Fairer Leasing for Everyone: Understanding Victoria’s Ban on Rental Application Fees

Effective 13 October 2026, it is a formal offence to charge prospective renters any fee whatsoever to apply or submit an application for a residential rental property.

At Barry Plant, we warmly welcome this change. We believe that finding a place to call home should be an open, transparent, and accessible process. Removing unnecessary cost barriers for applicants reflects our core commitment to ethical practice, genuine human service, and community trust.

What is Victoria’s rental application fee ban?

From 13 October 2026, it is illegal for rental providers or real estate agents in Victoria to charge prospective renters any fee to submit a rental application or process background checks. All application processing must be provided completely free of charge to prospective tenants.

Why Ethical Application Processing Matters

The rental application fee ban ensures that every applicant is evaluated purely on their merits, such as rental history, employment stability, and personal references, rather than their ability to pay administrative charges just to be considered.

The New Rental Application Framework

FOR RENTERS: $0 application fees; completely free to apply for any listing

FOR INVESTORS: Modern digital screening tools ensure thorough verification.

FOR OUR AGENCY: Transparent, ethical compliance across our entire network.

What This Means for Prospective Renters

• Zero Cost to Apply: You will never be asked to pay processing, screening, or background check fees when submitting an application for a Barry Plant rental listing.
• Fair Consideration: Every submitted application is reviewed using standardised, objective criteria focused entirely on your suitability as a tenant.
• Streamlined Digital Process: You can safely submit your information, 100 points of ID, and tenancy history online without hidden charges.

What Property Investors Need to Know: Maintaining High Applicant Quality

For property owners, it is natural to wonder whether removing application fees will impact the quality of tenant screening. We want to reassure our rental providers that our rigorous vetting standards remain as thorough and effective as ever.

How Modern Digital Tools Protect Your Asset

• Advanced Verification Systems: Barry Plant utilises modern digital leasing platforms that cross-reference identity documents, income statements, and national tenancy databases seamlessly without charging the applicant.
• Objective Financial Assessments: Our property managers systematically evaluate income-to-rent ratios and employment histories to ensure long-term tenancy stability.
• Comprehensive Reference Checking: We perform detailed direct checks with previous property managers and employers to verify genuine rental conduct.

By removing financial friction for applicants, your property attracts a wider, more diverse pool of high-quality renters, helping us secure reliable tenants quickly and minimise vacant days on market.

A Standard Built on Excellence and Trust

Whether we are guiding a first-time renter through their application or helping an experienced investor navigate statutory updates, our focus remains on delivering respectful, transparent, and compliant property services.

If you are a tenant looking for your next rental home or an investor seeking ethical, expert property management, reach out to your local Barry Plant office today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is general in nature and intended for educational purposes regarding residential property management in the State of Victoria under the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. It does not constitute formal legal or financial advice. Renters and rental providers should consult Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) or seek independent legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.