What changes for Victorian renters and landlords this week
Rental and property restrictions are now taking effect across Victoria, tightening the rules for owners, agents and tenants as the state shifts to a stricter housing framework.   :)


News.com.au
November 25, 2025

Victoria’s new rental and housing rules are now in force, reshaping how properties are leased, advertised and managed across the state.

Victoria has entered a new phase of housing reform as sweeping rental, safety and property rules began this week, reshaping how homes will be advertised, leased and managed across the state.

A typical $1.8m property with $750,000 in land value and $45,000 in annual short-stay income, and left empty for more than six months, would now face $18,000 in Vacant Residential Land Tax from January, $3,725 in land tax and $3,375 in short-stay levies, bringing the total yearly hit to $25,100.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said Tuesday’s reforms close the last remaining pathway for rental bidding.

“By closing this loophole we are stamping out rental bidding and putting dishonest and opportunistic estate agents and rental providers on notice.”

Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge said the changes would “end the auction-style pressure” renters have faced at inspections.

Property Investor Council of Australia board member Ben Kingsley said the rapid reform timeline had left many owners feeling sidelined.


REIV chief executive Toby Balazs said the pace of change meant compliance requirements had “become a significant challenge” for property managers.

Below is every rule change taking effect from 25 November and all reforms that begin after that.

New statewide housing reforms are tightening rental standards and compliance requirements for owners and agents.

Agents and landlords are no longer allowed to accept offers above the advertised rent.   :)

All rental listings must show a single fixed price.

The ban eliminates the bidding wars that previously pushed renters beyond budget limits.

Ms Beveridge said renters would inspect properties “without fear the home will be leased for more than they can afford”.

No-fault evictions scrapped   :)
Landlords cannot remove a tenant at the end of a lease unless they have a valid reason, such as selling the property, completing major renovations or needing the home for themselves or a family member.

At the end of a fixed-term agreement, tenants automatically move onto a month-to-month lease unless a new fixed term is signed.

Mr Kingsley said the change had unsettled many rental providers who felt “shut-out of the discussion”.

Ninety-day notice for rent rises
Rent rises now require 90 days written notice, increasing from 60 days.

This gives renters more time to prepare for changes and improves cost transparency.

Minimum standards must be met before advertising
Premier Jacinta Allan has overseen a major reset of Victoria’s rental and housing laws taking effect from late November.
Rental homes must now comply with Victoria’s minimum standards before being advertised.

This includes:

– working heating

– safe electrical systems

– secure locks

– weatherproofing

– appropriate ventilation

– functioning kitchen and bathroom facilities

– basic structural integrity

Previously, owners could list a non-compliant property and fix issues after a tenant moved in.

That loophole is now closed.

Mandatory annual smoke alarm checks also now apply statewide.

Mr Balazs said the compliance burden had become “significant” across large rental portfolios.

Gas and electrical safety checks now universal
All rental agreements must comply with current gas and electrical safety regulations.

Safety checks must occur every two years.

Stronger privacy protections
Agents and landlords face penalties for mishandling or disclosing tenant information, including applications, ID documents and references.

Changes from 1 December 2025
The latest reforms introduce stricter protections for renters and tougher obligations for Victorian property owners.

Thanks sir Crook,

isn't it amazing how landlords let their own property get worse and worse
as they do no maintenance?  :

Kitchen and bathroom fans not working -
gas heaters faulty,
stoves faulty,
no aircon,
electrical outlets cracked and busted,
gutters filled with leaves and never cleaned causing
severe water damage from overflows.
Leaking taps and mold in bathrooms.
TV antenna not working - fallen to pieces after 30 years in the rain.

They think a rental property is a never ending pot of gold
with no input required.
When I was house hunting I saw so many ex rental places that
were only bulldozer material after close inspection -
they had been just so neglected.

Yes Bobby, lets hope that these long overdue new laws will make a difference.  Lets hope that other States will do the same.   :( 

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 4:32pm:

Thanks sir Crook, isn't it amazing how landlords let their own property get worse and worse as they do no maintenance?  : Kitchen and bathroom fans not working - gas heaters faulty, stoves faulty, no aircon, electrical outlets cracked and busted, gutters filled with leaves and never cleaned causing severe water damage from overflows. Leaking taps and mold in bathrooms. TV antenna not working - fallen to pieces after 30 years in the rain. They think a rental property is a never ending pot of gold with no input required. When I was house hunting I saw so many ex rental places that were only bulldozer material after close inspection - they had been just so neglected.

This is only going to push rents higher, any cost put on the landlord will always, its worth repeating, any cost put on the landlord will always be reflected in the rent. Yes there are some dodgy landlords out there, probably about 5%. There are also plenty of dodgy renters out there who trash properties.

These new rules will force good landlords to maintain properties bad renters will destroy. Expect landlords to demand higher returns for higher risks.

whiteknight wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 5:49pm:

Yes Bobby, lets hope that these long overdue new laws will make a difference.  Lets hope that other States will do the same.   :(

I don't know what is wrong with landlords?
Are they just lazy or don't they want to spend even one penny on their own place?

