Before you sell or lease a home in Western Australia, the law requires a few electrical things to be in order — and they catch a lot of owners out right before settlement. Here’s the plain-English rundown from a licensed Perth electrician, so there are no surprises.
Your WA compliance checklist
✓At least two safety switches (RCDs) protecting all power and lighting circuits
✓Mains-powered (hard-wired) smoke alarms, under 10 years old
✓An electrical safety certificate for any electrical work done
1Safety switches (RCDs) — at least two
WA law requires a minimum of two RCDs (safety switches) protecting all the power and lighting circuits in a home before it can be sold (the land title can’t transfer without them) or rented out. The same applies to short-stay accommodation.
Bigger homes often need more than two, because each RCD can protect no more than three final sub-circuits — so the number depends on how many circuits your switchboard has. A quick check: press the “T” (test) button on each safety switch; if the power doesn’t cut out, get it looked at by a licensed electrician.
2Smoke alarms — mains-powered
For a home being sold or rented in WA, smoke alarms must be mains-powered (hard-wired) — battery-only units don’t meet the requirement. They also need replacing every 10 years, so check the date stamped on each alarm.
3Electrical safety certificate
Whenever electrical work is carried out, a licensed electrical contractor must give you an electrical safety certificate within 28 days. It certifies the work was completed, tested and complies with the regulations — your proof the wiring is safe, and an important document to keep for the sale.
What it means for you
If you’re selling or leasing and you’re not sure whether your safety switches and smoke alarms are up to standard, get them checked early rather than scrambling before settlement. Most of this work — fitting RCDs, hard-wiring smoke alarms and issuing the certificate — can often be done same-day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need two safety switches (RCDs) to sell a house in WA?
Yes. WA law requires at least two RCDs protecting all the power and lighting circuits before a home’s title can transfer. Larger homes with more circuits may need more than two — a licensed electrician will confirm how many your place needs.
Are mains-powered smoke alarms required to rent out a property in WA?
Yes. Before a new tenancy, a home needs hard-wired (mains-powered) smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old. Battery-only alarms don’t meet the requirement for a sale or a lease.
What is an electrical safety certificate and when will I get one?
It’s a document your licensed electrical contractor must supply within 28 days of doing electrical work, certifying it was tested and complies. See what an electrical safety certificate costs in WA.
How quickly can you make a home compliant before settlement?
Usually in a single visit. Fitting RCDs, hard-wiring smoke alarms and issuing the certificate can often be done same-day — handy when you’re up against a settlement date. We quote it fixed and upfront with a $0 call-out fee.
Selling or renting? Get it sorted, fast.
RCDs, smoke alarms and safety certificates across Perth — $0 call-out fee, fixed price up front, same-day where possible.
or call 0422 117 839
This guide is general information, not advice on your specific property. Electrical safety requirements in WA are set by Building and Energy. Always use a licensed electrical contractor.