Major Rental Law Reforms Take Effect: What Every Victorian Property Owner Must Know Before November 25
The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 passed the Victorian Parliament in March 2025, bringing a raft of reforms.
Regulations are being developed for these new laws, most of which will come intoeffect on 25 November 2025 and will be enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
What are the new reforms?
Ban on all Rental Bidding –
Renters can no longer offer and Rental Providers cannot accept rent above the advertised price. An advertisement of a property for rent must include a fixed price and a price range cannot be used.
Extended Notice Periods
Rental Providers need to give renters a minimum 90 days notice of rental increase or a notice to vacate – a change from 60 days.
End of fixed term notices
The current “end of fixed term” 120-day notice will no longer be valid, but a renter can still be evicted for reasons such as damage, not paying rent or if the owner is moving back in following the appropriate notice period.
Standard Rental Applications
Rental applications will be standardised and more specific and easier to complete for the renter.
Protection of Personal Information
Real estate agents must adhere to privacy requirements around the use, disclosure and collection of information from renters in their applications.
Excessive rent increases
Consumer Affairs and VCAT will have more power to stop excessive rent increases
Mandatory Training for agents
Property managers and real estate agents will be required to undertake professional development to maintain their registration.
Minimum Standards
Rental Properties must meet the 14 minimum standards before being advertised for rent. Failure to do so will result in fines.
Mandatory annual smoke alarm testing
Must be installed in all properties and tested annually, with records maintained and available for inspection.
New Blind Cord Standards
From December 1, 2025 all residential rental properties in Victoria must have internal window coverings with secured cords.
🔹 What This Means for You
Integra Real Estate will be arranging minimum standard inspections for all properties prior to them being advertised for lease at the next renter changeover. This will be at a cost to the rental provider of $150 (inc GST). This will ensure that the property is compliant with all current legislation and reforms and will ensure that the property meets all minimum standards.
Further to these changes, there are further changes coming across 2026 and 2027 so please have a read over these items. The team at Integra Real Estate will be assisting you to plan ahead and implement these changes to your rental property.
Key upcoming energy efficiency and safety standards effective in 2027
From 1 March 2027
At the start of a new lease (or conversion):
- Where existing heating or hot-water systems reach end of life, they must be replaced with energy-efficient systems – e.g., heat pumps or reverse-cycle air-conditioners.
- Install ceiling insulation (in spaces where none exists) by an accredited installer.
- Showerheads: must install a 4-star water-efficiency rated showerhead/s.
- Cooling in the main living area: installation of an energy-efficient cooling appliance (in new lease or conversion) is required.
From 1 July 2027
At the start of a new lease (or conversion):
- Draught-proofing: external doors, windows and unsealed wall vents must be draught-proofed.
From 1 July 2030
All rental properties must have energy-efficient cooling in the main living area, regardless of lease start date.
You can find more information about these upcoming changes here.
🔹 How We Can Assist
Our property management team can assist you by:
Coordinating required safety checks and compliance reports
Recommending licensed trades for any upgrade works
Monitoring updates from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and advising you of any further obligations
We can organise all this as part of our service to you.
If you would like us to arrange inspections or have any questions about these new standards, please contact us.
Thank you for your prompt attention to these important regulatory changes and for your continued partnership in maintaining safe and compliant homes for tenants.