Plumbers/Gas fitters require the additional specialised class of “Type A appliance servicing” endorsed as part of their current license with the VBA. The specific approved competency unit is CPCGS4022A.

Accurate as of June 2022, new legislation require both the gas safety checklist to be filled out as well as a copy of the online VBA servicing record, according to the VBA a new mechanism is in development to make this submission easier and simpler, however nothing is concrete at this point in time and updates will be provided in the future. This is important for the rental provider because the previous checks only just required the gas safety checklist, a lot of the agents/landlords are not aware of this new requirement.

There are many possible scenarios with a gas leak, we check for gas pressure and if we detect a drop in pressure between the meter and the appliance it would indicate a leak in the gas line somewhere, however it is not possible to determine the location of the leak as the lines are underground, safety legislation require the attending plumber to shut off the gas entirely or to the said appliance and will recommend a repair or replacement ASAP with the rental provider.

If the leak occurs before the gas meter, it is usually the responsibility of the gas provider, in Victoria, it would be between, Multi net Gas, Australian Gas Network, and Aus Net Services. If the leak occurs after the gas meter, it is your responsibility as the rental provider.

Recommendations will be made to replace or repair asap to the rental provider or their agent, tenants will be notified as in some cases an appliance must be cut off if unable to be made safe on the spot.

Refer to your rights as a tenant from Consumer Affair Victoria, urgent repairs can be organised by the tenant only in certain set circumstances up to $2500. See more details at the CAV