Ensure only licensed electrical professionals perform all electrical work. Before re-letting, ensure all appliances are safe and any unsafe appliance is repaired or disposed of. Ensure electrical appliances are cleaned regularly in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions – particular attention should be paid to dust build-up on cooling fan inlets and all parts of heaters.
Check electrical appliances for damage to plugs, leads and casings that may expose live parts or cause a fire. Ensure electrical wiring, socket outlets and switches are maintained in a safe condition. Ensure all ventilation openings are clear and unobstructed. Record all safety checks and details of work carried out on a licensed electrical installation.
A registered electrical contractor must be engaged to perform all electrical work on a property. Unqualified people can be dangerous when working with electricity or gas. ESV will prosecute landlords and tenants for carrying out illegal work on their properties.
Check the electrical professional has a license issued by Energy Safe Victoria.
The electrician must issue a certificate of electrical safety (COES) once the work has been completed.
If an electrician refuses to show his or her license and/or refuses to issue a certificate of electrical safety, please inform ESV immediately on (03) 9203 9700 or 1800 800 158 or use our online complaints form.
Landlords and property managers have legislated electrical safety responsibilities.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 requires landlords to ensure rented accommodation is maintained in good repair. This includes ensuring the safe working and proper maintenance of all electrical appliances provided by the landlord.
The landlord and the landlord’s agent should work together to ensure that a safety check for all appliances is carried out at agreed intervals and at least every two years.
