Victoria’s rental laws continue to evolve, with several important changes taking effect on 13 October 2026. For landlords, these updates reinforce the importance of property compliance, accurate record-keeping and proactive property management.
Whether you own an established investment property or have recently added a property to your portfolio, understanding your obligations is essential. Here is what the latest changes mean and what you should review to keep your property compliant.
1. Evidence of Rental Minimum Standards Is Now Essential
Landlords must ensure their rental properties meet Victoria’s minimum rental standards before advertising or offering them for rent, as well as when a renter moves in.
From 13 October 2026, landlords and their managing agents must also retain records demonstrating compliance. These records must be provided to Consumer Affairs Victoria if requested.
This makes documentation a critical part of the rental process. Simply believing that a property meets the required standards is not enough if you cannot support that position with appropriate records.
What landlords should do:
- Arrange a review of the property’s minimum standards before advertising.
- Keep relevant inspection reports, compliance records and supporting documentation.
- Address any identified issues before the property is advertised.
- Ensure records are organised and accessible when needed.
Maintaining clear records helps demonstrate compliance and reduces the risk of issues arising during a regulatory review.
2. Gas and Electrical Safety Checks Now Apply to All Rental Properties
Previously, the mandatory two-yearly gas and electrical safety check requirements applied to rental agreements entered into from 29 March 2021.
From 13 October 2026, these requirements extend to all rental properties, including those operating under older rental agreements.
Landlords must arrange electrical safety checks every two years. Gas safety checks are also required every two years where the property has gas appliances, fixtures or fittings. Checks must be carried out by appropriately qualified tradespeople.
For properties with long-standing renters, this is particularly important. Some properties may not have previously fallen within the mandatory checking requirements because of the age of the rental agreement.
What landlords should do:
- Review the date of the most recent electrical safety check.
- Confirm whether the property has gas appliances and whether a gas safety check is required.
- Arrange any outstanding checks as soon as possible.
- Retain copies of completed reports and track future due dates.
Keeping safety checks up to date helps protect renters and supports the ongoing management of your investment property.
3. A Gas Safety Check Is Required Before Draughtproofing
Another important change concerns draughtproofing work at properties with gas appliances, fixtures or fittings.
Before draughtproofing begins, a licensed or registered gasfitter must carry out a gas safety check within the preceding six months. The check must assess the ventilation requirements of the gas appliances.
This requirement is separate from the usual two-yearly gas safety check. A current routine safety report does not automatically satisfy the additional requirement.
The rule is particularly relevant as Victoria prepares to introduce new minimum energy efficiency standards from 2027.
What landlords should do:
- Before arranging draughtproofing, confirm whether the property has gas appliances.
- Arrange the required gas safety check within the specified six-month period.
- Obtain advice from a qualified tradesperson about any ventilation or appliance concerns before work proceeds.
Planning ahead can help landlords coordinate maintenance efficiently while meeting their safety obligations.
4. Rental Application and Rent Payment Fees Are Prohibited
From 13 October 2026, landlords and real estate agents cannot charge renters fees for rental applications or rent payments.
This extends the earlier restrictions that applied to third-party businesses providing rental application and payment services.
Landlords should review any arrangements involving application processing, rent collection or related administration to ensure that prohibited fees are not being charged to renters.
If you are unsure whether a particular charge is permitted, seek clarification before applying it.
5. Bond Claims Require Greater Preparation and Evidence
The October changes also strengthen the requirements surrounding bond claims at the end of a rental agreement.
Landlords must notify renters in advance if they intend to make a claim against the bond and provide supporting evidence for that claim.
This reinforces the importance of keeping accurate property condition records throughout a tenancy, rather than waiting until the renter moves out.
What landlords should do:
- Maintain a detailed condition report and supporting photographs.
- Keep records of relevant damage, inspections, maintenance and communications.
- Document any issues identified during the tenancy.
- Ensure any proposed bond claim is supported by appropriate evidence and follows the required process.
Good documentation helps establish a clear record of the property’s condition and supports a more transparent end-of-tenancy process.
How These Changes Affect Your Investment Property
These updates highlight a broader shift towards stronger compliance, clearer documentation and greater accountability in Victoria’s rental market.
For landlords, the practical response is to review existing processes rather than wait until a safety check becomes overdue or a compliance issue is identified.
A well-managed property should have current safety reports, documented minimum standards compliance, organised records and a clear plan for upcoming maintenance.
Working with a proactive property management team can help you keep track of these obligations, coordinate qualified tradespeople and address issues before they become more difficult to manage.
How RENTED Can Help
At RENTED Property Management, property management is our only priority. We understand that managing an investment property involves more than collecting rent. It also means keeping up with regulatory changes, coordinating maintenance and helping landlords understand their responsibilities.
Our team takes a proactive approach to property management, helping landlords navigate their obligations and manage their investments with greater confidence.
If you own an investment property in Melbourne and would like to review your current property management arrangements, we are here to help.
Contact RENTED Property Management to discuss how we can help manage your investment property.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Victorian rental law changes as at October 2026. It is not legal advice. Landlords should refer to Consumer Affairs Victoria for current requirements or obtain independent legal advice where necessary.
