This guide reflects the supplied August 2026 research. Check the linked regulator guidance for the latest requirements for your property.
| Check | Frequency | Who may perform it | Standard | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarm | Checked annually; faulty alarms repaired or replaced within 2 business days | Hard-wired: licensed electrician. Battery: landlord or tenant. | - | |
| Electrical | No periodic mandatory check regime found; urgent-repair duty applies to faults | - | - | |
| Gas | No periodic mandatory check regime found; general maintenance duty applies | - | - |
New South Wales landlords must check smoke alarms every year and replace removable batteries annually. A faulty alarm, including a flat battery, must be repaired or replaced within 2 business days of the landlord becoming aware of it. Hard-wired alarms need a licensed electrician; tenants can replace an accessible battery themselves. Landlords cannot pass the working-alarm obligation to the tenant via the tenancy agreement.
NSW does not have a periodic mandatory gas or electrical safety-check regime comparable to Victoria's 2-yearly cycle. Electrical faults are handled as an urgent repair when they arise, and gas appliance safety sits under the general duty to maintain the premises. For context: electrical faults and appliances cause 40% of house fires in NSW homes each year, according to the NSW Government.
Own a Melbourne rental from NSW?
My Safe Home services metro Melbourne. If you're an interstate owner of a Victorian rental property, the Victorian rules (not these NSW ones) apply to your property. See our Victoria compliance guide for what's required.