A Brisbane landlord discovered a gas leak from a corroded flue pipe after a tenant complaint in 2024. The repair cost $350. The QBCC fine for failing to maintain the gas appliance reached $4,000. Had the leak gone undetected, the consequences could have been far worse.
Every Australian state and territory sets minimum safety standards for rental properties, and most require work by a licensed tradesperson. Smoke alarms, electrical safety switches, gas appliances, and pool barriers all fall under mandatory compliance regimes. With over 178,000 verified trade licences on TradieVerify, finding the right professional for each rental property trade inspection is straightforward. Knowing which inspections you actually need is the harder part.
This guide covers the required rental property trade inspections by category, explains which licensed professionals must do the work, and gives you a compliance calendar so nothing falls through the cracks.
1. Smoke Alarm Compliance
Smoke alarm rules for rental properties are the most prescriptive compliance category, varying significantly between states. Penalties reach $5,000 in WA, with mandatory repair timelines as short as two business days in NSW. Every rental must have working smoke alarms before a tenancy begins.
| State | Alarm Type | Power Source | Interconnection | Testing Frequency | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Photoelectric only | Hardwired or 10-year battery | Required (all alarms activate together) | Every tenancy change/renewal | 1 Jan 2027 for all dwellings |
| NSW | Photoelectric (recommended) | Hardwired or 10-year battery | Required (post-May 2014 builds) | Annual | 2 business days to repair |
| VIC | Per AS 3786 | Hardwired or 10-year battery | Required (post-May 2014 builds) | Annual | Immediate replacement on fault |
| WA | Per AS 3786 (photoelectric recommended) | Hardwired or 10-year battery | Required (post-May 2015 builds) | Before each new tenancy | Up to $5,000 penalty |
| SA | Per AS 3786 | Hardwired (post-1995 builds) | Required (post-May 2014 builds) | Annual | Must upgrade on sale post-Feb 1998 |
| TAS | Per AS 3786 | Hardwired or 10-year lithium | Varies by building class | Every 6 months (tenant) | Replace expired alarms promptly |
| ACT | Per AS 3786:2014 | Battery or hardwired | Not prescribed | Per manufacturer | One per storey minimum |
| NT | Per BCA | Hardwired (new builds) | Per BCA | Annual (recommended) | Pre-tenancy compliance |
Which trade to book: A licensed electrician must install hardwired smoke alarms and handle interconnection wiring. Battery-only swaps (like-for-like) can be done by the landlord. TradieVerify lists 5,115 active electricians in ACT alone.
Queensland’s stricter rules: Since 1 January 2022, every leased QLD dwelling must have interconnected photoelectric alarms in each bedroom, hallway, and level. Ionisation alarms are banned. The 1 January 2027 deadline extends this to all dwellings. Budget for a full smoke alarm upgrade as part of your rental property trade inspections if preparing a QLD property.
2. Electrical Safety Inspections
Faulty wiring and outdated switchboards cause fires and electrocution deaths every year. Several states mandate periodic electrical safety checks, and all require residual current devices (RCDs, also called safety switches) on at least some circuits.
RCD/Safety Switch Requirements by State:
| State | RCD Requirement | Deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | RCDs on all circuits | Required for all rentals | Up to $1,500 |
| VIC | RCDs on power and lighting circuits | Required (electrical safety check every 2 years) | VCAT orders + fines |
| NSW | RCDs on powerpoint circuits (since 1991), light circuits (since 2000) | Older circuits: strongly recommended | Not prescribed for older circuits |
| WA | RCDs on every final sub-circuit | 1 October 2025 (all rentals) | Up to $5,000 |
| SA | RCDs on power circuits | Required for new builds, recommended for older | Varies |
| TAS | Per NCC requirements | New builds and major renovations | Varies |
| ACT | Per AS/NZS 3000 | New builds and rewires | Varies |
| NT | Per NCC requirements | New builds | Varies |
Which trade to book: Only a licensed electrician can install RCDs, test circuits, upgrade switchboards, or issue electrical safety certificates. These inspections cannot be done by landlords.
Victoria’s mandatory electrical check: Victoria mandates a full electrical safety check every two years under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. The electrician inspects the switchboard, tests all RCDs, checks for exposed wiring, verifies earthing, and issues a report. Landlords must keep records for seven years. Cost: $150 to $300.
