What Is a Gas Safety Check & Why Is It Important?

This blog will be all about gas safety checks and its importance in Australia. 

It is legally your responsibility as a landlord to provide safe housing and ensure that none of the gas appliances in your rental home are dangerous or a risk to the tenants.

But here you might have a question in your mind: Are these safety checks only for landlords??

Your question is valid because every landlord is also a homeowner. So the answer is: No, gas safety checks are not only for landlords, but they are legally required for landlords in some Australian states, especially Victoria. For everyone else, including homeowners, tenants, property buyers, commercial establishments and local authorities, gas safety checks are highly recommended but not always mandatory.

According to a survey report by Energy Safe Victoria, all gas-related incidents, like fires, gas leaks, and explosions, have led to more than 300 serious injuries and 15 fatalities in Victoria alone over the past decade.

This eye-opening statistic shows the importance of regular gas safety checks Victoria and compliance standards for both residential and rental property owners in Victoria.

What Is a Gas Safety Check?

In the simplest of words, a gas safety check refers to an inspection of gas appliances carried out by a licensed gas fitter. He visits your property and assesses your gas appliances, lines, and fittings.

Each appliance is recorded and checked by him to determine whether it can be safe to use and compliant with Australian regulations. If any appliance requires maintenance, you will be informed accordingly. Besides, the inspection helps prolong the life of your gas appliances; machines that are serviced regularly last longer. 

Gas safety checks are essential inspections that detect leaks, loose connections, and corrosion in residential, rental or industrial gas lines. With thousands of gas-related accidents yearly, only qualified professionals should handle these checks—DIY attempts are risky and often come too late, when a leak has already become dangerous. 

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Who Needs a Gas Safety Check?

• Landlords: In Victoria, for example, it’s mandatory every 2 years for rental properties.
• Homeowners: Optional but recommended, especially before selling a property or after renovations.
• Property Managers: Must ensure gas safety checks are up-to-date for compliance and tenant safety.
• Buyers: Often requested as part of a pre-purchase property inspection.

Why Regular Gas Safety Checks Matter

• Peace of Mind: You’ll sleep better knowing your gas appliances are safe and working right.
• Avoiding Hazards: Early checks catch things like leaks before they turn into major problems.
• Saving Money: Fixing small issues early on helps you avoid big repair bills later.
• Better Efficiency: Well-maintained systems run smoother and help lower your energy costs.
• Staying Legal: Regular checks keep you compliant with the law, no stress, no fines.
• Tenant Protection: If you rent out a place, regular checks keep your tenants safe and help you meet your legal duties.

What Does The Australian Law State About Gas Safety Regulation?

In Australia, gas safety checks are taken very seriously. According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Tenancies Regulations 2021, landlords must conduct gas safety checks every two years for all gas appliances, piping, and fittings, which must be performed by a licensed or registered gas fitter in their rental properties. 

The law outlines clear regulations to ensure the safe installation, maintenance, and use of gas appliances in Victoria. These checks are especially important for rental properties in Victoria and are often legally required under state or territory laws.

Every landlord must have a gas safety check performed every two years in their rental properties and get a gas safety certificate, certifying that the required standards have been accomplished. Landlords are also required to keep records of the check and provide them to tenants upon request.

These safety checks can be performed up to two months before the current landlord gas safety certificate expires, and you will not ‘lose’ any of the 24-month validity terms. For instance, if your landlord’s gas safety certificate expires on August 11th, you might schedule your check as early as June 12th, and the certificate will expire on August 11th of the following year.

These regulations aim to ensure the safety of tenants by minimizing risks associated with gas appliances, such as leaks or carbon monoxide exposure.​

Who Can Do A Gas Safety Check?

Regardless of who owns the property, these checks can only be performed by a licensed/registered gas fitter or plumber with the appropriate Type A gas appliance servicing qualifications. ​All licensed gas fitters in Victoria have a VBA license and carry a Gas Safe ID card, allowing you to see what type of work they’re authorized to conduct and whether their licenses are valid. It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to install, repair, or service gas systems, as doing so can put lives and property at risk.

After completing the inspection, the technician should provide a written gas safety report and, if relevant, a compliance certificate to confirm that the property meets current safety standards.

Need a gas safety check Victoria compliant inspection? Contact Powerband Inspections today to book your certified service and stay ahead of legal requirements!

What Exactly Is Involved In A Gas Safety Inspection?

A gas safety inspection involves a thorough check performed by a licensed gas fitter to ensure all gas appliances and systems in a property are safe, functioning correctly, and compliant with relevant Australian standards. Remember, This annual gas safety check is not a service and therefore does not cover repairs.

Here’s exactly what’s involved in a gas safety inspection:

• Visual check: of all gas appliances for visible damage or incorrect installation
• Gas leak test: to detect any leak on pipes, valves, and connections 
• Appliance operation check: to ensures safe ignition, proper flame, and overall performance
• Ventilation and flue system testing to checks proper airflow and safe exhaust
• Carbon monoxide (CO) testing to detects safe levels and dangerous emissions
• Gas pressure and burner check to ensures proper gas pressure and correct flame patterns 
• Basic appliance servicing – cleaning burners, filters, and checking seals
• Safety report and compliance certificate provided after inspection including details like what was inspected, test results and any faults detected along with recommended or completed repairs

What’s Inspected?

