Coming into Effect – 25 November 2025

Minimum Standards Before Advertising

A property must meet minimum standards before it can be listed for rent. This ensures all rental homes are safe, habitable, and compliant from the moment they’re advertised.

Ban on Rental Bidding

Landlords and agents are prohibited from requesting or accepting offers higher than the advertised rental price. Ads must show a fixed rent amount — providing fairness and transparency for all applicants.

Limits on Rent Paid in Advance

Rental providers may not accept unsolicited rent payments beyond one month in advance under a standard rental agreement.

Ending “No Reason” Lease Terminations

Rental providers will no longer be able to end a tenancy at the end of a fixed term without a valid reason.

Permitted reasons include:

-The owner or their family moving into the property,

-Planned major renovations or demolition, or

-Selling the property with vacant possession.

Longer Notice Periods

The notice period for both rent increases and notices to vacate will increase from 60 to 90 days, allowing tenants more time to plan.

Challenging Rent Increases

Renters can apply to RDRV if they believe a rent increase is excessive or unreasonable. If no agreement is reached, the matter may be referred to VCAT for review.

Standardised Rental Application Forms

A new prescribed rental application form will be introduced to simplify the process and ensure consistency across agencies.

From 1 December 2025

Window Blind & Curtain Cord Safety

All corded blinds and curtains must be securely anchored or tensioned to eliminate loose loops and improve safety.

Energy Efficiency Standards (from 2027 onwards)

From 1 March 2027, Victoria will phase in enhanced minimum energy efficiency standards designed to improve comfort, reduce bills, and lower emissions.

Key changes include:

-Ceiling Insulation: Properties without ceiling insulation must have it installed to meet new efficiency standards.

-Cooling Requirements: An energy-efficient cooling system (minimum 3-star fixed unit or 2-star equivalent central system) must be available in the main living area.

Older systems must be upgraded once they reach the end of their life.

-Heating & Hot Water: Outdated systems must be replaced with energy-efficient electric alternatives.

-Showerheads: Must meet a minimum 4-star water efficiency rating.

From 1 July 2027, rental homes must also have draughtproofing measures — such as weather seals on doors, windows, and vents — to improve energy performance.

By 1 July 2030, all rental properties must comply with the updated cooling standards, unless exempt.

Preparing for the Changes

For Rental Providers / Investors:

-Review your property now to ensure it meets the required minimum standards before listing.

-Plan early for energy efficiency upgrades.

-Avoid accepting rent bids or advertising without a fixed price.

-Work with an experienced property management team to remain compliant.

How Austrump Hosting Can Help

At Austrump Hosting, we stay ahead of every regulatory change to ensure our clients are protected and well-informed.

If you’d like to discuss how these reforms may affect your property or tenancy, please contact your Austrump property manager for personalised advice.

We’re here to make compliance simple — and renting smoother for everyone.