New Victorian Rental Laws 2025–2027: What Melbourne Renters and Landlords Need to Know

Victoria’s rental law reforms, which began taking effect from 25 November 2025, ban no-fault evictions, fully prohibit rental bidding, extend rent-increase notice periods, and require properties to meet minimum rental standards before they are advertised. Renters can no longer be asked to leave simply because a fixed-term lease has ended; rental providers must give a valid reason. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, with at least 90 days’ written notice required.

The End of No-Fault Evictions in Victoria

Under the reforms, a rental provider can no longer issue a notice to vacate solely because a fixed-term lease has expired. To end a tenancy, they must rely on a valid prescribed reason, such as sale of the property, major renovation, the owner moving in, or a renter breach. Consumer Affairs Victoria confirms that no-fault evictions are banned, including at the end of a fixed-term rental agreement.

VCAT can scrutinise the stated reason, and unsupported notices to vacate may be challenged through the formal eviction and possession order process.

Rent Increases: The 90-Day Notice Rule and the “Excessive Increase” Test

Rental providers must give at least 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect, and increases remain limited to once every 12 months. If a proposed increase appears disproportionate to comparable properties or market conditions, a renter can request a rent assessment through Consumer Affairs Victoria and may apply to VCAT if the issue is not resolved.

For example, if a Brunswick apartment moves from $480 to $580 per week in a single step, the renter could ask whether the increase is excessive compared with similar local rentals.

Rental Bidding Is Now Fully Banned

Rental bidding is now prohibited in Victoria. Rental providers and agents must not encourage or accept offers above the advertised rent, and rental ads must use a fixed price rather than a price range. Tenants Victoria summarises the change as a ban on both asking for and accepting rental bids.

Agents must also avoid suggesting that paying extra rent in advance will improve an applicant’s chances. Consumer Affairs Victoria is responsible for enforcement, and penalties can apply.

Minimum Standards Must Be Met Before Advertising

Rental properties must now meet Victoria’s minimum rental standards before they are advertised or offered for rent. These standards cover key safety and habitability areas, including locks, structural soundness, lighting, ventilation, bathrooms, kitchens, heating, window coverings, mould and electrical safety.

From 25 November 2025, rental providers must also ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed and checked annually, while from 1 December 2025, all internal window covering cords must be secured to prevent dangerous loops, as outlined in Consumer Affairs Victoria’s smoke alarm and fire safety guidance.

Accessibility and Disability-Related Modifications

Renters with disability may also need practical changes such as ramps, handrails, lever taps or accessible bathroom upgrades. Consumer Affairs Victoria notes that the NDIS may fund disability-related modifications, while providers such as Mobility Access Modifications specialise in safe, NDIS-compliant home modifications across Melbourne.

What This Means for Melbourne Landlords and Renters in Practice

For renters, the key protections are clear: your tenancy cannot be ended without a valid reason, you are entitled to 90 days’ notice of a rent increase, rental bidding is banned, and the property must meet minimum standards before it is advertised.

For landlords, every investment property should be audited before relisting. Rent-review schedules also need to comply with the 12-month frequency limit and 90-day notice period. Forge Real Estate’s guide to Victorian rental law changes explains how these reforms affect Melbourne rental compliance, property advertising and VCAT risk.

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