New rental protection laws targeted at making renting safer and fairer for the hundreds of thousands of Victorians, came into effect on 25 November.
The new laws include reforms such as bans on rental bidding and no-fault evictions, increasing the notice period for rent increases from 60 to 90 days, setting minimum standards for rental properties before they can be advertised and ensuring smoke alarms are installed and checked every 12 months.
Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the 150 reforms contained in the new laws put Victoria at the forefront of renters rights nationwide.
“More Victorians are renting than ever before and these changes will give renters greater security and stability,” Mr Staikos said.
“We know there’s more to do and we have even more reforms next year including portable bonds which will mean renters won’t be stuck paying two bonds at once.”
Other reforms to begin next year include standard rental application forms to be used by rental providers, making 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.
