The Victorian Government is stepping up for renters with a new suite of reforms aimed at curbing excessive rent increases and ensuring rental properties meet basic living standards. Premier Jacinta Allan and Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams have unveiled the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill, promising stronger protections for tenants and tougher regulations for landlords and agents.
Under the current system, tenants facing rent hikes have limited recourse, with factors like the size of the increase or unresolved property issues excluded from rent review processes. That means whether a landlord raises the rent by 10% or 200%, there’s no way for renters to argue the case based on the sheer scale of the increase. Similarly, unresolved maintenance issues, such as persistent mould, often fail to sway outcomes.
The proposed legislation will change this by allowing the size of a rent increase and the state of the property to be considered in rent reviews. Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will gain expanded authority to address such cases. These measures are designed to tackle what Premier Allan described as a deeply unfair system where renters can be penalised simply for asking for basic repairs.
Another key reform will shift the timeline for meeting minimum property standards. Currently, these standards—such as functional kitchens, lockable doors, and freedom from damp or mould—only need to be met when tenants take possession of a property. But many renters have found themselves battling landlords or heading to VCAT over issues that should have been resolved before they moved in. The new rules will require properties to meet these standards before they are even listed for rent, with hefty penalties for non-compliance.
The Bill also introduces sweeping reforms to rental applications and tenancy agreements. Personal information will be better protected, while processes for applying for properties will become more straightforward. Landlords will no longer be able to issue no-cause evictions, and rental bidding will be banned outright. Smoke alarm safety checks will become mandatory, and disputes between tenants and landlords will be handled by a new body, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria.
Real estate agents and property managers will also face new training, licensing, and registration requirements, as well as tougher penalties for those who breach the law. Minister Williams emphasised that these changes aim to make the rental market fairer while holding agents and landlords to higher professional standards.
The reforms come on the back of a series of housing announcements made in October 2024 and build on over 130 changes to renters’ rights already implemented in Victoria. Additional measures, including caps on lease break fees and stricter rules on bond claims, are set to be introduced next year.
“We’re not just building more homes for renters; we’re building a fairer system,” said Premier Allan. “It’s about respect—ensuring that renters aren’t hit with outrageous rent hikes or left fighting for basic living conditions.”
Minister Williams added, “This is a step forward for both renters and the property industry, providing clarity, fairness, and accountability across the board.”
As these reforms move through Parliament, renters across Victoria may finally feel the shift toward a more balanced and just system, with fewer headaches and more safeguards in place.
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