In short:
New rental rules begin 31 March 2026 across Victoria, standardising applications and banning rental platform fees. The changes affect renters and landlords in Wyndham but do not address rising rents driven by housing shortages.
Stronger Protections For Prospective Renters
Victorian rental rules change from 31 March 2026, introducing new requirements for how people apply for homes, what information can be collected, and how rent increases are assessed.
From that date, landlords and real estate agents must use a standard application form for every rental property, meaning applicants can only be asked to provide the specific information listed on that form.
The change is designed to limit the amount of personal data renters are asked to hand over when competing for properties, particularly in tight markets like those seen across Wyndham.
Another key change is a ban on fees charged by rental apps and online platforms, meaning renters will no longer be required to pay just to submit an application.
This targets third-party services that have been charging prospective tenants during the application process.
The rules around rent increases have also been broadened, with authorities now able to consider a wider range of factors when determining whether a proposed increase is excessive.
Rules May Ease Cost Burdens
While this gives regulators more scope to intervene, there is still no fixed cap on rent increases, meaning prices can continue to rise depending on market conditions.
These reforms build on changes introduced in 2025, which required rental properties to meet minimum standards, banned rental bidding, removed no-fault evictions, and increased notice periods for rent rises and notices to vacate.
For renters, the changes are expected to make the application process more consistent and reduce upfront costs, while also offering some additional protection against sharp rent increases.
However, they do not address the underlying shortage of rental housing, which continues to drive competition and push prices higher across growing areas.
For landlords and agents, the reforms introduce stricter compliance requirements and reduce flexibility in how applicants are assessed, while also increasing the risk of scrutiny when raising rents.
Enforcement will rely on regulators monitoring the market and acting on complaints, with a state taskforce continuing to oversee compliance with the updated rental laws.
Businesses that breach the rules face fines of more than $12,000, while individuals can be fined up to $2,400.
In practical terms, renters are likely to notice a more standardised application process and fewer upfront fees, but the broader issue of affordability is expected to remain tied to supply and demand across the rental market.