I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans.
they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings

https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-250mm-white-exhaust-fan_p4440572

and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them -
you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver.
I always ended up doing that job - many, many times - for free.
No landlord ever said thank you or offered me money for the job.
In my opinion every landlord I ever had was a total arse hole.

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:01pm:

I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver.

So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back

Leroy wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:00pm:

This is only going to push rents higher, any cost put on the landlord will always, its worth repeating, any cost put on the landlord will always be reflected in the rent. Yes there are some dodgy landlords out there, probably about 5%. There are also plenty of dodgy renters out there who trash properties. These new rules will force good landlords to maintain properties bad renters will destroy. Expect landlords to demand higher returns for higher risks.

100% of landlords I dealt with were dodgy.

My bet is they raise the rent and still don't repair anything.   ::)

John Smith wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:04pm:

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back

By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  -
I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::)

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:05pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:00pm: This is only going to push rents higher, any cost put on the landlord will always, its worth repeating, any cost put on the landlord will always be reflected in the rent. Yes there are some dodgy landlords out there, probably about 5%. There are also plenty of dodgy renters out there who trash properties. These new rules will force good landlords to maintain properties bad renters will destroy. Expect landlords to demand higher returns for higher risks. 100% of landlords I dealt with were dodgy. My bet is they raise the rent and still don't repair anything.   ::)

Out of the millions in Australia how many would that be, 200, 500, a couple of thousand, can you put a number on it?.

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:06pm:

John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::)

A good renter would keep the fans clean, letting them become grease laden is not only a fire risk but just plain laziness.

Leroy wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:09pm:

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:06pm: John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::) A good renter would keep the fans clean, letting them become grease laden is not only a fire risk but just plain laziness.

You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan.

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:13pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:09pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:06pm: John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::) A good renter would keep the fans clean, letting them become grease laden is not only a fire risk but just plain laziness. You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan.

Why not, they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them so cleaning them would take less than ten minutes.

Leroy wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:15pm:

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:13pm: You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan. Why not, they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them so cleaning them would take less than ten minutes.

Only the grill plate is made to be easily removed and cleaned.

You can't put an electrical motor in water to clean it.

forgiven

namaste

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:18pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:15pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:13pm: You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan. Why not, they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them so cleaning them would take less than ten minutes. Only the grill plate is made to be easily removed and cleaned. You can't put an electrical motor in water to clean it. forgiven namaste

All you have to do is spray the cleaner on the fan and wipe it off, I just get a step ladder and pull off the cover to soak while I clean the fan and blades. keeps the kitchen clean and stops mice from living in the ceiling eating the fat build up, just more hygienic and safer.

Leroy wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:24pm:

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:18pm: Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:15pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:13pm: You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan. Why not, they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them so cleaning them would take less than ten minutes. Only the grill plate is made to be easily removed and cleaned. You can't put an electrical motor in water to clean it. forgiven namaste All you have to do is spray the cleaner on the fan and wipe it off, I just get a step ladder and pull off the cover to soak while I clean the fan and blades. keeps the kitchen clean and stops mice from living in the ceiling eating the fat build up, just more hygienic and safer.

But the fat goes all over the 240V electrical motor and wires too.

You need to replace the whole fan about every 3 to 5 years -
and that's about how long the bearings last anyway.

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:36pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:24pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:18pm: Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:15pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:13pm: You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan. Why not, they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them so cleaning them would take less than ten minutes. Only the grill plate is made to be easily removed and cleaned. You can't put an electrical motor in water to clean it. forgiven namaste All you have to do is spray the cleaner on the fan and wipe it off, I just get a step ladder and pull off the cover to soak while I clean the fan and blades. keeps the kitchen clean and stops mice from living in the ceiling eating the fat build up, just more hygienic and safer. But the fat goes all over the 240V electrical motor and wires too. You need to replace the whole fan about every 3 to 5 years - and that's about how long the bearings last anyway.

Yes if you don't clean it regularly the fat builds up and causes ingress to the motor, plus it attracts rodents. Keep it clean and it will last much longer, mine last around 10 years.

whiteknight wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 1:41pm:

What changes for Victorian renters and landlords this week Rental and property restrictions are now taking effect across Victoria, tightening the rules for owners, agents and tenants as the state shifts to a stricter housing framework.   :) Changes from 1 December 2025 The latest reforms introduce stricter protections for renters and tougher obligations for Victorian property owners.

Labor have no idea their idiocy will reduce number of available rentals and drive rent prices up.

Argentina which is run by an economist deregulated rental housing market more properties became available and rent prices decreased.


