Victoria’s New Rental Laws: What Real Estate Agents Need to Know

The Allan Labor Government has passed significant new rental protection laws that will reshape the way real estate agents, property managers, and rental providers operate in Victoria. These reforms, part of the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024, aim to enhance renter protections, tighten compliance requirements, and introduce tougher penalties for breaches.

With the changes set to take effect in November 2025, now is the time for agents and agencies to ensure they are fully prepared.

Key Changes in the New Legislation

1. Ban on Rental Bidding

Agents and rental providers will no longer be allowed to solicit or accept rental bids above the advertised price. This change ensures that renters can secure rental properties at a fair market rate without being pressured into offering more than they can afford.

2. Extended Notice Periods

The required notice period for rental increases and notices to vacate has been extended from 60 days to 90 days, giving renters more time to make alternative arrangements and reducing abrupt disruptions to their living situation.

3. No-Ground Evictions Banned

Rental providers will now need a valid reason to terminate a lease agreement. This reform strengthens security for renters, preventing evictions without cause and ensuring more excellent housing stability.

4. Standard Rental Application Form & Privacy Protections

A new standardised rental application form will be introduced, making the leasing process more transparent for both renters and real estate agents. Additionally, agents must ensure they protect renter data and comply with privacy laws when handling, storing, or sharing application information.

5. Ban on Rent-Tech Fees for Renters

Renters can no longer be charged fees for submitting rental applications or paying rent through third-party rent-tech platforms. This eliminates unnecessary financial burdens for renters.

6. Mandatory Agent Registration & Ongoing Training

Real estate agents, property managers, owners corporation (OC) managers, and conveyancers will now be required to register and complete ongoing professional development to maintain their accreditation. This ensures industry professionals remain knowledgeable and compliant with evolving regulations.

7. Tougher Penalties for Compliance Breaches

Fines for non-compliance have increased significantly, with penalties of up to $47,422 now applying for offences such as:

• • Underquoting (advertising a price below the auction reserve or asking price)
  • False or misleading advertising
  • Other breaches of real estate consumer protections

8. Stricter Property Standards & Safety Compliance

• • Properties must now meet minimum rental standards before they are advertised, not just before renters move in.
  • Annual smoke alarm checks will become mandatory for all rental properties to improve safety.
  • Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and VCAT will have enhanced authority to review rental increases and enforce compliance.

What This Means for Real Estate Agents

These reforms represent a major shift in how rental properties are managed and marketed in Victoria. Agencies must act now to:

• • Review internal policies to align with the new laws
  • Educate rental providers on their new obligations
  • Ensure advertising and rental agreements comply with the updated regulations
  • Implement privacy safeguards for handling renter application data
  • Undertake required registration and training to maintain compliance

With these changes coming into effect in November 2025, staying ahead of compliance is essential to avoid penalties and maintain best practices.

For more information on how your agency can prepare for these reforms, feel free to contact us.