You may have noticed in the media new regulations for rental properties in Victoria.
The changes, stemming from the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 and other regulatory reforms, aim to strengthen renter protections, improve rental property standards, and bring greater transparency to the rental market.
Our team is here to guide you through the changes and updates. Here is a summary for Kardinia Property (KP) Landlords.
Fixed price advertising & banning rental bidding
Rental properties must now be advertised with a single fixed price. The practice of “rental bidding” – asking renters to offer more than the advertised price – is being explicitly banned.
What this means for KP Landlords: Rental providers and agents must avoid using vague price ranges or encouraging offers above the stated rent. At KP we will continue to use single price advertising.
Longer notice periods for increases and vacating
The notice period that a rental provider must give a tenant for a rent increase or a notice to vacate is being extended from 60 days to 90 days.
What this means for KP Landlords: The KP team will need increase the timeframe in which we contact you about reviewing and or renewing your rental property to allow for the longer notice timeframes.
Ban on “no-fault” evictions
From the commencement date, rental providers can no longer end a tenancy without giving a valid reason (i.e., “no reason” notices to vacate are banned).
What this means for KP Landlords: Landlords will need to justify termination rather than rely on a fixed‐term ending as the sole reason. Reasons to vacate include selling the property or the owner moving in.
Mandatory minimum standards at the point of advertising
Rental properties must meet certain minimum safety, health and liveability standards before being advertised—not just when a tenant is already in situ. For example, minimum standards around things like heating, smoke alarms, insulation, ceiling height etc.
What this means for KP landlords: We will be recommending Minimum Standards checks via RICS safety audits even if your property is not being advertised in the coming months. More information HERE
Standardised application process & protected personal information
A standard application form will be introduced for rental properties, and there are strengthened rules about how personal information from renters can be collected, used and disclosed.
What this means for KP landlords: We will implement these changes on your behalf
Energy efficiency & safety standards (phased in later)
While many changes take effect from November 2025 (see “when”), some of the new minimum energy-efficiency standards for rental properties and rooming houses are being phased in, with full effect from 1 March 2027.
What this mean for KP Landlords s: Landlords need to be aware of forward-looking obligations (e.g., insulation, heating, cooling, draught-proofing) and tenants can expect improved comfort and lower running costs. More information can be found HERE
When Do These Changes Take Effect?
The legislation was passed in early 2025 and is scheduled to commence from November 2025, or by proclamation earlier in some cases.
Some standards (especially energy efficiency) are being phased in over a longer timeframe (to March 2027) giving rental providers time to comply.
For more information feel free to contact the Kardinia Property team or refer to the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
If you would like to talk to our team about your property, even if your rental property is not with Kardinia Property, we are here to help.
Call our Geelong office on 52928084.