Victoria's Rental Law Reforms - Are You Compliant?

Victoria’s rental laws continue to evolve, and from 25 November 2025, a number of important updates take effect that every property investor should know. These changes introduce new minimum standards for rental properties, revise how and when rent increases can occur, and update notice period rules. 

Staying compliant isn’t just about following the law. It protects your rental income, safeguards your long-term investment, and ensures tenants live in safe, habitable homes. 

 Understanding and adapting to the 2025 reforms will help you meet these requirements and demonstrate that your responsibilities as a rental provider are fully upheld. 

1. Minimum Rental Standards – Advertising 

From 25 November 2025, all rental properties must meet Victoria’s minimum standards before being advertised online. Previously, checks were only required before a renter moved in, but this change ensures properties are compliant and safe from the moment they hit the market. 

The minimum standards cover essentials for a habitable property, including: 

• Locks and deadlocks on external doors that can be unlocked from the inside without a key 

• Privacy window coverings with compliant blind and curtain cord anchors 

• Safe heating in the main living area 

• Adequate ventilation via windows or extractor fans 

• Sufficient fixed lighting in all rooms 

• Modern and safe electrical systems, including circuit breakers 

• Structural soundness and weatherproofing free from leaks and damp 

• Functioning kitchen facilities, including a stove 

• Bathroom and toilet facilities with a 3-star water efficiency showerhead 

• Laundry taps providing both hot and cold water 

• A mould and damp-free environment 

• Smoke alarms installed to Victorian requirements and checked annually 

To help manage compliance, LongView will begin conducting pre-vacate inspections and checks prior to advertising. While this helps reduce risk, we are not building inspectors and cannot assess structural issues from a visual inspection alone.  

If there is any doubt about the property condition, we recommend engaging a qualified professional, and we can assist in arranging this. 

For full guidance, see Consumer Affairs Victoria: Rental properties – minimum standards. 

2. Minimum Rental Standards – Blind Cords 

From 1 December 2025, all Victorian rental properties must comply with updated safety requirements for window coverings, specifically regarding blind cords. This means that any blinds or curtains with cords must have secure anchors or safety devices installed to prevent loops or hazards that could pose a risk to children. 

At Longview, we began preparing for this change early and have been proactively checking properties during routine inspections.  

If your property does not yet meet this standard, or if you are unsure, please reach out to your property manager. We can arrange for a trade to attend and install the necessary safety devices.  

Alternatively, if your investment is under the Safer Home Plan with Detector Inspector, we can include unlimited blind cord installation and checks alongside the smoke alarm inspection for just $27.50 including GST per year.

3. Rent Increases - Updated Rules for 2025 

From 25 November 2025, landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice for any rent increase, up from the previous 60 days. The notice must be in writing and clearly state the new rent amount, the date it takes effect, and the method of calculation. 

Please note, rent increases can be challenged by renters if they are considered excessive. 

 At LongView, we have changed our process to begin reviewing the rent on your investment earlier to prepare for this change. 

For more information, see:Rent increases - Consumer Affairs Victoria

4. Evictions and Notice Periods

From November 2025, the following changes apply: 

Fixed-term evictions are banned - Rental providers cannot end a fixed-term agreement simply because the term has ended, and the lease will automatically continue periodically after expiry until the renter provides notice to vacate. 

Extended notice periods - For most forms of “end of lease due to owner reason,” notice periods extend from 60 days to 90 days. 

These include: 

• Owner or dependant moving in 

• Property sale 

• Major renovations/demolition 

• Change of use 

Note, if a notice to vacate is served by the rental provider the renter has a right to return notice in writing and vacate in 14 days. 

For more information on notices and the proof required see, Notice to vacate in rental properties - Consumer Affairs Victoria. 

5. Penalties and Enforcement

Non-compliance carries serious consequences. The Government has expanded audit and enforcement powers.  

Breaches can result in: 

• Fines for renting a property that does not meet minimum standards can incur penalties over $11,000 for individuals and more than $59,000 for companies 

• Compensation orders, inability to rent the property, and potential insurance complications 

Proper documentation, maintenance, and safety compliance are essential to reduce risks and protect your investment. 

How LongView Helps Landlords Stay Fully Compliant 

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it protects rental income and reducing risk. LongView provides comprehensive compliance oversight across every stage of the tenancy. 

We assist rental providers by: 

• Managing all mandatory safety checks, including gas and electrical testing every two years and annual smoke alarm servicing, and ensuring all records are kept up to date.
• Assessing properties against the 15 Minimum Standardsas part of routine management. These checks are visual only and do not constitute a structural or building assessment. Where there is any uncertainty, we can arrange qualified professionals to physically inspect the property and provide confirmation that all standards are met, including structural integrity. 
• Overseeing pool safety compliance, includingregistration and ensuring valid certificates are maintained where applicable. 
• Coordinating licensedtrades and qualified professionals who understand Victorian rental legislation and can complete required works correctly and safely. 
• Maintainingcomplete compliance documentation, including safety certificates, inspection reports, invoices, and records for insurance, audit, and legal purposes. 
• Monitoringlegislative changes to ensure your property remains compliant as the laws evolve. 

This level of oversight supports both renters and rental providers, reduces the risk of breaches or claims, and helps keep rental income steady and secure. 

Legislation will continue to evolve, and staying prepared is the most effective way to protect your rental income and minimise risk. LongView’s experienced Property Management team is here to support you through every requirement, from safety checks and minimum standards to notices, documentation, and ongoing legislative changes. 

If you’d like assistance reviewing your property or understanding how the 2025 reforms apply to your investment, our team is only a call or email away. We’re here to ensure your property remains compliant, protected, and performing at its best.