There's a change coming to Victoria's rental safety rules on 13 October 2026. Here's what it actually does, without the alarm bells.
The short version
Right now, the 2-yearly gas and electrical safety-check duty legally applies only to rental agreements that started on or after 29 March 2021. From 13 October 2026, it applies to every Victorian rental agreement, whether it started before, on, or after that date.
What this is
This is a genuine extension of who the duty applies to, not just a paperwork update. Long-running tenancies that predate 29 March 2021, and that have never legally required a gas or electrical check, will need one from this date if they don't already have a compliant one on record.
What this isn't
It isn't a one-off backdated requirement demanding every affected property gets checked by 13 October specifically. The duty is the same ongoing 2-yearly cycle; it just now covers agreements it didn't before. If your property already has a check on file and you're unsure whether it satisfies the new requirement, confirm directly with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a licensed tradesperson rather than assuming.
What to do about it
If you manage or own a Victorian rental that's never had a gas or electrical safety check because the tenancy predates March 2021, it's worth getting one booked before the date passes rather than after. My Safe Home's Complete Check covers gas, electrical and smoke alarm in one visit. Book a check or read our full Victoria compliance guide.