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.

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

whiteknight wrote Yesterday at 5:49pm:



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.

Leroy wrote Yesterday at 6:00pm:



100% of landlords I dealt with were dodgy.

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

Bobby. wrote Yesterday at 6:05pm:


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

Leroy wrote Yesterday at 7:09pm:



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

Leroy wrote Yesterday at 7:15pm:



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

Leroy wrote Yesterday at 7:24pm:



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.