If you own investment property in Victoria, big changes are on the horizon. The state government has passed a major suite of reforms designed to give renters more security and fairness. As a landlord or commercial property owner, you’ll need to adapt your management practices to stay compliant — and to protect your investment.
At RENTED, property management is the only priority. We stay ahead of legislative shifts so you don’t have to.
Here’s what you need to know, and when these changes kick in.
When Do the New Laws Start?
- The core reforms under the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 are scheduled to commence 25 November 2025 (or earlier by proclamation).
- However, some new obligations already have legal effect as of March 2025.
- Additional regulation amendments related to minimum standards (especially energy and climate control) will come into effect 30 October 2025.
So, mark March 2025 and 25 November 2025 in your calendar — those are key dates.
Key Changes & Their Impact on Investors
1. Ban on “No-Fault” Evictions
From 25 November 2025, landlords can no longer issue a notice to vacate without providing a valid reason (at end of a fixed term or during periodic tenancy).
Impact: You must plan lease terminations or renewals well ahead, and ensure any eviction is backed by permitted grounds (non-payment, property sale, serious breach, etc.).
2. Longer Notice Periods (Rent Increase / Termination Notices)
Notice periods for rent increases and notices to vacate will be extended from 60 days to 90 days.
Impact: You’ll need to provide more lead time to tenants. Budget and cash flow projections must account for this extra cushion.
3. Ban on Rental Bidding & Strict Pricing Rules
Landlords and agents must not encourage or accept offers above the advertised rent. No price ranges or “offers above” tactics will be allowed.
Impact: Pricing must be transparent and defensible. You can’t rely on open bidding to push rent higher — use market data instead.
4. No Fees for Rental Applications or Payment Processing
Charging tenants application fees or rent-processing fees becomes illegal.
Impact: You must absorb those costs (if they exist now) or restructure how payment methods are offered.
5. Stronger Privacy / Application Data Protections
A standardised application form will be introduced. Landlords and agents can only collect essential personal data and must destroy or de-identify it after certain timeframes.
Impact: Review your application processes and data storage. Ensure compliance with privacy rules to avoid penalties.
6. Mandatory Smoke Alarm and Safety Checks
Smoke alarms must be tested at least every 12 months (regardless of lease start date).
In addition, a broader set of minimum rental standards will apply from 30 October 2025, including energy efficiency, insulation, draught sealing, efficient appliances, cooling, and water efficiency upgrades.
Impact: Inspect and upgrade your properties now to anticipate compliance. Older buildings may need significant retrofits.
7. Evidence Must Support Bond Claims / Repairs
Landlords must provide photos, receipts, or documentation when claiming from bonds. Failure to do so can incur penalties.
Impact: Keep rigorous records and photographic evidence for all maintenance and damage-related claims.
8. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)
A new dispute resolution body will be established to handle landlord–tenant conflicts before they hit VCAT.
Impact: Expect a shift in the path of dispute resolution. You may have to engage with alternative processes before formal tribunal action.
9. Higher Penalties & Agent/Owner Liability
Penalties for non-compliance (e.g. advertising substandard or non-compliant properties) will rise drastically.
Impact: Non-compliance is more costly than ever. Diligent property management is critical.
Special Note: Commercial Tenancies
These reforms largely target residential tenancies. Commercial leases are governed by separate legislation (such as the Retail Leases Act and contract law).
However, some indirect impacts may occur:
- Commercial landlords may face greater scrutiny on lease renewals or rent reviews, especially if they attempt to claim “market rents” against residential pressures.
- If a commercial tenant is using a mixed-use or part-residential model, residential protections might need reviewing.
- For landlords who manage both residential and commercial properties, processes (such as data management, property standards, inspections) should adapt holistically.
If you manage standalone commercial tenancies, always double-check your obligations under the relevant commercial lease laws in Victoria.
How Investors Should Prepare Now
- Audit your leases and notices. Ensure they align with upcoming rules, especially for notices, terminations, and data collection.
- Upgrade properties proactively. Focus on smoke alarms, insulation, energy efficiency, window coverings, cooling systems — especially if your building is older.
- Revise processes. Application forms, data collection, payment systems, advertising standards — all need review.
- Train your team (or property manager). Make sure everyone knows the new rules so mistakes aren’t made.
- Budget for transition costs. Some properties may require upgrades or retrofits, so plan accordingly.
- Engage a specialist manager. Because property management is our only priority, we’re already adjusting our internal systems so your property stays compliant and protected.
Conclusion
Victoria is entering one of its biggest rental law overhauls in decades. For landlords, that means change — but also opportunity. Investors who act early, align systems with the new rules, and partner with a specialist management team will be best placed to thrive.
At RENTED, we monitor every legislative update and adapt our practices so your property is always protected.
Want help auditing your leases, planning upgrades or navigating these changes? Reach out — we’ll help you futureproof your investment.
