The rental landscape in Victoria has just shifted significantly, and it's great news if you're renting! From November 25, 2025, a suite of new laws came into effect to make renting fairer, safer and more secure.
Whether you’re thinking of applying for a place, renewing a lease, or already settled in, here’s what you need to know.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Ban on “no-reason” evictions
- Landlords (or rental providers) can no longer kick you out at the end of a fixed-term lease just for convenience. Now, they must have a valid reason, like sale of the property, major renovations, or breach of lease (e.g. rent arrears).
- If you reach the end of your fixed lease and no new fixed lease is signed, your tenancy automatically becomes periodic (month-to-month), unless both parties agree otherwise.
More time when things change — 90 days' notice
- For rent increases or many kinds of notices to vacate, landlords now need to give 90 days’ notice.
- This gives renters more time to budget, plan, and adjust — much fairer than short-notice changes.
No more rental bidding or overpaying for rent
- It’s now illegal for agents/landlords to accept offers that are higher than the advertised rent.
- Also, you can’t be asked to pay more than one month’s rent in advance.
Properties must meet minimum standards before they go on the market
- From now on, a property must meet certain safety and habitability standards before it’s advertised.
- That means things like functioning smoke alarms and fixed safety measures must already be in place.
Enhanced safety and comfort features
- As of 1 December 2025, all rental properties must ensure internal window coverings (blinds/curtains) have secure cords
- For rooming houses: each room must now include a fixed heater (wall, floor or ceiling-mounted).
- Smoke alarms must be tested yearly in all rental properties (regardless of when the lease started).
Stronger privacy and application protections
- Agents and landlords must protect renters’ personal information. Sensitive data must be handled correctly and can’t be misused or disclosed improperly.
- From 31 March 2026, a new standard rental-application form will be introduced. This will streamline applications and standardise what info can be asked for, so you won’t be caught off-guard by unusual or excessive requests.
- Third-party fees (for things like rental applications or rent payments via third-party platforms) are banned.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU AS A RENTER?
- Greater security: You have more stability and won’t risk being evicted without cause at the end of a lease.
- Fairer treatment: You pay the advertised rent. You also get more time to adjust to rent increases or lease changes.
- Safer, better homes: From basic safety compliance to proper heating in rooming houses, rental homes now must meet clear safety and comfort standards before ever being advertised.
- Transparency & privacy: Applications are simpler, standardised, and your personal information is better protected.
WHY THESE CHANGES MATTER?
These new laws, passed under the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025 and accompanying regulations, reflect a major shift in rental policy in Victoria. The goal? To rebalance power between renters and rental providers, and make rental housing safer, fairer and more stable for everyday people.
For a renter, that means more peace of mind — and a home that meets minimum standards of safety and comfort from day one.
If you have any questions about how this legislation affects you, contact Heidi Sparks, Head of Property Management, VIC - BTR Group on heidi@btrgroup.au
