 45mins - 2hrs. This varies depending on the type of inspection ordered, how many are ordered and the size of the property.

  • Prior to the inspection, please notify us of any risks to health and safety, including any unsafe conditions, illness or hazards at the property prior to the scheduled date.

    For gas and electrical safety checks please ensure the inspector has clear access to all rooms, appliances, and power points while onsite.

  • We will make safe by disconnecting either the appliance or circuit. If further works are required, we can help assist with quotes.

  • Location Photos

    As part of the inspection procedure our Inspector will be taking photographs of locations within the property and of any issues discovered. The photographs will not identify you or any personal items and your privacy will be respected in all instances.

    Electrical Safety Checks

    • The electricity must be connected to the property to conduct the electrical safety check.

    • The power will be switched off intermittently throughout the electrical safety check.

    • Ensure the electrician has clear access to all rooms, appliances, and power points while onsite.

    • Please note we do not reset any appliance clocks.

Post Inspection

  • Once the inspection has been completed you can expect a link to the PDF report to be emailed within 1-2 business days.

  • If the inspection has highlighted any areas of concern or non-compliance it is recommended that action is taken to rectify the issues. We can help assist with quotes.

  • We do not amend or update the report after the inspection is completed. If gas or electrical work is carried out to rectify any non-compliance, a rental provider must keep the compliance certificate or tax invoice issued by the trade who completed the work.

General Information

  • The minimum housing standars are a part of the VIC Residential Tenancies Act 1997. This covers the basic requirements rental properties must meet in terms of amenities, safety and privacy:

    1. Locks

    2. Vermin proof bins

    3. Toilets

    4. Bathroom

    5. Kitchen

    6. Laundry

    7. Structual soundness

    8. Mould and damp

    9. Electrical safety

    10. Window coverings

    11. Windows

    12. Lighting

    13. Ventilation

    14. Heating

  • PropertySafe inspections help ensure that your rental property is safe and compliant for renters to live in as per the legislation. If the minimum rental standards, gas or electrical safety requirements aren’t met, you would be in breach of an agreement leaving you exposed to compensation claims, urgent repair orders or lease terminations.

  • Electrical and gas safety reports must be completed by licensed qualified trades as stated in the legislation.

    For minimum housing standards, PropertySafe offers specialised expertise and a comprehensive scope compared to a standard routine inspection.

    Our inspectors are equipped with specific training and tools, and evaluate compliance to the legislated minimum housing standards.

Smoke Alarm Add-on Information

  • Smoke alarm units must be tested according to manufacturer’s instructions, every 12 months in rental properties.

    • Assessing position of units within the property

    • Testing and back up battery replacement

    • Cleaning units to remove dust and insects

    • Testing smoke detection ability

    • Sound check

    A Smoke Alarm Safety Check must be purchased as an add-on to any other inspection type, it cannot be purchased on its own.

  • If the smoke alarm is found to be faulty during the inspection, here's what may happen:

    • 9-volt battery powered units: When you buy a Smoke Alarm Safety Check, we’ll ask for permission to replace faulty alarms during the inspection. If you agree and if it is required, we can replace up to 2 x 9-volt units which will be invoiced to you post inspection.

    • 240-volt hard-wired units with or without a 9-volt battery back-up: We will check these smoke alarms against the requirements of the legislation. If found faulty, we can supply a quote via our partner RACV Trades, for a battery replacement or repair.

  • Smoke alarm units must be tested every 12 months, and replaced every 10 years. It is the rental providers responsibility to ensure their rental property meets the legislative requirements for Smoke Alarm Safety.