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Property Inspections FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about RACV Property Inspections

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About property inspections

We offer 3 types of rental property inspections. They are:

  1. Minimum rental standards inspection
    A qualified inspector will check that your rental property meets the Victorian minimum rental standards relating amenities, safety and privacy.
  2. Gas safety check
    A licensed gas plumber will check that your gas installations, appliances and fittings at your rental property are safe and compliant.
  3. Electrical safety check
    A licensed electrician will check that all accesible electrical installations and fittings at your rental property are safe and compliant.

You can also add a smoke alarm safety check with any rental property inspection, to make sure your smoke alarm units are working properly. In rental properties, they need to be tested every 12 months.

For more information, read RACV's Rental Property Inspections inclusions document (PDF, 66KB).

It’s easy to organise an inspection for your property or home.

  1. Call us on 1300 617 681.
  2. We’ll reach out to find a time and date that suits you. If you buy more than one inspection, we’ll aim to schedule them on the same day.
  3. After your inspection is complete, we’ll send you a comprehensive report within two business days. It will include:
  • photos of the areas we inspected
  • the condition of the property, based on which inspection you’ve purchased
  • recommendations to address any issues.

If your report identifies any risks or hazards, we can help you get a quote through RACV Trades.

Our inspectors are trained and qualified to assess your home or property.

Every inspector has:

  • nationally or state recognised qualifications
  • completed and cleared a national police check
  • over 100 hours in field training or supervised assessments
  • completed and cleared a national police check
  • ongoing training and assessments.

Inspectors who complete the gas and electrical safety checks are licensed to perform these specialist checks.

RACV Property Inspections can be booked for residential homes in metro Melbourne.

Booked an inspection outside this area? We’ll issue you a full refund and cancel your booking.

No, there are currently no discounts available for RACV members. 

Requirements for rental properties

RACV Rental Property Inspections help ensure that your rental property is safe and compliant to live in.

If the minimum rental standards, plus gas and electrical safety requirements aren’t met, renters can request an urgent repair or end their lease.

Remember that all leased properties are required to meet the minimum rental standards under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) as of 29 March 2021.
In addition, gas and electrical safety checks must be completed every 2 years.

The minimum standards for rental properties were introduced into the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) as of 29 March 2021. This covers the basic requirements rental properties must meet in terms of amenities, safety and privacy.

The following categories are covered under the minimum rental standards:

  • Locks
  • Vermin proof bins
  • Toilets
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Structual soundness
  • Mould and damp
  • Electrical safety
  • Window coverings
  • Windows
  • Lighting
  • Ventilation
  • Heating.

For more information on how an RACV Rental Property Inspection can assess your property in these areas, read our inclusions document (PDF, 66KB).

Gas and electrical safety checks must be completed every 2 years for rental properties. Landlords must provide renters with the date of the most recent safety check, if asked. 

An RACV Gas Safety Check covers:

  • Comprehensive check of all gas installations, appliances and fittings 
  • Confirming safe operation throughout
  • Confirming correct installation of gas fittings
  • Negative pressure and carbon monoxide spillage test
An RACV Electrical Safety Check covers:
  • Comprehensive switchboard testing, including safety switches 
  • Earth continuity test for all accessible power points
  • Ensuring all accessible fittings are installed correctly

For more information, read RACV’s Rental Property Inspections inclusions document (PDF, 66KB) or Consumer Affairs Victoria’s gas and electrical safety guide for rental providers.

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 replacing batteries
  • Cleaning units to remove dust and insects
  • Testing smoke detection ability
  • Sound check 

An RACV Smoke Alarm Safety Check can be purchased as an optional extra to any Rental Property Inspection, but can’t be bought on its own. 

For more information, read RACV’s smoke alarm product details document (PDF, 66KB) or Consumer Affairs Victoria’s smoke alarm guide for rental providers.

In rental properties, smoke alarm units must be tested every 12 months, and replaced every 10 years.

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their rental property meets the legislative requirements for Smoke Alarm Safety.

For more information, read the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic).

If the smoke alarm(s) are 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, we may replace up to 2 9-volt units.

If a 9-Volt battery powered smoke alarm unit is replaced, you’ll be sent a separate invoice for the costs.

240-Volt (Hard-wired) with or without a 9-Volt Battery Back-up: We'll check these smoke alarms against the requirements of the legislation. If found faulty, a quote can be provided through RACV Trades for a battery replacement or repair.

After the inspection

Your property or safety inspection report will be emailed to you within two business days after the inspection is completed.

You can get qualified help from RACV Trades. Get a free quote online, or by speaking to the property or safety inspections team. 

Looking for Trades FAQs?

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