Carbon monoxide (CO) can be an insidious and lethal hazard at home in Australia, normally without the homeowner’s knowledge. CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and cannot be detected without the appropriate equipment. Australian homes often have gas appliances, and interest in carbon monoxide detectors is increasing, particularly from homeowners and residential rental providers.
This 2025 guide will explain everything you need to know about whether carbon monoxide detectors are required in Australia, especially their obligations under each respective state and territory, verification methods, gas appliance safety measures, and of course, responsibilities of residential rental providers
Whether you’re a homeowner, renting out bedsits or other spaces, this blog has the information you need to meet your carbon monoxide legislation obligations and protect the safety of others.
What is Carbon Monoxide, and what makes it dangerous?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that occurs due to the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as gas, wood, oil, and coal, and as a result of piped or unventilated gas appliances, such as heaters or cookstoves, that are found in so many Australian homes. The danger of CO is that it is stealthy; it has a better affinity for the hemoglobin in the blood than oxygen, and it removes the oxygen from the organs that need it most.
CO Poisoning Symptoms:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Confusion.
- Chest pain.
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases).
Annual data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports over 230 people hospitalised due to gas-related poisoning annually, many linked to carbon monoxide.
Are Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required in Australia?
Unlike smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors are not yet mandatory in most Australian states for private homes. However, strong recommendations and growing legislative focus indicate a shift toward mandatory detection, especially in rental properties.
State-by-State Overview: Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules by State (2025)
| State/Territory | Mandatory for Homes | Mandatory for Rentals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Recommended | Yes (implied) | Covered under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 |
| New South Wales | Not required | Recommended | Gas heaters require regular checks |
| Queensland | Not required | Recommended | Detectors encouraged with unflued heaters |
| South Australia | Not required | Recommended | Response to 2024 Adelaide rink incident |
| Western Australia | Not required | Recommended | CO alarms recommended for safety |
| Tasmania | Not required | Recommended | Safety checks urged in rental guidelines |
| ACT | Recommended | Recommended | Gas heating systems trigger safety checks |
| Northern Territory | Not required | Recommended | CO alarm use encouraged for safety |
Conclusion: Victoria is currently the leader in carbon monoxide regulations, especially for residential rental providers.
Gas Appliance Safety Check Australia: What the Law Says
Under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, residential rental provider in Victoria are legally obligated to conduct:
- A gas safety check every two years by a licensed gas fitter.
- An electrical safety check every two years.
What Is Included in a Gas Appliance Safety Check?
- CO testing near all gas appliances.
- Visual inspection of ventilation and flues.
- Pressure and leak testing.
- Appliance servicing (burner and ignition system).
Failure to comply may result in:
- Heavy fines from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- VCAT-ordered repairs or tenancy terminations.
- Voided landlord insurance claims.
This mandate is quickly influencing best practices in other states, despite a lack of uniform national law.
Carbon Monoxide Testing in Victoria: What to Expect
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) advises that licensed gas fitters conduct testing using specialized CO analyzers. These devices assess CO concentration (in parts per million or ppm) around heaters, cooktops, and water heaters.
Ideal outcome: CO levels remain below 10 ppm during appliance operation.
If unsafe levels are detected:
- The appliance is disconnected immediately.
- A safety checks report is issued.
- Repairs or replacements are scheduled.
Testing Frequency:
- Every 2 years for rental properties.
- Annually recommended for older appliances.
Landlord Responsibilities: Rental Property Carbon Monoxide Regulations
As a landlord in Victoria and many other parts of Australia, your responsibilities include:
- Organizing Biennial Safety Checks: Hire licensed professionals to conduct gas appliance inspections and carbon monoxide testing.
- Keeping Records: Maintain detailed reports and invoices for 7 years.
- Providing Evidence: Supply CO safety check documentation to renters upon request or when a new tenancy begins.
- Using Certified Professionals: Only VBA-licensed gas fitters are permitted to perform CO inspections.
Failure to follow these regulations may result in a breach of duty notices or termination of tenancy agreements.
Why a Carbon Monoxide Detector for a Gas Heater Is Essential
Gas heaters, especially older, unflued, or poorly maintained models, are among the most common sources of CO leaks.
Even new heaters can pose a risk if not correctly installed or maintained. Detectors act as a first line of defense, alerting occupants before symptoms develop.
Placement Tips:
- Install detectors near all gas heaters.
- Place at breathing height in bedrooms.
- Avoid areas near open windows or air vents.
Detectors should comply with EN50291 (EU) or UL2034 (US) safety standards.
CO Alarm Rental Property Australia: Your Legal Position in 2025
While detectors are not universally mandated, failing to install one could now be seen as negligent given known risks. Many insurance companies are starting to request proof of CO safety precautions, particularly in rental settings.
Power Band Inspection, a trusted Melbourne provider, offers bundled CO testing and alarm installation for residential rental provider looking to stay compliant affordably.
The Role of Energy Safe Victoria: Carbon Monoxide Oversight
Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is the state’s regulatory body overseeing gas and electrical safety. Its key roles include:
- Licensing gas fitters.
- Issuing safety alerts and product recalls.
- Running public awareness campaigns on CO safety.
- Enforcing safety checks with the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.
If a CO leak is detected or a gas-related incident occurs, ESV investigates and may take disciplinary action.
Residential Tenancy Safety Laws and Mandatory CO Detectors for Residential Rental Providers
Since March 29, 2021, safety obligations under the Residential Tenancies Regulations include:
- Ensuring all gas heaters are safe.
- Performing routine gas checks.
- Informing renters about appliance safety.
- Keeping written proof of all safety check activities.
CO detectors, while not explicitly listed as mandatory, are strongly implied as part of safety best practices.
Gas Heater Safety Check: What Residential Rental Providers Must Know
Gas heater checks include:
- Appliance performance review.
- Ventilation and airflow assessment.
- Carbon monoxide leakage test.
- Issuing a Gas Safety Safety Check Certificate.
Detector Tip: Add a CO alarm near the heater to further enhance safety.
Power Band Inspection offers discounted safety chcks packages that include gas, electrical, and smoke alarm inspections in one visit.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risk in Australia
The cold winters and sealed designs of Australian homes elevate CO risks. According to NSW Health, poisoning incidents spike in winter months, especially when households use:
- Outdoor BBQs indoors
- Charcoal heaters in enclosed spaces
- Gas appliances with blocked flues
Real Incident: In 2024, over 40 people were hospitalised after a CO leak at an ice rink in Adelaide, reigniting calls for national legislation on CO alarms.
How to Choose the Right Carbon Monoxide Detector in Australia
When buying a CO alarm, consider:
- Certification: EN50291 or UL2034.
- Type: Battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired.
- Warranty: Minimum 5-year sensor life.
- Visual/Audible Alerts: Clear indicators of danger, malfunction, and end-of-life.
Install alarms in:
- Bedrooms.
- Living areas with heaters.
- Every level of the home.
Conclusion
While carbon monoxide detectors might not be mandated in all homes in Australia, we are gradually seeing them mandated legally (with residential rental providers being primary) and a step closer to mainstream as discussions become present in many states and ways, including stricter safety regulations in states like Victoria.
If you’re a landlord or homeowner and want to protect both your property and occupant safety, investing in a carbon monoxide detector as a preventative measure is a small price for peace of mind, especially for residential rental providers.
Power Band Inspection has carbon monoxide safety checks services that give you important options wrapped up in gas appliance testing, electrical checks, and detector installation in packages offered by licensed professionals. Be compliant, be aware of the legal ramifications of not being, and now, most importantly, keep your renters safe.
