Major Reforms to Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act
Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act 1997 will undergo significant changes in November 2025, introducing reforms designed to improve fairness, safety, and accountability in the rental market.
The Allan Labor Government has passed legislation that:
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- Bans “no-fault” evictions
- Outlaws rental bidding
- Extends notice periods for rent increases and notices to vacate
- Enforces new minimum standards in residential rental properties
The changes will impact how rental properties are advertised, how rental agreements are managed, and the obligations on real estate professionals—ultimately aiming to make renting fairer and more secure for Victorians.
Key Changes Coming in November 2025
📅 Longer Notice Periods
The minimum notice period for rent increases and for issuing a Notice to Vacate will increase from 60 to 90 days, giving renters more time to plan or respond to changes.
🚫 Ban on “No-Cause” Evictions
Residential rental providers will no longer be allowed to end a tenancy without a valid reason. Approved grounds must be cited—such as the sale of property, the provider or a family member moving in, or a renter breach.
💰 Rental Bidding Banned
All rental bidding will be outlawed. Residential rental providers and agents cannot encourage or accept offers above the advertised rental price. All listings must use a fixed price—no price ranges or “offers above”.
📝 Standard Application Form & Privacy Protections
A new government-issued standard rental application form will be introduced. Privacy protections will also be strengthened—agencies and residential rental providers may only collect essential personal information, which must be used lawfully and then securely destroyed or de-identified if not required.
❌ No Rental Application or Payment Fees
It will be illegal to charge renters any fees to apply for a property or to process rent payments. This includes fees charged by rent tech platforms (e.g. surcharges for credit card payments).
🏠 Minimum Standards Before Advertising
Rental properties must meet all minimum standards before they are advertised—not just before a renter moves in. This ensures sub-standard properties are upgraded before they enter the market.
🔥 Mandatory Annual Smoke Alarm Checks
Smoke alarms must now be tested annually in every rental property, closing a gap that left over 240,000 homes without annual checks. These inspections will typically require a qualified technician.
📉 Stronger Oversight of Rent Increases
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and VCAT will have enhanced powers to review and restrain excessive rent increases. Renters can challenge rent hikes they believe are unreasonable, and the new criteria will help ensure fairness.
🤝 New Dispute Resolution Service – RDRV
The new Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) will be a free, early-intervention service to help resolve disputes between renters and residential rental providers—covering issues like repairs, bonds, and rent increases. Mediated agreements may become legally binding, easing the load on VCAT and providing faster outcomes.
🎓 Licensing & Training for Industry Professionals
The reforms also introduce new licensing and CPD (continued professional development) requirements for real estate agents, property managers, owners’ corporation managers, and conveyancers. The aim is to lift professional standards across the sector.