Victorian Rental Law Reforms

What Residential Rental Providers & Renters Need to Know About Victoria's Statutory Changes

Understanding the Statutory Changes

Across Victoria, the State Government has introduced mandatory legislative updates to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

These statutory changes apply to all Residential Rental Providers (RRPs), Property Managers, and Estate Agencies across Victoria. These updates represent official Victorian state law that all rental providers and real estate professionals must legally comply with.

At Barry Plant, we view these legislative requirements as an opportunity to demonstrate the value of professional property management. Through meticulous record-keeping, advanced technology, and proactive compliance systems, we ensure your investment property remains fully protected, compliant, and audit-ready.

UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE CHANGES - Effective from 13 October 2026

<h3 data-block-key="a1cj2">Strengthened Bond Claim Evidence Requirements</h3>What the Law Requires: Before a rental provider or their agent can lodge a bond claim at the end of a tenancy, each renter must be given advance notice and provided with detailed itemised evidence supporting the claim.Impact: Ensures complete transparency and offers an early opportunity for parties to negotiate an amicable agreement prior to escalating through dispute resolution.<h3 data-block-key="a2ddt">Mandatory Record-Keeping for Minimum Standards</h3>What the Law Requires: Rental providers and their agents must create and retain verifiable records demonstrating that the property complied with all statutory minimum standards prior to advertising, offering for lease, or tenant occupancy.Impact: Verbal assurances or simple compliance statements are no longer legally sufficient; formal evidence and documentation are required to prove compliance metrics.<h3 data-block-key="4b6um">Universal 2-Year Gas and Electrical Safety Checks</h3>What the Law Requires: Mandatory gas and electrical safety checks must be performed by qualified, licensed tradespeople every two years for all residential rental properties, regardless of when the rental agreement commenced.Impact: Eliminates previous exemption loopholes and ensures uniform safety standards across all tenancy agreements statewide.<h3 data-block-key="degi9">Gas Safety Check Prior to Draughtproofing</h3>What the Law Requires: Before any draughtproofing work is undertaken on a rental property fitted with gas appliances, fixtures, or fittings, a licensed gasfitter must complete a pre-draughtproofing gas safety check within the preceding 6 months.Impact: Prevents potential gas ventilation hazards caused by sealing draft paths around gas appliances.<h3 data-block-key="bbeh6">Prohibition of Application Fees</h3>What the Law Requires: Rental providers and real estate agencies are strictly prohibited from charging prospective renters any fees for submitting a rental application.Impact: Ensures the application process remains fair, transparent, and fee-free for all applicants.

UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE CHANGES - Effective from 1 March 2027

Phased Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (2027–2030) Victoria will begin rolling out upgraded energy efficiency standards for residential rental properties.From 1 March 2027, these standards include:<h3 data-block-key="bdser">Ceiling Insulation:</h3>Rental providers must ensure ceiling insulation (minimum R5.0) is installed in previously uninsulated ceiling spaces upon entering a new lease or converting to a periodic agreement.<h3 data-block-key="8rrcr">Cooling Standards:</h3>Energy-efficient fixed cooling (minimum 3-star fixed appliance or 2-star equivalent central system) must be installed in the main living area at the start of a new or month-to-month agreement. By 1 July 2030, all rental properties must meet this cooling standard regardless of lease commencement date.<h3 data-block-key="h5o4">Heating & Hot Water Replacement:</h3>Outdated heating and hot water systems reaching the end of their functional lifespan must be replaced with energy-efficient electric alternatives.<h3 data-block-key="99r5o">4-Star Water Efficient Showerheads:</h3>All showerheads must meet a minimum 4-star water efficiency rating at the start of a new lease or periodic conversion.

UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE CHANGES - Effective from 1 July 2027

From 1 July 2027:<h3 data-block-key="3gali">Draughtproofing Seals</h3>What the Law Requires: External doors, windows, and unsealed wall vents must have appropriate weather seals installed at the start of a new rental agreement or periodic conversion to minimise heat loss.To find out more visit Consumer Affairs VIC <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/legislation/public-consultations-and-reviews/new-minimum-energy-efficiency-standards">New minimum energy efficiency standards</a> page.

