There are new rent rules for Victorian tenants and landlords.

Whether you’re a renter or rental provider (the "official" new name for a landlord), there are a new set rental rules that you should understand.

In fact there are over 130 changes to the legislation - too many to outline here, but I'll try and provide a summary for you.

The new rental laws are now in effect and the changes to the law clarify the rights and responsibilities of renters and rental providers – from before you sign a rental agreement until after the agreement ends – and apply to all types of tenancies, private rentals, caravan and residential parks, and rooming houses.

The law changes include:

• a ban on rental bidding,
• new rental minimum standards - this is a big one and will lead to some extra expense for almost all landlords in order for them to be able to certify there property meets the minimum standards.
• no eviction without a reason,
• allowable modifications by renters and
• urgent repairs.

Rental rule changes in Victoria – the quick guide

The quick guide below provided by Consumer Affairs Vic covers some of the key changes, with links to handy guides that provide more information.

There are also changes relating to:

• family violence
• rooming houses
• caravan parks
• movable dwellings

You can read about these changes by viewing All changes to renting laws.

Before you sign a lease

Applying for a rental agreement

Fixed-price advertising and ban on rental bidding.

A rental property must be advertised at a fixed amount.

A property cannot be advertised for rent with the costs listed within a price range.

Rental providers are also banned from soliciting or inviting offers of rent higher than the advertised price.

For more information, view the Fixed price advertisements and offers, and ban on inviting rental bids guide.

Inappropriate questions and discrimination disclosure

A rental provider or their agent cannot request inappropriate information in a rental application – for example, the renter's bond history.

Rental application forms must include an information statement that educates applicants, rental providers and agents about unlawful discrimination.

For more information, view the Inappropriate questions and discrimination disclosure guide.

Signing a rental agreement

Before signing

Before entering into a rental agreement, the rental provider must disclose to the renter whether the property is on the market for sale or is being repossessed, or if they are not the owner of the property, and information about any embedded energy network.

For more information, view the Disclosure requirements before entering into a rental agreement guide.

Maximum bond amount and rent in advance

Rental providers cannot ask for or accept more than one month’s rent as a bond, or require renters to pay more than one month’s rent in advance, for properties with a rent of $900 per week or less.

For more information, view the Maximum bond amount and rent in advance guide.

Moving in

Rental minimum standards

Rental minimum standards are changing, including your rights around heating and door and window locks in the rental property.

Rental providers have a duty to ensure their rental property meets the rental minimum standards.

For more information, view the Rental minimum standards guide.

Keys and security

Rental providers must provide each renter with a free set of keys or security devices.

Rental providers can only charge a reasonable fee for additional or replacement keys or devices.

Caravan park owners and residential park site owners must not charge a fee for the supply of a key to enable car access to the park.

For more information, view the Rental provider must provide a free set of keys for each renter guide.

During a rental agreement

While the official position is that these new rules create a fairer safer system for all and provide increased protection for renters, in reality, they place an extra burden on rental providers (landlords) and their property managers.

At Metropole Property Management we have spent a lot of time effort and training to ensure we are up-to-date with this new legislation to protect both our landlords and our tenants.

If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact us by clicking here and clarify your obligations and options.

About Leanne Jopson Leanne is National Director of Property Management at Metropole and a Property Professional in every sense of the word. With 20 years' experience in real estate, Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to maximise returns and minimise stress for their clients.