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Switchboard and smoke alarm compliance for ACT rentals
The short answer
Since 29 March 2023, the ACT rental minimum standard requires a modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches, verified by a licensed electrician. Smoke alarms must be photoelectric only. There is no Victorian style biennial check here, despite what some property blogs claim.
Safety switches and RCDs
The rental minimum standard that took effect on 29 March 2023 requires a modern switchboard fitted with circuit breakers and safety switches. The landlord is responsible for making sure the property complies, and for having that confirmed by a licensed or registered electrician.
Smoke alarms
Alarms must meet AS 3786 and be photoelectric. Ionisation alarms are not permitted. At least one alarm per storey, and between the bedrooms and the rest of the home. Alarms must be replaced within 10 years.
Worth knowing
The ACT does not have a biennial electrical safety check
Some real estate blogs say otherwise. That appears to be a mix-up with the Victorian rules, and it is not confirmed in ACT legislation. If you are working to a client instruction that says otherwise, check with Access Canberra first.
Ionisation alarms are a straight fail
Photoelectric only. Finding an ionisation alarm in an ACT rental is a defect to write up, not a judgement call.
When it needs doing
The minimum standard applies continuously. Verification is typically arranged at a change of tenancy.
Who is responsible for what
The landlord must make sure the property meets the minimum standard and have that confirmed by a licensed or registered electrician. The agent usually arranges it. Switchboard work is licensed electrical work.
What the report should record
A verbal all clear is worth nothing six months later when someone asks for evidence. Whatever you use to do the check, these are the things worth having on the written record in Australian Capital Territory:
- Property address and the landlord or agent it was done for
- Switchboard type and condition, and whether it is a modern board
- Confirmation that circuit breakers are fitted
- Confirmation that safety switches are fitted, and which circuits they protect
- RCD trip test results as measured values
- Alarm locations, confirmed as photoelectric, with expiry dates
- Any ionisation alarms found, which are not permitted
- Defects found, with photos, and the electrician’s licence or registration number
What commonly fails
The defects that turn up most often on Australian Capital Territory rental properties:
- Ceramic fuse boards that were never upgraded
- Boards with circuit breakers fitted but no safety switches, which is a partial upgrade only
- Ionisation alarms still in service
- No alarm between the bedrooms and the rest of the home
Do the check on your phone, hand over the report before you leave
Safety Check Pro walks you through the checkpoints for Australian Capital Territory, records your test results and photos, and produces a branded PDF report with your own logo on it. Works offline, syncs when you have signal.
See how it works All report types
Free plan includes 4 reports a month. No card needed to start.
Common questions
Does the ACT require an electrical safety check every 2 years?
No. There is no biennial electrical safety check in ACT legislation. The requirement is the rental minimum standard for the switchboard, in effect since 29 March 2023.
What does the ACT switchboard minimum standard require?
A modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches, with compliance confirmed by a licensed or registered electrician.
Are ionisation smoke alarms allowed in the ACT?
No. Alarms must be photoelectric and meet AS 3786.
How often do ACT smoke alarms need replacing?
Within 10 years.
Other states
VIC NSW QLD SA WA TAS NT All electrical
Last reviewed: September 2026. This page is general information for tradespeople and property owners, not legal advice. Rental and electrical safety laws change, and the requirements for an individual property can differ. Confirm the current position with Access Canberra before you rely on it.