LAWS NOW IN EFFECT

The following legislative requirements are already active law across Victoria and must be complied with on all residential properties: <h3 data-block-key="66bas">Renters Can Pay Bond Directly to the RTBA</h3>(In Effect since September 2026)<ul><li data-block-key="5mjhj">What Changed: Renters can choose to pay their bond money directly to the RTBA. To do this, they must give written notice to the rental provider before they start the bond lodgement process. </li><li data-block-key="bqimi">Impact: Property managers and rental providers no longer need to receipt, hold, or reconcile these bond funds in their own accounts. </li></ul><h3 data-block-key="973ao">Portable Rental Bond Scheme</h3>(In Effect since July 2026)<ul><li data-block-key="o41i">What Changed: Renters moving between properties can apply to transfer their existing rental bond directly to their new property.</li><li data-block-key="6294j">Impact: Eases moving costs for renters by eliminating the need to pay a second bond upfront while awaiting bond release.</li></ul><h3 data-block-key="7s0ga">Prescribed Application Forms & Privacy Limits</h3>(In Effect since March 2026)<ul><li data-block-key="72j7r">What Changed: All agents and rental providers must use the standardised, prescribed application form issued by Consumer Affairs Victoria. Requesting non-prescribed financial or personal documents is prohibited.</li><li data-block-key="bs1b2">Impact: Standardises application procedures while strictly protecting applicant privacy.</li></ul><h3 data-block-key="4j18p">Mandatory Blind & Curtain Cord Anchors</h3>(In Effect since December 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="c01kv">What Changed: Internal corded window coverings in all residential rental properties must be secured with safety anchors or tensioning devices to eliminate loose loops.</li><li data-block-key="27dil">Impact: Ensures child safety compliance across all managed residential dwellings.</li></ul><h3 data-block-key="6oopu">Rules to Protect Renters Personal Information</h3>(In Effect since November 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="dujfa">What Changed: Rental providers and their agents must protect renters’ personal information from misuse and follow rules around destruction and de-identification when handling information provided through rental applications. It will be an offence to disclose information without consent. </li><li data-block-key="coli3">Impact: This change legally obliges rental providers and their managing agents to secure renters' data and strictly destroy or de-identify application records within the mandated timeframes. </li></ul>Read more in this Consumer Affairs VIC article: <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/legal-and-dispute-support/protecting-a-renters-personal-information-your-responsibilities-as-a-rental-provider-or-agent">protecting a renter’s personal information</a>. <h3 data-block-key="d5jb">Mandatory Minimum Housing Standards Prior to Advertising</h3>(In Effect since November 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="2ju6d">What Changed: Properties must meet all statutory minimum standards (including structural integrity, lock security, functional heating, hot water, and window coverings) before being advertised or listed for lease.</li><li data-block-key="3nvpc">Impact: Ensures properties are safe, compliant, and habitable from the day they enter the market. </li></ul><h3 data-block-key="ed8gl">Ban on Rental Bidding & Rent in Advance Restrictions</h3>(In Effect since November 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="5u2n8">What Changed: Accepting or soliciting offers above the advertised rental price is strictly illegal. Additionally, unsolicited offers paying more than one month's rent in advance cannot be accepted.</li><li data-block-key="5gg6c">Impact: Guarantees pricing transparency and fairness for prospective renters. </li></ul><h3 data-block-key="3hqsv">Ban on No-Fault Evictions & Extended Notice Periods</h3>(In Effect since November 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="1k90j">What Changed: End-of-fixed-term evictions without a valid, prescribed reason (e.g., owner moving in, major renovations, or sale with vacant possession) are banned. Notice periods for rent increases and valid notices to vacate have been extended from 60 to 90 days.</li><li data-block-key="504ta">Impact: Provides renters greater stability and extended timeframes to plan or adjust to changes. </li></ul><h3 data-block-key="96cdr">Mandatory Annual Smoke Alarm Checks</h3>(In Effect since November 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="ah0p2">What Changed: Annual smoke alarm safety checks are compulsory for all residential rental properties, regardless of when the tenancy agreement commenced.</li><li data-block-key="ijpc">Impact: Ensures continuous fire safety compliance across all rental dwellings. </li></ul><h3 data-block-key="d6rbv">Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria - RDRV</h3>(In Effect since June 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="44o5">What Changed: Bond disputes, compensation claims, rent increase challenges, and urgent repair matters must go through RDRV prior to VCAT escalation.</li><li data-block-key="19ahm">Impact: Provides a fast, cost-free alternative dispute resolution process utilising qualified dispute resolution coordinators.</li></ul>To find out more visit Consumer Affairs VIC <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/legal-and-dispute-support/resolving-disputes">Resolving Rental Disputes</a> page. <h3 data-block-key="9smjm">Right to Challenge Excessive Rent Increases</h3>(In Effect since June 2025)<ul><li data-block-key="d9f21">What Changed: Renters have the formal right to apply to RDRV to challenge rent increases they consider excessive based on the amount and frequency of the increase. Unresolved matters can be escalated to VCAT.</li><li data-block-key="6v873">Impact: Encourages fair market rent adjustments and offers clear dispute mechanisms for both parties.</li></ul>To find out more visit Consumer Affairs VIC <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/new-changes-to-the-rental-laws">New changes to rental laws</a> page.

