Victoria Landlord Maintenance: Standards & Repair Duties

Victoria has among the most comprehensive maintenance and minimum standards requirements in Australia, primarily governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (commenced 1 July 1998). Rental providers must ensure properties meet detailed standards before advertising and maintain them throughout the tenancy. A public Non-Compliance Register names rental providers who fail to meet their obligations.

Minimum Rental Standards

From 25 November 2025, all rental properties must meet minimum standards before being advertised or offered for rent. Advertising a non-compliant property is a prosecutable offence.

Structural and Security

Electrical and Safety

Heating and Cooling

Amenities

Urgent Repairs Victoria has strong provisions for urgent (emergency) repairs:

What Qualifies as Urgent

• Burst water pipe or serious water leak
• Blocked or broken toilet
• Gas leak
• Dangerous electrical fault
• Flooding or serious flood damage
• Serious storm or fire damage
• Failure of essential service (gas, electricity, water, hot water)
• Broken or defective lock or security device
• Fault causing risk of injury or damage

Renter's Rights If

the rental provider fails to respond to urgent repairs immediately:

• The renter can arrange repairs by a qualified tradesperson
• The renter can spend up to $2,500 (including GST) on urgent repairs
• The renter must be reimbursed within 7 days by the rental provider

• If not reimbursed, the renter can apply to VCAT for an order

Response Timeframes

Under Section 72 of the Act, the legal requirement for urgent repairs is immediate action:

Non-Compliance Register

Victoria operates a public Non-Compliance Register that lists rental providers who:

• Fail to complete essential repairs within required timeframes
• Have unresolved VCAT compliance orders
• Repeatedly breach maintenance obligations

Appearing on this register is a significant reputational risk for rental providers.

Renter Responsibilities Renters are also expected to:

• Keep the property reasonably clean
• Report maintenance issues promptly to the rental provider
• Not cause damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Allow access for repairs with proper notice
• Must not deactivate or interfere with smoke alarms
• Take care of any renter-installed modifications

Future Energy Efficiency Standards

Victoria is phasing in additional energy efficiency requirements for new rental agreements or conversions to periodic tenancies:

Best Practices for Rental Providers

1. Conduct a minimum standards audit — Before advertising any property
2. Schedule annual smoke alarm checks — Mandatory for all tenancies; includes battery replacement
3. Respond to urgent repairs immediately — Delays can lead to VCAT orders and register listing
4. Keep maintenance records — Document all repairs, costs, and response times
5. Budget for compliance — Energy efficiency upgrades and safety features require investment
6. Use qualified tradespeople — Ensure all work meets building codes
7. Check the non-compliance register — Ensure you're not listed; clear any outstanding orders

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