The Allan Labor Government’s landmark rental protection laws have taken effect – making renting safer and fairer for the hundreds of thousands of Victorians.
The new laws which came into effect today increase renter protections and cement Victoria as the best state in the nation for renters’ rights.
From today, the following key reforms are in effect:
- Rental bidding is banned, making it illegal for agents to accept higher amounts than what is advertised
- All rental properties must now meet the minimum standards before they are advertised or when an offer to let is made
- Smoke alarms must be correctly installed and must be tested every 12 months in all rental properties
- No-fault evictions are banned – meaning no Victorian renter can be kicked out of their home for no reason
- Notice periods for rental increases and certain notices to vacate have increased from 60 days to 90 days – giving people more time to find a new home if they receive a notice to vacate.
- Real estate agents will need to ensure they protect information renters provide in their applications, adhering to requirements around the use, destruction, de-identification and disclosure of information.
Victoria is leading the nation on renters’ rights, and there are further reforms on the way.
Next year, a new standard rental application form to be used by rental providers, will make it quicker and easier for renters to apply for a property.
Businesses will also be banned from charging renters’ fees for rental applications and rent payments and the new Portable Bonds Rental Scheme will go live next year – getting rid of the unnecessary cost of a double bond.
The Labor Government is delivering 150 rental reforms – making Victoria the best state in the nation to rent.