In short:
Victorian rental laws are set for another shake-up, with changes to property safety checks, bond claims and rental applications coming into effect next month.
Know Your Rights And Obligations
Victorian renters and landlords will face a new set of rules next month, with changes covering safety checks, bond claims and rental applications.
From 13 October, gas and electrical safety checks will be required every two years for all rental properties, regardless of when the rental agreement began.
Previously, some older rental agreements were not covered by the same requirements. Landlords or their agents will be responsible for arranging the checks with qualified tradespeople.
There will also be tighter rules around bond claims.
If a landlord intends to claim some or all of a renter’s bond at the end of a tenancy, they will have to notify the renter beforehand and provide evidence supporting the claim.
Landlords will also need to keep records showing that a property met Victoria’s minimum rental standards when it was advertised or offered for rent.
Another change will make it an offence for landlords or real estate agents to charge prospective tenants a fee simply to apply for a rental property.
New requirements will also apply when draughtproofing a rental property. A licensed or registered gasfitter will need to check for gas ventilation safety issues within six months before the work is undertaken.
The changes form part of a broader overhaul of Victoria’s rental laws, with further minimum energy efficiency standards set to begin being phased in from March 2027.
