Victoria’s new rental protection laws have passed Parliament, making renting fairer and strengthening tenants’ rights across the state. These reforms build on more than 130 changes introduced since 2021 to improve conditions for renters.
The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 introduces key measures to increase renter protections, including:
- Banning all types of rental bidding to ensure tenants pay a fair price.
- Extending the notice period for rent increases or notices to vacate from 60 to 90 days, giving renters more time to plan.
- Banning no-fault evictions, ensuring tenants cannot be forced out of their homes without reason.
- Introducing a standard rental application form, making it easier for both renters and real estate agents while strengthening privacy protections for applicant information.
- Prohibiting fees charged by rent tech platforms for rental applications or rent payments.
New regulations will also require real estate agents, property managers, owners corporations (OC) managers, and conveyancers to be registered and undertake ongoing professional development to maintain their accreditation.
Penalties for real estate agents and sellers who breach the law will increase, with fines of up to $47,422 for offences such as underquoting and making false or misleading representations during property sales.
Additional reforms will mandate annual smoke alarm safety checks in rental properties and strengthen Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT’s powers when reviewing rent increases. Minimum property standards will now apply at the time of advertising, not just when a tenant moves in.
These new laws will come into effect in November 2024, with further reforms set to be introduced later this year.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said, “Victoria has the strongest rental protections in the country, and this builds on our significant work to make renting fairer across the state.”
“We’re banning fees for rental applications and payments, extending notice periods for rent increases and evictions, and prohibiting rental bidding—because renters deserve to be treated with respect.”
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