Rental Legislation Changes November 2025
If you are renting in Victoria, there are major changes coming. The Victorian government has recently passed major reforms that strengthen renter security, improve safety and make it harder for biased practices to creep through. The below is a breakdown of the changes.
The changes were made through the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025, which passed the Victorian Parliament in March 2025. These modifications aim to improve safety and protection of renters and rental providers, with the goal of “making renting fairer and more secure for Victorians”.
From November 25th, 2025:
Ban on no fault evictions
Rental providers cannot issue a renter with a notice to vacate without a valid reason, even at the end of a fixed-term agreement.
When a fixed-term agreement ends, it will automatically become a periodic (month-by-month) lease unless a rental provider and renter agree to enter into a new fixed-term agreement or the rental provider issues a notice to vacate for a valid reason.
Other existing reasons for a notice to vacate, such as the sale of the property, renovation, or a breach of the agreement like failure to pay rent, are still valid.
Extension of notice periods for rent increases and certain notices to vacate
Previously, the notice period for increases in rent or notices to vacate was 60 days written notice; however, this is increasing to a 90-day period. This gives renters more time to budget or move. Shorter notice periods still apply when a renter is at fault.
Ban on all types of rental bidding
Agents and rental providers are no longer allowed to accept prices above what has been advertised or to pay more than one month’s rent in advance. This will eliminate bidding wars that temporarily inflate rental prices.
Rental properties must meet minimum standards when advertised
Rental providers must ensure their property meets the minimum standards at the time the property is advertised not just before the renter moves in. It will be an offence for a rental provider or their agent to advertise a property that does not meet the minimum standards.
Mandatory annual smoke alarm checks for all rental properties
All rental providers and their agents must arrange annual smoke alarm safety checks for all rental agreements.
New rules to protect renters’ personal information
Rental providers and their agents must protect renters’ personal information from misuse. It will be an offence to disclose information without consent.
Following this, from the 1st of December 2025, the new rental minimal standard declares that all rental properties must have secured cords on internal window coverings to prevent them forming loops. In addition to this, all rooming house providers must install a fixed heater secured to a wall, floor or ceiling for each resident’s room.
This Information has been provided directly from the Consumer Affairs Website which you can read more here
The Victorian rental reforms represent one of the most significant changes in legislation in recent years. By strengthening fairness, safety and transparency, the changes aim to create a more stable rental market for both renter and rental providers.
Table of Contents
