Staying Ahead of Compliance

At Marshall White, compliance is central to how we manage our clients' properties. Our Property Management team includes a full-time Compliance Manager, providing dedicated oversight of legislative requirements and helping our Property Managers and Rental Providers stay informed as requirements change. 

This specialist knowledge is supported by regular reviews across our managed portfolio, allowing us to identify areas that may require attention now or in the future. The aim is to flag potential requirements early, provide Rental Providers with clear guidance, and allow appropriate time to plan any necessary works. 

Looking beyond the immediate requirement 

A well-managed investment property needs to be considered over the longer term. Safety checks, minimum standards and legislative requirements can change throughout the life of a tenancy, so it's important to understand not only what is required today, but what may be required next. 

Gas and electrical safety checks remain key considerations. Current Victorian requirements include two-yearly gas and electrical safety checks for applicable rental agreements, extending to all rental agreements from 13 October 2026. Annual smoke alarm safety checks are also mandatory across Victorian rental properties. 

Minimum standards extend across a wide range of areas, including heating, electrical safety, security, ventilation, windows and window coverings. Requirements can include functioning locks and window latches, appropriate electrical safety measures and safely secured blind cords. 

Our compliance processes are designed to identify these requirements as part of the ongoing management of a property, rather than waiting until an issue becomes urgent or a new tenancy is approaching. 

Record-keeping is another important consideration. Maintaining clear and accessible documentation of safety checks, minimum standards and completed works gives Rental Providers an important record of how their property has been maintained and managed. 

Preparing for what comes next 

The next significant area for Rental Providers to consider is energy efficiency. New Victorian minimum energy efficiency standards will begin to take effect in phases from 1 March 2027, covering areas including heating, cooling, hot water, shower heads, ceiling insulation and draughtproofing. 

While these changes will be introduced progressively, Rental Providers should begin considering their properties well ahead of the relevant commencement dates. 

Where upgrades may be required, acting earlier can provide greater flexibility when sourcing trades, products and suitable installation times. As commencement dates approach, increased demand may place pressure on trade availability and product supply. 

Planning ahead can also help avoid coordinating multiple upgrades, inspections or compliance requirements at the same time a property is being prepared for a new tenancy. 

The value of specialist compliance knowledge 

For the Marshall White Property Management team, staying ahead of compliance means more than simply responding when a requirement becomes due. 

Our dedicated Compliance Manager works alongside our Property Managers to monitor legislative changes, support compliance processes and identify requirements that may affect our managed properties. This gives our Rental Providers access to specialist knowledge as part of the broader property management service. 

For Rental Providers, an experienced team overseeing these details provides greater confidence that important requirements are monitored, documented, and communicated, while allowing decisions about maintenance and upgrades to be made with more notice. 

Through ongoing monitoring, clear communication, and forward planning, we help Rental Providers stay ahead. 

If you would like to understand how current or upcoming compliance requirements may affect your investment property, speak with your Marshall White Property Manager or contact our Property Management team today.