Renting a home involves more than paying rent and complying with a lease. Victorian law gives renters important rights concerning minimum property standards, repairs, privacy, rent increases, notices to vacate and the return of their bond.

Rental providers also have rights and responsibilities. Many disputes arise because one or both parties do not understand the agreement, fail to keep adequate records or act without following the required process.

Knowing the basic rules can help renters identify problems early and take appropriate steps before a disagreement escalates.

The rental property must meet minimum standards

Victorian rental properties must satisfy prescribed minimum standards.

These standards address matters such as:

• locks and security;
• electrical safety;
• heating;
• hot and cold water;
• bathrooms and toilets;
• kitchens;
• structural integrity;
• ventilation;
• mould and dampness;
• lighting; and
• window coverings and privacy.

Since 25 November 2025, a rental property generally must meet the minimum standards before it is advertised, subject to limited exceptions.

A renter who believes the property does not comply should notify the rental provider or agent in writing and retain photographs, reports and correspondence. Depending on the circumstances, the renter may be able to request repairs, seek compensation or apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, commonly known as VCAT.

Repairs and maintenance

Rental providers are responsible for ensuring that the property remains in good repair and is reasonably fit to live in.

Victorian law distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent repairs. Urgent repairs may include serious water leaks, dangerous electrical faults, blocked toilets, gas leaks, flooding, serious roof leaks or the failure of essential services.

A renter should report repair issues promptly and keep a written record of the request.

Where an urgent repair is not addressed, the renter may have rights to arrange limited repairs and seek reimbursement, provided the statutory process and applicable financial limit are followed.

Non-urgent repairs should also be requested in writing. If the rental provider does not respond within the required period, the renter may be able to obtain an inspection report or apply to VCAT for orders.

Renters should avoid withholding rent merely because repairs have not been completed. Rent obligations and repair disputes are generally dealt with through separate legal processes.

Privacy and entry to the property

A renter is entitled to reasonable peace, comfort and privacy in the rented premises.

A rental provider or agent cannot simply enter whenever they choose. Entry must be for a lawful reason, appropriate notice must generally be given and the visit must occur within permitted times.

Lawful reasons can include:

• conducting a routine inspection;
• completing repairs or maintenance;
• valuing the property;
• showing it to prospective renters or buyers;
• complying with legal safety obligations; or
• investigating a reasonable concern that the renter has breached the agreement.

Routine inspections cannot be conducted more frequently than the law permits. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that general inspections may ordinarily occur no more than once every six months.

A renter is not automatically required to leave during an inspection or when the property is being shown to another person.

Where entry occurs without proper notice or for an improper purpose, the renter should document what happened and seek advice about available remedies.

Rent increases

A rental provider must follow the statutory process when increasing rent.

The renter must receive written notice in the prescribed form. The notice must state the proposed amount and explain how the increase was calculated.

From 31 March 2026, the notice period for rent increases in Victoria increased from 60 days to 90 days.

Rent generally cannot be increased more frequently than permitted by law. Different rules may apply depending on when the agreement commenced and the type of agreement involved.

A renter who believes a proposed increase is excessive may be able to request an assessment through Consumer Affairs Victoria and, where necessary, seek a determination from VCAT.

The renter should act promptly because strict time limits may apply.

Bonds

Most residential rental bonds must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority.

The bond remains the renter’s money unless the parties agree, or VCAT determines, that some or all of it should be paid to the rental provider.

At the end of the agreement, a rental provider may seek to retain part of the bond for matters such as:

• unpaid rent;
• damage beyond fair wear and tear;
• cleaning required because the property was not left reasonably clean; or
• other proven loss caused by a breach of the agreement.

Fair wear and tear is different from damage. Normal deterioration caused by ordinary use, age and exposure should not automatically be charged to the renter.

Condition reports, dated photographs and records of repair requests can be important evidence in a bond dispute.

Pets in rental properties

A renter who wants to keep a pet generally needs to seek the rental provider’s consent using the prescribed process.

The rental provider cannot unreasonably refuse permission. If the rental provider objects, they may need to apply to VCAT within the required period.

The renter remains responsible for any damage caused by the pet and must comply with applicable council, owners corporation and animal-control rules.

Existing restrictions in an apartment building or owners corporation may also need to be considered.

Notices to vacate

A rental provider must have a valid legal basis for giving a notice to vacate and must comply with the required form, content and notice period.

From 31 March 2026, some Victorian notice periods increased from 60 days to 90 days.

The applicable notice period depends on the reason relied upon, such as:

• unpaid rent;
• serious damage;
• threats or intimidation;
• breach of the rental agreement;
• sale of the property;
• the owner or a family member moving in;
• demolition or major repairs; or
• the end of an eligible fixed-term agreement.

A notice to vacate does not itself authorise the rental provider to physically remove the renter or change the locks. If the renter does not leave, the rental provider generally needs to apply to VCAT for a possession order and follow the lawful enforcement process.

A renter who receives a notice should obtain advice quickly, as the deadline for challenging it may be short.

Parke Lawyers provides further information about tenant rights in Victoria, including disputes involving repairs, rent increases, entry, bonds and notices to vacate.

Discrimination and rental applications

Victorian law prohibits discrimination in rental accommodation on protected grounds.

A person must not be refused a property because of attributes such as age, disability, race, religion, parental status or family responsibilities.

From 31 March 2026, Victorian rental providers and agents must use a prescribed rental-application form. The reforms are intended to standardise applications and limit the collection of unnecessary or inappropriate information.

Prospective renters should keep copies of applications, advertisements and communications where they believe unlawful discrimination may have occurred.

Keep clear records

Good records are often critical in a rental dispute.

Renters should retain:

• the signed rental agreement;
• the condition report;
• photographs taken at the beginning and end of the tenancy;
• rent receipts or bank records;
• repair requests;
• notices;
• emails and text messages;
• reports from tradespeople; and
• evidence of any property damage.

Important communications should generally be made or confirmed in writing.

Resolving rental disputes

Many rental disputes can be resolved through direct communication where the issue is clearly identified and both parties understand their legal obligations.

Where agreement cannot be reached, assistance may be available through Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, a tenancy service or VCAT.

The appropriate process depends on the dispute and the orders required. Urgent matters, including serious repair issues, unlawful exclusion or an imminent possession hearing, may require immediate action.

Parke Lawyers can assist through its property law practice with residential tenancy and other Victorian property disputes.

Act promptly

Rental disputes are often subject to strict notice requirements and application deadlines.

A renter should not ignore a formal notice, rely solely on verbal assurances or assume that a dispute will resolve itself. Early advice can help preserve evidence, clarify the available remedies and avoid steps that may damage the renter’s position.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Victorian rental laws and procedures can change, and renters should obtain advice appropriate to their agreement and circumstances