Victoria’s rental market is changing. New laws taking effect in 2025 reshape how rental properties are managed and rented, creating stronger rights for renters and clearer obligations for rental providers. Victoria’s rules are distinct and more stringent than Queensland’s, so practical guidance is essential for rental providers and tenants to confidently navigate the new landscape.
Victoria’s 2025 Rental Reforms That Matter Most
These rental reforms introduce key protections for renters while guiding rental providers toward fairer, safer, and more transparent property management. Here are the biggest changes you need to know about Victoria’s new rental laws:
Ban on No Fault Evictions
From 25 November 2025, 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 lease ends, it will automatically convert to a periodic (month-by-month) lease unless both the rental provider and renter agree to a new fixed-term agreement or a valid notice to vacate is issued.
Valid reasons for a notice to vacate include:
- Sale of the property
- Major renovations
- Breach of agreement, such as failure to pay rent
This change strengthens renter security while giving rental providers a clear framework to follow.
Extension of Notice Periods for Rent Increases and Certain Notices to Vacate.
Rental providers must provide renters with 90 days’ notice of a rent increase or certain notices to vacate, giving renters more time to budget or move. Shorter notice periods still apply when renters are at fault.
Ban on All Types of Rental Bidding
Agents and rental providers are banned from accepting offers where renters propose paying rent higher than the advertised amount or paying more than one month’s rent in advance. This builds on existing laws that limit upfront rent to one month and prohibit soliciting or encouraging higher rental offers, ensuring fair and equal access to rental properties.
Rental Properties Must Meet Minimum Standards When Advertised
Rental providers must ensure their property meets the minimum standards at the time of advertising, not just before a renter moves in. Advertising properties that do not meet these standards is an offence.
From 1 December 2025, rental providers must also ensure all internal window coverings have secured cords as a new minimum safety standard.
Mandatory Annual Smoke Alarm Checks for All Rental Properties
Rental providers and their agents must arrange annual smoke alarm safety checks for all rental agreements, regardless of when they commenced. This ensures ongoing safety compliance and protects renters.
New Rules to Protect Renters’ Personal Information
Rental providers and agents must protect renters’ personal information from misuse. They must follow strict rules on the destruction and de-identification of information collected during rental applications. Disclosing personal information without consent is an offence.
What Rental Providers Should Do Now
- Ensure your properties meet all minimum standards before advertising
- Schedule annual smoke alarm inspections
- Follow the 90-day notice rule for rent increases and notices to vacate
- Stop rental bidding and avoid over-asking rent
- Protect renter information securely and comply with new privacy rules
- Use approved application forms once available
What Renters Should Expect
- Stronger lease security and clearer rights
- More time to plan ahead for rent or move changes
- Transparent and fair application processes
- Safer homes that meet safety standards
- Better control over personal information
Why These Rental Reforms Matter
These laws simplify expectations, strengthen fairness, and improve safety across Victoria’s rental market. Rental providers gain a clear and consistent framework, while renters receive stronger protections. Working with experts helps both parties stay compliant and confident.
How Housemark Victoria Supports Rental Providers Through These Changes
Navigating Victoria’s new rental laws can feel complex, but rental providers don’t have to go it alone. Housemark Victoria offers expert guidance and practical support to help you meet compliance requirements, manage properties efficiently, and protect your investment.
With deep local knowledge and a focus solely on property management, Housemark ensures rental providers stay ahead of these reforms while maximising returns and maintaining strong tenant relationships.
Victoria rental providers can access our expertise early with a free rental assessment and enter the new rental era confident and prepared.
Conclusion
Victoria’s rental reforms mark a new chapter for rental providers and tenants. Ending no fault evictions and extending notice periods means more security and fairness for renters. Banning rental bidding and setting clear standards for properties create a level playing field and safer homes. Protecting personal information builds trust in the rental process.
For rental providers, meeting these new rules is key to staying compliant and successful. Housemark Victoria is here to help every step of the way with practical advice, expert support, and proven property management solutions. Together, we can navigate these changes confidently and build a rental market that works for everyone.
What These Rental Law Changes Mean for Sales Agents
If you’re a sales agent, understanding the latest rental laws and what they mean for your clients who own or invest in rental properties is key. Important updates like the ban on no fault evictions, longer notice periods and tougher property standards affect leasing, tenant rights and rental provider responsibilities. Knowing these changes helps you provide real value by guiding clients confidently, helping them make smart decisions, manage risks and stay compliant.
Partnering with Housemark Victoria gives you trusted local advice and practical tools to support your clients through these changes and protect their investments.
FAQs
1. What changes do Victoria’s new rental laws bring?
They ban no fault evictions, extend notice periods, outlaw rental bidding, set minimum property standards, and strengthen privacy rules.
2. When do these new laws start?
Most rules take effect 25 November 2025. Additional standards, like secured blind cords, start 1 December 2025. More reforms are coming soon.
3. How do these laws affect rental providers?
Providers must meet minimum standards before advertising, follow 90-day notice requirements, conduct annual smoke alarm checks, and safeguard tenant data.
4. How does Housemark Victoria help rental providers manage Victoria’s stricter legislation?
Victoria’s rental laws set higher standards for property condition, tenant privacy, and rental processes. Housemark Victoria’s expert team guides rental providers through these detailed requirements, ensuring compliance, simplifying management, and protecting investments with confidence and local knowledge.
