Updated 7 October 2026.
Venatic Building & Pest offers rental minimum standards inspections only as an optional add-on to an AS 4349.1 building inspection or a pre-purchase building and pest inspection. This additional assessment helps buyers and property owners identify rental-related issues alongside the property’s building condition.
We do not offer standalone rental minimum standards inspections. We do not provide gas or electrical safety checks. The rental minimum standards add-on must be requested when booking and is not automatically included in a standard building and pest inspection.
What Does the Add-On Cover?
Our assessment considers the visible and accessible building-related aspects of Victoria’s rental minimum standards, within the agreed inspection scope. These include:
- Door locks: external entry door security.
- Vermin-proof bins: rubbish and recycling bin provision.
- Toilets: facilities and observable condition.
- Bathrooms: required facilities, water supply and showerhead information.
- Kitchens: food preparation, sink and cooking facilities.
- Laundries: water connections where a laundry is provided.
- Structural soundness: visible building defects and weatherproofing concerns.
- Mould and damp: visible evidence and building-related moisture concerns.
- Window coverings: provision for privacy and light exclusion.
- Window covering anchors: cord and chain restraint arrangements.
- Windows: opening, closing and securing arrangements.
- Lighting: available natural and artificial lighting.
- Ventilation: observable ventilation provisions.
- Heating: fixed heating provision and available appliance information.
Victoria currently has 15 minimum standards categories. Electrical safety is the additional category and requires separate assessment by an electrician. It is not verified by our building inspection or rental minimum standards add-on.
Where compliance cannot be determined visually, additional documentation or specialist assessment may be needed. Operating an appliance briefly does not establish its safety, efficiency rating or full performance.
Gas, Electrical and Smoke Alarm Checks
These safety checks are separate from our rental minimum standards add-on:
- Electrical safety: arrange a licensed electrician to undertake the required safety check and confirm compliance with the electrical minimum standard, including switchboard protection. Venatic does not test or certify electrical installations.
- Gas safety: where the property has gas installations or appliances requiring inspection, arrange a licensed or registered gasfitter with the appropriate Type A appliance servicing endorsement. Venatic does not undertake gas safety checks, gas appliance servicing or carbon monoxide testing.
- Smoke alarms: the annual rental smoke alarm safety check is not included in this add-on. Any basic observations or functional checks made during a building inspection do not replace that service.
From 13 October 2026, the requirement for gas and electrical safety checks every two years extends to all rental agreements, including older agreements. Gas checks apply where relevant gas installations or appliances are present. Existing obligations continue before that date. Annual smoke alarm safety checks have applied to all Victorian rental properties since 25 November 2025.
Current Requirements and Upcoming Changes
- Before advertising: since 25 November 2025, properties must meet the applicable minimum standards when advertised or offered for rent, as well as before the renter moves in.
- Blind cord safety: the window covering anchor minimum standard commenced on 1 December 2025.
- Compliance records: from 13 October 2026, rental providers and agents must retain records showing minimum standards compliance before advertising, offering or occupation, and produce them to Consumer Affairs Victoria on request.
- Energy efficiency: further standards begin in phases from 1 March 2027, covering heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, ceiling insulation and draughtproofing. Different commencement dates, triggers and exemptions apply; these are not all current requirements as at this article’s update date.
What Will the Report Tell Me?
The report records our findings, supporting photographs, identified issues and recommendations within the agreed scope. It also identifies inspection limitations and matters requiring further investigation or confirmation by an appropriately qualified trade.
This is a visual assessment of conditions at the inspection date, not a guarantee of complete or ongoing rental compliance. It does not replace gas, electrical or annual smoke alarm safety records, or the tenancy condition report. Rental providers remain responsible for meeting their obligations and retaining appropriate evidence, including records of any necessary repairs.
Arrange an Add-On Assessment
If you intend to rent out the property, let us know when arranging your AS 4349.1 building inspection or pre-purchase building and pest inspection. We can confirm the additional scope and fee before the inspection.
Call 0499 524 865 or email info@venatic.com.au to discuss your booking.
Official Victorian Guidance
The following Consumer Affairs Victoria resources explain the full requirements, including exceptions and commencement dates:
