If you own a rental property in Victoria with any gas appliances or gas installations, you are legally required to arrange a gas safety check every two years. This is not optional. It is a condition of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the Gas Safety Act 1997, and non-compliance carries real consequences.
This guide covers what the inspection involves, what it costs, and what happens if you skip it.
What does Victorian law require?
Under the Residential Tenancies Regulations, landlords must ensure that all gas installations and appliances in a rental property are checked by a licensed gasfitter at least once every two years. This applies to every property with gas, whether it is a house, unit, apartment, or commercial premises leased as a residence.
The requirement covers all gas appliances provided by the landlord, including:
- Gas hot water systems (storage and continuous flow)
- Gas heaters (ducted, wall furnace, space heaters)
- Gas cooktops and ovens
- Gas log fires
- Gas bayonet fittings (even if no appliance is currently connected)
The check must be completed by a licensed or registered gasfitter. A general plumber without a gasfitting licence cannot legally perform this inspection.
What does the gas safety check cover?
A gas safety check is a systematic inspection of every gas appliance and the associated infrastructure. The gasfitter will assess:
Appliance condition
Each gas appliance is tested for correct operation, flame characteristics, and gas pressure. The gasfitter checks for signs of wear, damage, or modification that could affect safe operation.
Flues and ventilation
Open-flue gas heaters and hot water systems rely on adequate ventilation to expel combustion gases. The gasfitter checks that flues are intact, correctly terminated, and free of blockages. Inadequate ventilation is a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in Australian homes.
Gas pipework
The visible gas pipework is inspected for corrosion, damage, and correct support. The gasfitter checks connections for gas leaks using electronic detection equipment or soapy water testing.
Safety controls
Thermocouples, flame failure devices, and other safety controls are tested to confirm they shut off gas supply when a flame is extinguished.
After the inspection, you receive a written report detailing the condition of each appliance and any issues found. If a fault is identified, the gasfitter may tag the appliance as needing repair or, in serious cases, disconnect it immediately.
How much does a gas safety check cost?
Suburban Gas and Plumbing charges from $180 plus GST for a standard residential gas safety check in Melbourne. The price covers inspection of all gas appliances and pipework at the property, plus the written compliance report.
For properties with a large number of gas appliances or complex gas installations, the cost may be slightly higher. We will confirm the price when you book.
Visit our gas safety checks page for more details on what is included.
What happens if you skip it?
Failing to meet your gas safety obligations as a landlord exposes you to several risks:
Penalties under Victorian law
Energy Safe Victoria enforces gas safety regulations and can issue penalties to landlords who fail to comply. The Residential Tenancies Act also allows VCAT to make orders against landlords who do not meet their maintenance obligations, including gas safety.
Insurance implications
If a gas-related incident occurs at your property and you cannot produce a current gas safety certificate, your building or landlord insurance may not cover the claim. Insurers routinely check compliance with safety regulations when assessing claims.
Personal liability
If a tenant is injured or dies as a result of a faulty gas appliance that should have been detected during a safety check, you may face personal liability. Carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty gas heaters has caused tenant deaths in Victoria, and the coroner has specifically recommended stricter compliance with gas safety checks.
Tenant rights
Tenants can request urgent repairs for gas safety issues through VCAT. If a gas appliance is found to be unsafe, you may be ordered to repair or replace it immediately at your own expense, regardless of your planned maintenance schedule.
When should you schedule the check?
The two-year clock starts from the date of the last gas safety check, not from the start of a tenancy. Best practice is to schedule the inspection well before the due date to allow time for any repairs that may be needed.
Many landlords schedule their gas safety check at the same time as an annual property inspection. This minimises disruption to tenants and ensures the check does not get forgotten.
Book a gas safety check with Suburban Gas and Plumbing
We provide gas safety checks across Melbourne and suburbs, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. Our gasfitters are licensed and insured, and we provide a full written report on completion.
Call us on 1300 544 887 to book an inspection or get a quote for your rental property.