How to Spot Duplicate Jobs and Billing Errors in Safety Checks

Summary

A Victorian landlord highlighted a billing trap where compliance companies double-charge for overlapping services. While smoke alarm checks are required annually, gas and electrical safety checks are only mandated every two years. In this case, the service provider mistakenly repeated full gas and electrical checks during a year that only required a smoke alarm service, issuing a duplicate invoice for the entire package. Landlords must cross-reference safety check invoices with existing compliance certificate expiry dates before approving payments.

Key Points

Why it matters: With mandatory gas, electricity, and smoke alarm safety compliance in Victoria, administrative overlaps or aggressive billing by safety check companies can lead to financial losses if landlords do not audit invoices against historical records.

A Victorian landlord highlighted a billing trap where compliance companies double-charge for overlapping services. While smoke alarm checks are required annually, gas and electrical safety checks are only mandated every two years. In this case, the service provider mistakenly repeated full gas and electrical checks during a year that only required a smoke alarm service, issuing a duplicate invoice for the entire package. Landlords must cross-reference safety check invoices with existing compliance certificate expiry dates before approving payments.

Practical Takeaway

Use this note as a practical prompt before making decisions. Check the rules in your state, keep written records, and seek qualified advice where needed.