Victoria’s property rental regulations recently changed with more than 132 reforms adopted into the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act (originally 2018 but delayed due to COVID). The amended regulations came into force on March 29 of 2021, with several changes that are significant for private landlords and property rental agencies. Here’s some insight into these changes and advice on how to ensure your rental property is compliant.

Where are the Main Changes?

Some of the most significant changes to take note of include:

• Modification of rental properties – These changes allow tenants to make certain changes to the property without consent from the landlord. This includes installing picture hooks and screws for wall mounts, LED light installation, replacing curtains, and child safety modifications. All modifications have to be reversed before the tenant leaves.
• Pets – Landlords and rental property providers now cannot refuse to have pets in the rental property. To refuse a pet, an application will have to be made to the VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
• Urgent repairs and maintenance – All landlords and rental property providers must meet requirements for good maintenance of their rental property regardless of the age of the building. If urgent repairs are requested, they must be addressed in 24-48 hours. The new regulations have included changes to what constitutes an urgent repair, and fines will be implemented for non-compliance.
• Modifications – Minimum Standards – As of 29 March of this year, there are new minimum standards for rental accommodation, including meeting basic needs for fixed heating in living areas, curtains for privacy, functional kitchens with ovens and hobs, and locks on doors for security.
• Rental agreement terminations – There are new rules regarding the termination of rental agreements, and rental providers now have to provide a valid reason for termination. This can include selling the property, changing its use, the rental provider moving into the property, or demolishing the building.
• Compliance – There are new compliance regulations for rental properties that include an annual smoke alarm safety service, 2-yearly gas safety, and carbon monoxide service, and a 2 yearly electrical safety service.
• Inspections and grounds for entry – Rental providers or landlords have to give renters 7 days’ notice before a routine inspection, property evaluations, or taking video/photographic marketing content. For rental open homes or sales inspections, tenants need a minimum of 48 hours’ notice and an open home can be hosted 21 days before a renter’s vacancy.
• Terminology – These are simplified terms to make the regulations more modern and easily understood. Rather than tenants and landlords, the terms renters and rental providers will be used moving forward.

Simplify Compliance with Affordable Scheduled Gas and Electrical Safety Services

Home Rental Compliance is focussed on providing fast, reliable services to property rental providers in Victoria. We stay abreast of the latest regulations so you don’t have to, and our scheduled gas and electrical safety checks, as well as our smoke alarm and carbon monoxide testing services, keep your property compliant, safe, and well-maintained. Let us take care of property compliance while you take care of business. Contact us today.