Switchboard upgrades: Older rentals with ceramic fuse boards need upgrading to a modern switchboard with RCDs ($800 to $2,000 depending on circuit count). This one-off cost satisfies RCD requirements across all states.
3. Gas Appliance Compliance
Gas heaters, cooktops, hot water systems, and ducted heating require periodic inspection to prevent CO poisoning and gas leaks. Victoria mandates gas safety checks; other states require appliances to be maintained in safe working order.
State-by-state gas compliance:
| State | Mandatory Gas Check | Frequency | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | Yes | Every 2 years | Gas safety check report |
| QLD | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended annually | Compliance certificate for new installs |
| NSW | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended annually | Compliance certificate for new installs |
| WA | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended every 2 years | Gas compliance plate for new installs |
| SA | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended every 2 years | Gas compliance certificate for new installs |
| TAS | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended annually | Per Gas Standards Act |
| ACT | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended every 2 years | Gas compliance certificate for new installs |
| NT | No (but appliances must be safe) | Recommended annually | Per Gas Safety Regulations |
Which trade to book: A licensed gasfitter must perform all gas safety inspections and compliance checks. In QLD, gasfitting requires both a QBCC contractor licence and an RSHQ occupational licence. TradieVerify lists 5,593 active gasfitters across QLD and ACT. Hot water connections may also need a licensed plumber.
Victoria’s mandatory gas check: Victorian landlords must arrange a gas check by a licensed gasfitter every two years covering all appliances, pipework, flues, and ventilation. Records: seven years. Cost: $120 to $250.
Carbon monoxide risk: Open-flue gas heaters are the primary source of CO poisoning in Australian homes. Victoria banned new Type A open-flue gas space heaters in 2023 and requires existing ones in rentals to pass stricter standards. Replacing one ($1,500 to $3,500 installed) eliminates significant liability. This is among the most safety-critical compliance inspections for landlords.
4. Pool and Spa Barrier Compliance
If your rental has a pool or spa, barrier compliance under AS 1926.1 is mandatory before you can lease the property. Requirements include minimum 1,200 mm barrier height, self-closing and self-latching gates, no climbable objects within 900 mm, maximum 100 mm gap at the bottom, and CPR signage.
State-specific pool compliance for rentals:
| State | Certificate Required Before Leasing | Validity Period | Inspector Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Pool safety certificate | 1 year (shared pools) or 2 years (non-shared) | Licensed pool safety inspector |
| NSW | Registration + compliance certificate | Before each new lease | Council or accredited certifier |
| VIC | Registration on Victorian pool register | Every 3 years (council audit) | Registered building surveyor |
| WA | Compliance certificate | Every 4 years | Local government or approved inspector |
| SA | Per Development Act requirements | Council-dependent | Council or private certifier |
| TAS | Per Building Act requirements | Council-dependent | Council or private certifier |
| ACT | Compliance required | Per ACT regulations | ACT-approved inspector |
| NT | Per Building Act requirements | Council-dependent | Council or approved certifier |
Which trade to book: Pool barrier inspections require a licensed pool safety inspector (QLD, NSW) or registered building surveyor (VIC, WA). Failed barriers need a licensed builder or fencing contractor for repairs. Pool pump wiring needs a licensed electrician. TradieVerify lists 822 active swimming pool builders in QLD.
Cost of pool compliance: Inspection: $150 to $350. Gate latch replacement: $80 to $200. Fence panels: $150 to $400 each. Full pool fence replacement: $2,500 to $8,000.
5. Minimum Rental Standards by State
Beyond the big four rental property trade inspection categories above, each state has introduced minimum rental standards covering broader property condition. Many of these standards involve licensed trades for rectification.
Common minimum standard requirements needing a tradesperson:
- Window and door locks: Licensed locksmith for deadbolts and window locks
- Hot water supply: Licensed plumber for repairs or replacement. TradieVerify lists 7,557 active plumbers across QLD and ACT.
- Cooktop/oven (if supplied): Licensed gasfitter (gas) or electrician (electric)
- Weatherproofing: Licensed roofer for roof repairs, builder for structural work. TradieVerify lists 2,343 active roofers in QLD.
