Updates to Victoria’s Rental Laws
Victoria’s rental laws are changing, with a range of new compliance requirements being introduced between 2025 and 2030. These reforms focus on improving safety, energy efficiency and fairness within the rental market, and will apply to all rental properties. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what is changing and the dates each requirement takes effect.
Changes Effective 25 November 2025
The Victorian Government has introduced major reforms under the Residential Tenancies Act to improve safety, fairness and compliance. Key changes include:
Properties must meet all Minimum Standards before being advertised online, not just before a renter moves in.
Ban on rental bidding when a property is for lease.
Rent in advance capped at one month when a property is first leased.
Removal of 120-day No-Fault evictions.
Notice periods for rent increases extended from 60 to 90 days.
New privacy and application rules governing what documents can be retained and what questions can be asked during applications.
Notice to Vacate periods extended from 60 to 90 days when a property is to be sold, owner-occupied, or renovated.
Minimum Standards Required Before Advertising
Properties must comply with all current minimum rental standards, including:
Safe heating in the main living area that meets energy-efficiency ratings
Functioning smoke alarms with annual checks by a qualified contractor
Secure locks and deadlocks on all external doors
Adequate ventilation and fixed lighting
3-star water-efficient showerheads
Safety anchors on blind cords (these must be compliant from 1 December 2025)
Weatherproofing and structural soundness and no mould present in properties
Looking Ahead: Energy Efficiency Standards
From March 2027
The next phase of reforms focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability:
Ceiling insulation (minimum R-value 5.0) where none exists
Fixed cooling in the main living area at the start of a new lease
4-star water-efficient showerheads
Draughtproofing of doors, windows and vents (from July 2027)
Efficient electric heating and hot-water systems when older systems reach end-of-life
All rental properties must have energy-efficient cooling installed by July 2030
What This Means for You
Plan ahead: We will work with you to ensure your property remains compliant, partnering with qualified industry professionals.
Budget for upgrades: If your property requires insulation or cooling upgrades, we will help you plan early to avoid last-minute costs.
Office procedures: Our team has been trained and our systems updated to manage these reforms efficiently.
Whilst this list may feel overwhelming, many properties already meet most of these Minimum Standards. We will continue to work closely with our Rental Providers to ensure compliance with all upcoming requirements.