Quote:

Javier Milei Ended Rent Control. Now the Argentine Real Estate Market Is Coming Back to Life Milei’s deregulation demonstrates that removing government from voluntary transactions can benefit both sides. With the 2020 rent control law now scrapped, apartments have poured back into Buenos Aires’ rental market, offering a plethora of new options. On Zonaprop, one of Argentina’s largest real estate platforms, traditional rental listings have skyrocketed—from 5,500 before the reform to 15,300 today, a staggering 180 percent rise.A third of that increase occurred within just one month of Milei’s deregulation. Real (i.e. inflation-adjusted) rents have fallen, short-term workarounds are declining, and tenants are finding properties suited to their needs. Javier Milei won the Argentine presidential election on November 19, 2023, promising to take his chainsaw to the country’s corporatist government. The self-described libertarian had made a name for himself as an economist highlighting the devastating consequences of even well-intentioned interventions. One of his first moves was Decree 70/2023, the so-called Megadecreto, which slashed through decades of interventionist policies. Among its targets: rent controls and mandatory minimum tenancy lengths. “It was not just that the law was repealed, but also that it was replaced with nothing,” Llach explains. The decree left landlords and tenants entirely free to negotiate almost every aspect of their agreements—rent levels, how often rents could be revised, the currency used for payment, and any collateral or guarantees needed. Milei even scrapped the requirement to register rental contracts with the federal government. This freedom created a diverse marketplace where tenants and landlords could forge voluntary, mutually beneficial agreements tailored to their needs. The results, Llach says, are “a textbook case” for Milei’s deregulatory efforts. Zonaprop’s data showing a surge in supply of apartments is no anomaly; the Ministry of Deregulation’s report, based on Mercado Libre and Universidad de San Andrés data, shows that by June 2024, the rental housing supply was 212 percent higher than it was in December 2023 in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Even with landlords freed to account for the uncertainties and risks of bad tenants and inflation, real rents have fallen. Milei’s deregulation demonstrates that removing government from voluntary transactions can benefit both sides. https://www.cato.org/commentary/javier-milei-ended-rent-control-now-argentine-real-estate-market-coming-back-life

We need to get the government out and deregulate rental housing.

Labor needs more taxes in Victoria to pay for all the debt Dickhead Dan racked up

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 6:06pm:

John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::)

so clean it you bludger. You're supposed to clean it anyway as part of your exit clean :D :D :D

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:13pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:09pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:06pm: John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::) A good renter would keep the fans clean, letting them become grease laden is not only a fire risk but just plain laziness. You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan.

:D :D
most exhaust fans have covers on them that clip off. A 30 min soak in the laundry tub and light scrub is usually enough to get them clean unless you've been doing something wrong during your stay.

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7^th, 2025 at 7:36pm:

You need to replace the whole fan about every 3 to 5 years - and that's about how long the bearings last anyway.

what crap :D :D :D

Quote:

A typical $1.8m property with $750,000 in land value and $45,000 in annual short-stay income, and left empty for more than six months, would now face $18,000 in Vacant Residential Land Tax from January, $3,725 in land tax and $3,375 in short-stay levies, bringing the total yearly hit to $25,100.

I realise that Victoria isn't exactly a big tourist destination, but this will help make it even less popular.

freediver wrote on Dec 8^th, 2025 at 9:17am:

Quote: A typical $1.8m property with $750,000 in land value and $45,000 in annual short-stay income, and left empty for more than six months, would now face $18,000 in Vacant Residential Land Tax from January, $3,725 in land tax and $3,375 in short-stay levies, bringing the total yearly hit to $25,100. I realise that Victoria isn't exactly a big tourist destination, but this will help make it even less popular.

So if it drops revenue for that property - what is the real agenda?  Why - simple - to force it onto the market.

My oldest friend in life - and they are very few - with whom I went to primary and high school etc - was recently made housebound by having his licence lifted ... he was bewildered - I said - simple - they want you to die so your property can come on the market - and locking you in the house with no exercise and human contact is one way to hasten that.

John Smith wrote on Dec 8^th, 2025 at 7:27am:

Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:13pm: Leroy wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 7:09pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:06pm: John Smith wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:04pm: Bobby. wrote on Dec 7th, 2025 at 6:01pm: I never rented a place where the landlord would replace bathroom or kitchen ceiling fans. they are not expensive - just $32 from Bunnings and they plug in to a receptacle in the ceiling - it takes 5 minutes to replace them - you don't need an electrician or any tool other than a flat blade screwdriver. So what's stopping you from replacing it?  It's only $30 and you can keep it once you move out provided you put the old one back By the time I would move out they'd be covered in grease  - I'd be too busy to bother replacing it with the old one.   ::) A good renter would keep the fans clean, letting them become grease laden is not only a fire risk but just plain laziness. You can keep the grill plate clean but not the actual fan. :D :D most exhaust fans have covers on them that clip off. A 30 min soak in the laundry tub and light scrub is usually enough to get them clean unless you've been doing something wrong during your stay.

That's what I said - in bold.   ::)

John has comprehension problems.

forgiven

namaste