• Gas cooktops, ovens, and stoves
• Gas heaters (space and wall units)
• Gas hot water systems
• Gas meters and regulators
• Pipework and fittings
• Ventilation and flues
• CO levels and appliance emissions

Once the gas fitter decides that repairs are required, they should be performed as soon as possible. If there is a serious risk to your renters, the gas fitter will request your permission to turn off the gas supply for safety reasons.

Why Skipping Gas Safety Checks Is a Big Risk

• Legal Trouble: Skipping gas checks can break the law and result in legal action. Property owners risk fines or prosecution.
• Danger to Lives: Gas leaks can put lives at risk by causing serious harm like fires, health issues, or even explosions.
• Insurance Issues: No safety checks? Your insurance might not cover damages. Non-compliance could void your policy.
• Stay Safe, Stay Compliant: Regular inspections keep your property safe and legally sound. Don’t wait for something to go wrong.
• Costly Fines: Energy Safe Victoria can issue heavy fines. Each missed check counts as a separate violation.

How Much Does It Cost to Perform a Gas Safety Inspection?

In Victoria, Australia, the cost of a gas safety inspection ranges from $250 to $390, depending on several factors like the number of appliances, location, and the service provider. Some companies have a fee for each appliance checked, such as a gas boiler, while some providers offer combined packages that can be more cost-effective.

Typical Pricing for Gas Safety Checks

• $250 – $300: Standard gas safety checks covering 1–2 appliances, including carbon monoxide testing and compliance reporting. ​
• $350 – $400: Comprehensive inspections for multiple appliances, often including minor servicing and detailed compliance certificates.
• Urgent or after-hours services: May incur an extra fee of $100 or more.

Bundled Compliance Packages

Many providers offer combined packages that include gas, electrical, and smoke alarm checks, which can be more cost-effective:​

• $500 – $700: Full compliance packages covering all three safety checks, suitable for landlords managing multiple properties.

Cost by State (Estimated Averages)

Note: Prices may be higher in regional or remote areas due to travel costs.

The gas fitter doesn’t regulate the cost of a landlord gas safety inspection. This is why it is recommended that you get several quotes to determine who to hire for the job. For the best price, you will need to get the inspection during the summer months as safety checks experts are busier during the winter and will make it harder for you to even place a booking.

What Documents Should I Expect to Receive?

When a gas safety inspection is completed in Australia, especially for rental properties, you should receive a set of official documents to prove the inspection was done correctly, legally, and safely. These documents are important for both compliance and record-keeping.

 1. Gas Safety Check Report

This is a detailed summary of the inspection and includes:

• A list of all gas appliances inspected (e.g., heaters, ovens, hot water systems).
• Results of each safety test performed (leak detection, CO testing, etc.).
• Any faults or issues identified.
• Repairs or servicing done during the check.
• Technician’s name, licence number, and contact details.
• Date of the inspection and when the next check is due.

This report confirms that the inspection was carried out in line with relevant Australian standards and state regulations.

2. Compliance Certificate (if applicable)

In some cases, such as when new gas work is performed or significant repairs are made, the licensed gas fitter must issue a compliance certificate. This document:

• Confirms that the gas installation or servicing complies with state safety regulations.
• Is typically required in Victoria under the Gas Safety Act 1997.
• Must be lodged with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) by the gas fitter.

Landlords are advised to keep this gas safety check certificate on file for at least 7 years, as it may be needed for insurance or legal purposes.

3. Service Records

If appliances were serviced as part of the inspection, you may also receive a service summary showing:

• Which parts were cleaned, adjusted, or replaced.
• Recommendations for future maintenance.
• Notes on appliance condition and performance.

For Landlords:

In Victoria, rental providers must:

• Keep records of gas safety checks for at least 2 years.
  
• Provide a copy of the gas safety check report to tenants within 7 days if requested.
  
• Ensure that all inspections are completed by a licensed or registered gas fitter with the appropriate servicing endorsements.
  
• Include the date of the last gas safety check in the Rental Agreement Disclosure Statement, if requested or required.

Keeping accurate documentation isn’t just a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, it also helps ensure tenant safety and protects landlords from liability. These records serve as proof of compliance and are essential during audits, disputes, or insurance claims.

What should I Do With the Gas Safety Check Certificate?

• Store it safely (digitally or physically) for future reference.
• Keep it for at least 7 years (especially in Victoria).
• Provide a copy to tenants within 7 days if requested.
• Share it with your property manager or agent for compliance tracking.
• Use it as evidence for insurance claims or legal matters if needed.

Wrap up

A gas safety check may seem simple, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. A gas safety check is a vital procedure to ensure that gas appliances and systems are functioning safely and efficiently. Regular inspections help prevent gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and potential fires, making it crucial for both tenant safety and legal compliance. For landlords, it’s an important responsibility that safeguards the property, tenants, and avoids costly legal consequences.

The Powerband team is always ready to check the gas appliances in your houses, such as boilers, fires, cookers, ovens and hand boilers, space heaters, and water heaters. Our gas fitters will also inspect the flues and chimneys to make sure they are not blocked. We ensure your safety by conducting thorough inspections of your home appliances.

You must have the inspection conducted every 12 months to ensure that all your gas appliances are safe for use. Make sure to hire an accredited gas fitter to get the legal landlord gas safety check certificate.

Get in Touch with Powerband Inspections today!

Need a gas safety check for your property and searching for a gas safety check near me? Worry not. Just contact us to schedule an annual gas safety check and any required repairs, we will manage your rental. But still, if you have any questions, or if you currently self-manage and want to explore our management services, please contact Powerband Inspections today.