LIVING Stonnington
21 NOVEMBER - 27 NOVEMBER 2025
What the New Victorian Rental Laws Mean for You
Victoria is introducing major changes to rental laws from 25 November 2025 (or earlier if proclaimed).
These reforms are designed to create a fairer, safer and more stable rental market — for both renters and rental providers (landlords).
At Woodards, we want to make sure our clients and communities understand what’s changing and how to prepare.
What’s Changing
• No-fault evictions banned
Rental Providers will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a valid reason once the first fixed-term lease expires. Acceptable reasons include moving in, selling the property with vacant possession or major renovations — and evidence will be required. In short, Rental Providers will not be able to end a tenancy simply because a fixed term has expired.
• Rental bidding banned
Agents and Rental Providers cannot advertise rent ranges or accept offers above the listed price. Rent must be fixed and transparent. This represents quite a change as renters regularly make offers above asking price in tight markets, which can no longer be accepted under this reform.
• 90-day notice periods
Notice for rent increases or to vacate will increase from 60 to 90 days, giving renters more time to plan.
• Minimum property standards before advertising Properties must meet all 15 minimum standards before they’re listed for rent, not after Renters move in. This will mean that Rental Providers risk fines of up to $12,000 for simply advertising a property that fails to meet the requirements.
• Annual smoke alarm checks
A professional smoke alarm safety check must be completed every 12 months, even for properties that were leased before 2021.
• Standardised rental application form & privacy rules
A new statewide application form will be introduced, with stronger protections around how renter information is collected, used and stored. This has yet to be released.
• Stricter rent increase scrutiny
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and VCAT will have more power to review and prevent excessive rent increases.
• Higher penalties
Penalties for breaches — such as underquoting, rental bidding or advertising non-compliant properties — will increase to up to approximately $47,000 per offence.
What Will Also Come Later
• Energy efficiency upgrades, phased in 2025–2027
More changes to come, including energyefficient heating, cooling and hot water system standards, draft proofing and insulation to name a few. These will roll out through 2026/27.
Why These Changes Matter
For Renters:
• More stability, no more “end of lease without reason”
• More time to budget and plan (90-day notices)
• Safer, better-quality homes from day one
• Clearer and fairer application processes
For Rental Providers:
• Greater responsibility to ensure compliance
• No offers above advertising price suggests Rental Providers should higher target prices early in campaigns to avoid missing out on maximum returns
• Need to plan earlier for rent reviews and lease renewals
• Advertising a non-compliant property may result in fines for both the Rental Providers and the managing agent.
What Rental Providers Should Do Now
Review your property, does it already meet minimum standards?
Plan lease renewals and rent reviews at least 120 days before the lease ends.
Budget for smoke alarm checks and maintenance.
Talk to your property manager about insulation, heating and energy upgrades.
Keep records, transparency and documentation will matter more than ever.
What Renters Should Know
You cannot be asked to offer more than the listed rent.
You must receive at least 90 days’ notice for rent increases or if asked to vacate (unless there is serious misconduct).
You have the right to a safe, functional home that meets minimum standards before you move in.
If you have a dispute, RDRV and then VCAT will be available to help in most cases.
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Woodards South Yarra
Yarra
Our Expert Team
Woodards South Yarra
Anthony Benic
Property Consultant 0466 474 536 abenic@woodards.com.au
Bill Cook Sales Manager 0411 089 890 bcook@woodards.com.au
Nadia Caputo
Sales & Marketing Coordinator 03 9866 4411 ncaputo@woodards.com.au
Cate Vesely
Property Consultant 0401 018 807 cvesely@woodards.com.au
Nathan Danatzis
Property Consultant 0416 493 222 ndanatzis@woodards.com.au
Edward Carlile Sales Director 0438 800 606 ecarlile@woodards.com.au
Philippe Batters
Sales Manager 0418 992 103 pbatters@woodards.com.au
Luke Piccolo
Director 0412 951 273 lukepiccolo@woodards.com.au
Renee Fisher
Property Consultant 0406 544 155 rfisher@woodards.com.au
If you’re looking for a leasing team to manage your property, please reach out to one of our friendly staff
New Business
Manager 0468 967 566
Department Manager 03 9866 4411
Senior Leasing Consultant 0448 448 982
Joshua Ling
Jasmine Hezavei
Yiotis Christodoulou