MANDATORY SAFETY CHECK REQUIREMENTS

All Victorian Rental Providers are legally required to fulfill regular safety checks:

1. Gas Safety Checks: Required every 2 years by a licensed gasfitter.
2. Electrical Safety Checks: Required every 2 years by a licensed electrician.
3. Pre-Draughtproofing Gas Checks: Mandatory gas check within 6 months prior to installing draughtproofing.
4. Record Keeping: Mandatory storage of compliance certificates, inspection logs, and trade reports to present upon statutory request.

For more information, read our Mandatory Gas and Electrical Safety Checks article.

HOW BARRY PLANT PROTECTS YOUR INVESTMENT (THE BARRY PLANT DIFFERENCE)

Navigating changing state legislation requires diligent property management. Here is how we ensure seamless compliance and asset protection for our clients:<ul><li data-block-key="5sot2">Automated Compliance Tracking: Seamless systems to manage 2-year gas/electrical safety checks, annual smoke alarm audits, and minimum standard verifications.</li><li data-block-key="5prp8">Digital Inspection & Condition Reports: High-resolution, time-stamped photo records created at entry, routine, and exit inspections to satisfy RDRV, VCAT, and RTBA evidentiary thresholds.</li><li data-block-key="asjqv">Vetted Trade Partner Network: Access to qualified, licensed tradespeople to carry out required audits, maintenance, and safety upgrades promptly.</li><li data-block-key="8s3em">Dedicated Property Managers: Local property management experts supported by compliance specialists to safeguard your yield and asset value.</li><li data-block-key="6dfr3">Thorough Regular Inspections: Detailed property assessments evaluating wear and tear, preventative maintenance, and statutory requirements to protect long-term capital appreciation.</li></ul>

VICTORIAN RENTAL REFORMS GUIDE

Rental legislation in Victoria is detailed, but maintaining full compliance doesn't have to be complex. We have compiled a comprehensive breakdown of every requirement, timeline, and owner obligation into one central guide.

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Direct Bond Payments: What Renters and Rental Providers Need to Know

Navigating Victoria’s Strengthened Bond Claim Rules: Protecting Your Investment Asset

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

Protecting Your Investment: Victoria’s New Compliance Record-Keeping Rules Explained

Standardised Application Forms and Personal Information Protection in Victoria

The New Portable Rental Bond Scheme: What It Means for Victorian Renters and Rental Providers

Frequently Asked Questions: Victoria Rental Law Reforms

1. How much notice must a landlord give before lodging a bond claim in Victoria?

2. Can a landlord reject a tenant for wanting to pay their bond directly to the RTBA?

3. How long does a renter have to pay their bond if they choose direct RTBA lodgment?

4. How often are safety checks required for rental properties in Victoria?

5. What are the new minimum energy efficiency standards for Victorian rental homes?

6. What happens if a bond dispute arises with a tenant who has already moved out?

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is general in nature and intended for educational purposes regarding statutory obligations under the <a href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/residential-tenancies-act-1997/114">Residential Tenancies Act 1997</a> and associated legislative updates. It does not constitute formal legal or financial advice. Rental providers should consult <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/">Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)</a> or seek independent legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.

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