- Structural mould causes: Licensed builder or plumber for leaks and ventilation
When minimum standards took effect:
| State | Minimum Standards Commenced | Key Legislation |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | 29 March 2021 | Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 |
| QLD | 1 September 2023 | Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021 |
| NSW | 2025 (expanded standards) | Residential Tenancies Act 2010 |
| SA | 2024 | Housing Safety Authority standards |
| WA | Under review | Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (proposed amendments) |
| TAS | Active | Residential Tenancy Act 1997 |
| ACT | 2023 (energy efficiency) | Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (amended) |
| NT | Active | Residential Tenancies Act 1999 |
6. Your Rental Property Compliance Calendar
Keeping track of rental property trade inspections across multiple compliance categories is the biggest practical challenge. Use this calendar framework to stay ahead of deadlines.
Annual tasks (all states):
- Test all smoke alarms (or arrange licensed electrician testing)
- Check RCDs/safety switches by pressing the test button
- Inspect pool/spa barrier for damage, climbable objects, and gate operation
- Review gas appliance condition (visual check for discolouration, smell, pilot light issues)
Biennial tasks (VIC mandatory, all states recommended):
- Full electrical safety check by a licensed electrician ($150 to $300)
- Gas safety check by a licensed gasfitter ($120 to $250)
- Pool barrier formal re-inspection where certificate expires
Before each new tenancy (all states):
- Smoke alarms tested and compliant (QLD: within 30 days of tenancy change)
- Pool safety certificate current and provided to tenant with lease
- All locks functioning on external doors and windows
- Hot water system operational
- All fixed appliances in safe working order
Estimated annual compliance cost:
| Inspection Type | Trade Required | Cost Per Visit | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarm check and service | Electrician | $80 to $200 | Annual |
| Electrical safety check (VIC) | Electrician | $150 to $300 | Every 2 years |
| Gas safety check | Gasfitter | $120 to $250 | Every 2 years (VIC mandatory) |
| Pool barrier inspection | Pool safety inspector | $150 to $350 | 1 to 4 years (state-dependent) |
| RCD testing | Electrician | $80 to $150 | Annual (recommended) |
A Victorian rental with gas and a pool: $400 to $700 per year. Properties without mandatory electrical/gas checks: $150 to $350 per year.
7. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Skipping rental property trade inspections carries financial, legal, and insurance risks that far exceed compliance costs.
Financial penalties by state:
| State | Smoke Alarm Penalty | Electrical Non-Compliance | Gas Non-Compliance | Pool Barrier Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Up to $2,669 | Up to $1,500 (RCD) | Up to $4,000 (QBCC) | Up to $26,690 |
| VIC | VCAT orders | VCAT orders + fines | VCAT orders + fines | Up to $19,826 |
| NSW | Up to $2,200 | Varies | Varies | Up to $22,000 |
| WA | Up to $5,000 | Up to $5,000 (RCD) | Varies | Up to $5,000 |
| SA | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Insurance consequences: If a tenant is injured due to non-compliant smoke alarms, faulty wiring, a gas leak, or pool barrier failure, your landlord insurance may deny the claim. Insurers exclude losses from failure to meet statutory obligations. A single denied claim dwarfs a lifetime of compliance inspection costs.
Tribunal exposure: Tenants can apply to their state tribunal (NCAT, VCAT, QCAT, SAT) for compliance orders, rent reductions, and compensation. In serious cases, tenants can break the lease without penalty.
8. How to Find the Right Tradesperson for Each Inspection
Booking the right tradesperson for each rental property trade inspection is simpler when you match each requirement to the correct licence type.
Quick reference: which trade for which inspection
| Inspection | Licensed Trade | Verify on TradieVerify |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarm installation/testing (hardwired) | Electrician | Search electricians |
| RCD/safety switch installation | Electrician | Search electricians |
| Full electrical safety check | Electrician | Search electricians |
| Gas appliance safety check | Gasfitter | Search gasfitters |
| Gas appliance installation/repair | Gasfitter | Search gasfitters |
| Pool barrier inspection | Pool safety inspector | State register |
| Pool barrier repair/replacement | Builder or fencer | Search builders |
| Hot water system repair | Plumber | Search plumbers |
| Roof repairs (weatherproofing) | Roofer | Search roofers |
| Window/door lock installation | Locksmith | Search locksmiths |
Before booking any rental property trade inspections, verify the tradesperson’s licence on TradieVerify or through the relevant state regulator. A compliance certificate from an unlicensed operator is worthless. Read our guide on how to check a tradesperson’s licence for step-by-step instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need a gas safety check on my rental property?
