Victoria rental law changes November and December 2025 – what landlords and renters need to know
Victoria’s rental laws are changing again, and this next round of reforms will reshape how renting works for both landlords and renters from late 2025 onward. The aim is to make renting fairer and safer, with more straightforward rules and stronger standards, but this does mean everyone involved needs to understand what is coming and adjust their operations.
Below is a practical overview in plain language, so whether you own an investment property or rent a home, you can see what it means for you.
Key dates at a glance
As published on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, from 25 November 2025 in Victoria, the following changes commence (CLICK HERE):
- Ban on no-fault evictions
- 90-day notice periods for rent increases and most notices to vacate
- Ban on all forms of rental bidding
- Rental properties must meet minimum standards at the time they are advertised or offered for rent
- Mandatory smoke alarm safety checks for all rental properties
- New rules to protect renters’ personal information
From 1 December 2025, a new minimum safety standard applies to blind and curtain cords in rental properties.
Further energy efficiency standards (heating, cooling, hot water, insulation and draughtproofing) start to phase in from 1 March 2027. Still, the safety and renting law reforms above are the immediate focus for landlords and renters.
End of no-fault evictions and automatic lease endings
Today, many fixed-term leases end at the expiry date, or a renter can be asked to vacate at the end of the term without a specific reason. From 25 November 2025, that changes.
- No-fault evictions will be banned
- When a fixed-term agreement ends, it will usually roll over to a periodic (month-to-month) agreement unless both parties agree to a new fixed term or there is a valid reason to end the tenancy
What this means for landlords
- You will need a recognised reason under the Residential Tenancies Act to issue a notice to vacate
- Planning becomes more important – for example, if you intend to move into the property, renovate or sell with vacant possession, you will need to check the correct grounds and notice periods
- Leasing strategies will need to assume longer, more stable tenancies rather than short churns between renters
What this means for renters
- More security of tenure and less uncertainty at the end of a fixed-term lease
- You can budget and plan around staying longer, provided you meet your obligations (such as paying rent and looking after the property)
- Longer notice periods – 90 days for rent increases and most notices to vacate
The minimum notice period for rent increases and most notices to vacate will extend from 60 to 90 days.
For landlords
- You will need to schedule rent reviews earlier and factor in the longer lead time
- Any investment cash flow modelling should allow for slower adjustment to market rent
- Good supporting evidence for rent increases will be necessary, as renters have more time to query and seek advice
For renters
- You gain extra time to decide whether you can manage the higher rent or need to consider other options
- Ninety days gives more breathing space to search for alternative housing if needed
Ban on rental bidding
Victoria already restricts some forms of rent bidding, but from 25 November 2025, the rules tighten further:
- Rent must be advertised at a fixed price
- Agents and rental providers cannot ask for or encourage offers above the advertised rent
- All forms of bidding, including “inviting best offers” or preference to those who offer more up front, will be banned
Implications for landlords
- You will need to set a realistic asking rent up front and rely on good market evidence
- You cannot legally accept a higher offer just because a prospective renter is prepared to pay more than the advertised price
Implications for renters
- Open homes should feel more transparent, without pressure to “outbid” other applicants
- You still need to put forward a strong application on other criteria, such as references and ability to pay, but the advertised rent should be the rent
Minimum standards and compliance at the time of advertising
A significant shift is that minimum rental standards and safety checks must be met before a property is advertised or offered for rent, rather than just before the renter moves in.
This includes:
- Meeting existing minimum standards for things like heating, locks, ventilation and electrical safety
- Ensuring gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks are up to date
- Completing any rectification work required to meet standards
If you are selling an investment property with a tenant in place, the property must meet minimum standards and be compliant before it can be marketed as a leased investment. If it is sold vacant to an owner-occupier, these rental standards will only apply if a renter remains until settlement.
For landlords
- Budgeting for compliance work will become non-negotiable
- There is likely to be more scrutiny from buyers, property managers and regulators around documentation and evidence of checks
For renters
- Properties you apply for should already meet basic safety and quality standards
- You should see fewer situations where promised repairs are still outstanding at move-in
Mandatory smoke alarm checks
Smoke alarm checks will be mandatory for all rental properties, with clear obligations on rental providers to ensure alarms are installed, working and checked regularly. This builds on existing safety requirements and explicitly incorporates them into the minimum standards framework.
For both landlords and renters, this is fundamentally about life safety rather than convenience.
Protecting renters’ personal information
New rules will limit how agents and rental providers can collect, store and share renters’ personal information. Rental application processes have been under increasing scrutiny due to the volume of data collected.
You can expect:
- A standardised government rental application form
- Tighter rules around what information can be requested and how long it can be kept
- Restrictions on disclosure without consent
For landlords, this shifts more risk onto the way applications are processed and stored, particularly if third-party “rent tech” providers are used. For renters, there should be more precise boundaries around privacy and data security.
Blind and curtain cord safety – from 1 December 2025
From 1 December 2025, all rental properties will need to have blind and curtain cords made safe using anchors or other approved safety devices. Cords must be secured at least 1.6 metres above floor level to prevent loops that could endanger children.
This applies to all rental properties, regardless of age.
- Free or low-cost safety kits are promoted through Consumer Affairs Victoria and other agencies
For landlords, this is a relatively low-cost but essential safety upgrade. For renters, especially those with children or visiting children, it is a significant safety improvement.
What should landlords and investors be doing now?
Even though some changes start in late 2025, smart planning now will make the transition smoother.
Consider:
- Reviewing your portfolio for compliance gaps in minimum standards, gas and electrical safety and smoke alarms
- Building a maintenance and upgrade plan that brings each property up to standard well before it is next advertised
- Adjusting your rent review timetable and cash flow assumptions for 90-day notice periods
- Talking with your property manager or adviser about how lease strategies and notice periods will work once no-fault evictions are removed
These reforms do not remove your right to manage your property or end a tenancy for a valid reason. They do, however, lift the bar on documentation, planning and property condition.
What should renters be doing?
Renters can prepare by:
- Understanding your rights around notice periods, rent increases and minimum standards
- Keeping good records of communication with your property manager or landlord
- Using official guides to check whether your current or future home meets the required standards
If something does not look right, the Consumer Affairs Victoria site has clear guidance on steps to take.
Where to find reliable official information
For detailed and updated information, go directly to the government and regulator pages:
Victorian Government – Strengthening rights for renters
https://www.vic.gov.au/strengthening-rights-renters
Consumer Affairs Victoria – New changes to the rental laws
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/new-changes-to-the-rental-laws
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Minimum energy efficiency and safety standards for rental properties and rooming houses
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Minimum standards for rental properties
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Renters’ guides and starting a rental agreement
https://cms9.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/new-changes-to-the-rental-laws
These reforms signal a continued shift towards a more regulated, quality-focused rental market in Victoria. For landlords, staying ahead of the curve on compliance and property condition will be key to protecting both their investment and their relationship with their renters. For renters, knowing your rights will help you make informed decisions and feel more secure in your home.
For further insights on property investment, avoiding common pitfalls and staying informed about market conditions. reach out to John Tsoulos or Frank Pennisi at IFP Advisory on (08) 8423 6176. Your investment success depends on making informed, strategic decisions.
IFP Advisory is an Accredited ASPIRE Property Advisor Network advisor and all professionals are Qualified Property Investment Advisors (QPIA). Property investing is about purchasing a property that aligns with your goals and investment strategy. You should never be sold an investment. Know your numbers! If you invest wisely and strategically, the Australian residential property market can be a rewarding venture.
