Compliance and safety checks are not just red tape. They are essential for protecting tenants, safeguarding investments, and keeping insurance valid. To get a closer look at how landlords can stay on top of their obligations, we spoke with a leading property manager...
Tessa Stirling is the Head of Operations at LongView. She oversees property management 
alongside co-head Ali Forbes and serves as the Officer in Effective Control.
In this role she ensures the property management team delivers consistent, high-quality service, meets all legislative requirements, and provides practical support to rental providers and renters alike. Her focus is on protecting investments, maintaining compliance, and ensuring landlords have confidence in the management of their properties, making her perfectly placed to comment on the importance of proactive safety and compliance checks for landlords.
Tessa explains that in Victoria, landlords must maintain three main compliance checks: gas safety inspections every two years, electrical safety inspections every two years, and annual smoke alarm checks.
“These checks are critical not only to meet legal obligations but also to protect tenants and reduce the landlord’s liability,” says Tessa.
Yet, Tessa notes, many landlords overlook these obligations.
“Landlords often hesitate to arrange these checks due to cost or perceive compliance as a ‘tick-box’ exercise. In reality, these checks exist to protect both tenants and landlords. Unfortunately, there have been too many incidents where failure to act proactively has resulted in serious consequences.”
“Gas checks are a prime example. Carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous, and through safety inspections, we’ve identified potential hazards before they caused serious harm. Compliance isn’t just about meeting legislation; it’s about preventing life-threatening situations.”
LongView takes a hands-on approach to support landlords.
“Once we receive instructions from a landlord, we arrange all necessary inspections with qualified trades, inform renters, and oversee the process until the property is fully compliant. Our team manages deadlines, documentation, and follow-ups, ensuring landlords can be confident that everything is handled correctly.”
“We also monitor ageing appliances flagged during inspections, helping landlords replace them before small issues escalate into bigger, more expensive problems.”
Failing to stay compliant carries serious risks.
“Landlords may face fines and penalties, and insurance claims can be denied if a property isn’t compliant and tenant safety is compromised,” says Tessa. “Some landlords across Victoria are already experiencing these consequences.”
Tessa’s top advice for landlords is simple: Stay ahead of compliance and lean on your Property Manager for guidance.
“Insurance is essential to protect your assets, and regular compliance checks protect tenants, property, and your legal position.”
Want to know more about compliance checks and if your insurance has been impacted? Contact your property manager, or the friendly EBM RentCover team – 1800 661 662.
*While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you need us we are here, contact 1800 661 662 if you have any questions.
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