Victoria mandates gas safety checks every two years under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. Other states require appliances to be safe but do not prescribe a frequency. Booking a licensed gasfitter every two years is best practice in all states and protects your insurance position.
Do I need to upgrade smoke alarms before renting out my property?
Yes. QLD requires interconnected photoelectric alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and level. NSW, VIC, WA, and SA require AS 3786 compliant alarms with hardwired or 10-year battery power for newer builds. Check Section 1 for your state’s specifics. A licensed electrician can assess your current setup.
What happens if my rental property fails a pool safety inspection?
In QLD, you cannot lease until you hold a current pool safety certificate. A non-compliance notice gives three months to complete repairs via a licensed builder or fencing contractor. In NSW, register your pool and obtain a compliance certificate before a new tenancy. Fines reach $22,000 (NSW) and $26,690 (QLD).
Are RCDs (safety switches) mandatory in all rental properties?
Requirements vary. QLD and VIC require RCDs on all rentals. WA mandated RCDs on every final sub-circuit from October 2025. NSW requires RCDs on powerpoint circuits since 1991 and light circuits since 2000, but does not retrospectively mandate older circuits. SA, TAS, ACT, and NT follow NCC requirements for new builds and renovations.
Can I do any of these compliance inspections myself?
Battery-only smoke alarm swaps and visual pool barrier checks can be done by the landlord. All electrical work, gas work, hardwired alarm installation, and RCD installation are legally restricted to licensed professionals. Using an unlicensed person voids the compliance value entirely. See our guide on what happens if you hire an unlicensed tradie.
How much should I budget annually for rental compliance inspections?
Budget $150 to $350 per year for a standard rental (smoke alarms and RCD testing). Victorian properties with gas add $120 to $250 biennially for gas checks plus $150 to $300 for electrical checks. Properties with pools add $150 to $350 for barrier inspections. Total: $150 (basic) to $700 (VIC with gas and pool).
Key Takeaways
- Four categories of rental property trade inspections require licensed professionals: smoke alarms, electrical safety (RCDs), gas compliance, and pool barriers
- Queensland has the strictest smoke alarm rules: interconnected photoelectric alarms in every bedroom and hallway
- Victoria is the only state mandating biennial electrical AND gas safety checks for all rentals
- WA mandated RCDs on every sub-circuit from October 2025, joining QLD and VIC with full safety switch coverage
- Pool safety certificates must be current before you can lease a property with a pool in QLD, NSW, VIC, and WA
- Budget $150 to $700 per year depending on your state and property features
- Always verify your tradesperson’s licence on TradieVerify before booking any rental property trade inspections
Related Guides
- How to Hire a Licensed Electrician — Our electrician hiring guide
- How to Hire a Licensed Plumber — Our plumber hiring guide
- How to Check a Tradesperson’s Licence — Our licence verification guide
Sources
- Queensland Government, “Smoke Alarms,” Queensland Fire Department, https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms
- Consumer Affairs Victoria, “Minimum Standards for Rental Properties,” https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/repairs-alterations-safety-and-pets/minimum-standards/minimum-standards-for-rental-properties
- NSW Government, “Smoke Alarms in a Rental Property,” https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/rules/smoke-alarms-a-rental-property
- NSW Government, “Minimum Standards for Rental Properties,” https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/rules/minimum-standards-for-rental-properties
- Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority, “Pool Laws and Maintenance,” https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance-and-repairs/pool-laws-and-maintenance
- NSW Fair Trading, “Pool Fencing Requirements,” https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/building-and-renovating/pools-and-pool-safety/pool-fencing-requirements
- Detector Inspector, “Smoke Alarm Legislation,” https://www.detectorinspector.com.au/legislation-smoke-alarm/
- Housing Safety Authority SA, “Minimum Housing Standards,” https://www.housingsafetyauthority.sa.gov.au/minimum-housing-standards