What Victorian Rental Providers Should Be Watching in 2026

Each year brings new challenges for property investors, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. For rental providers in Victoria, emerging risks aren’t always dramatic or obvious. More often, they stem from small oversights, changing tenant behaviour, or compliance gaps that quietly escalate. 

The good news? 

Most risks are predictable and preventable with the right property management approach. 

Here’s what Victorian rental providers should be paying attention to this year.

1. Weather-Related Damage Is Becoming More Frequent

Victoria continues to experience more intense weather patterns of heavy rainfall, storms, and temperature swings that put pressure on rental properties. 

Common risk areas include: 

• Roof leaks and blocked gutters 

• Water ingress through ageing seals and flashing 

• Storm damage to fences, carports, and balconies 

Left unchecked, these issues can quickly turn into insurance claims, disputes, or extended vacancy. 

Proactive management matters 
Regular inspections, seasonal maintenance planning, and early reporting help prevent small weather-related issues from becoming major repairs.

2. Lithium-Ion Battery Risks Inside Rental Homes

The growing use of lithium-ion powered devices like e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and household electronics has introduced new safety considerations for rental properties. 

Risks often arise from: 

• Charging devices indoors overnight 

• Damaged or non-compliant chargers 

• Lack of clear guidance to tenants 

While rental providers don’t control how tenants use personal devices, clear communication and awareness play a role in risk reduction. 

A proactive property manager helps by: 

• Educating tenants on safe usage 

• Ensuring smoke alarms are compliant and functional 

• Identifying high-risk charging areas during inspections

3. Maintenance Delays That Escalate into Claims

One of the most consistent risk factors in rental properties isn’t neglect, it is delay. 

Small issues such as: 

• Minor leaks 

• Deteriorating seals 

• Electrical faults 

• Appliance failures 

Can escalate if not actioned promptly, leading to property damage, tenant frustration, or insurance complications. 

In Victoria, delayed maintenance can also become a compliance issue, particularly where safety or minimum standards are affected.

4. Documentation Gaps That Complicate Insurance Claims

In the event of damage, rent default, or disputes, insurers rely heavily on documentation. 

Claims are often affected by: 

• Missing condition reports 

• Incomplete inspection records 

• Delayed breach notices 

• Unclear maintenance histories 

Even when an issue is legitimate, poor record-keeping can slow or jeopardise a claim. 

Strong property management systems reduce this risk by ensuring inspections, notices, and repairs are documented consistently and correctly.

5. Tenant Turnover and Rent Default Risk

With cost-of-living pressures continuing into 2026, tenant stability remains a key focus for rental providers. Risk factors include: 

• Affordability mismatches 

• Poorly timed rent increases 

• Unresolved maintenance concerns 

• Lack of communication 

While no tenancy is risk-free, clear expectations, timely engagement, and market-aligned rent reviews significantly reduce turnover and default risk. 

Why Proactive Property Management Matters More Than Ever 

Many of the risks rental providers face in 2026 aren’t sudden; they’re cumulative. The difference between a minor issue and a major problem is often: 

• Early detection 

• Consistent inspections 

• Clear tenant communication 

• Strong compliance tracking 

This is where experienced, proactive property management plays a critical role. 

How LongView Helps Victorian Rental Providers Stay Ahead of Risk 

Risk management is built into our property management approach. We support rental providers by: 

• Conducting thorough routine inspections 

• Identifying maintenance and safety risks early 

• Ensuring gas, electrical, and smoke alarm compliance 

• Documenting all tenancy activity accurately 

• Managing maintenance proactively, not reactively 

• Supporting tenant communication to reduce disputes and turnover 

We focus on preventing problems, not just responding to them. Reach out if you’d like a property health check.