Victoria Required Landlord Disclosures: Complete Compliance Checklist

Victoria imposes extensive disclosure obligations on rental providers — among the most comprehensive in Australia. These requirements ensure renters have full information about their rights, the property's condition, and who to contact for issues.

Pre-Tenancy Disclosures

Before a renter moves in, the rental provider or agent must provide:

Condition Reports

The condition report is one of the most important disclosure documents:

Requirements

• Must be completed before the renter moves in
• Two paper copies or one electronic copy must be provided
• The renter has 7 business days to review and note any disagreements
• Both parties should sign the report
• Photos and video are strongly recommended (though not legally mandated)

Purpose

• Establishes the baseline condition of the property
• Used to determine fair wear and tear versus damage at the end of the tenancy
• Critical for bond claims and VCAT disputes

Minimum Standards Disclosure

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

Structural and Safety

• Structurally sound and weatherproof
• Secure locks on external doors and windows
• Electrical safety switches and circuit breakers on the switchboard
• Annual smoke alarm safety checks (mandatory for all properties)

Heating and Cooling

• Fixed heater in good working order in the main living area
• For agreements from 29 March 2023: heater must be energy-efficient (minimum 2-star rating)
• Window coverings in bedrooms and living areas

Amenities

• Functioning kitchen with stovetop and oven
• Functioning bathroom with toilet, shower or bath
• Hot and cold running water
• Adequate ventilation in kitchen and bathroom

Safety Features

• Blind cord safety — from 1 December 2025, all corded window coverings must have anchors to secure loose cords
• Working oven and stovetop
• Reasonable state of cleanliness at the start of the tenancy

Rental Bidding Ban (Since March 2021)

Strict disclosure rules apply to property advertising:

• Properties must be advertised at a fixed price — no price ranges
• Rental providers and agents cannot invite, encourage, or accept offers above the advertised rent
• Cannot accept more than one month's rent in advance

Application Process Reforms (From March 2026)

From 31 March 2026, additional disclosure and privacy protections apply:

• A standardised rental application form becomes mandatory
• Rental providers can only request information strictly necessary to assess suitability, identity, and capacity to pay
• Third-party fees for applications or rent payments are banned
• Personal information must be managed securely and destroyed when no longer needed
• Disclosing renter information without consent is an offence

Non-Compliance Register

Victoria has implemented a public Non-Compliance Register listing rental providers who:

• Fail to complete essential repairs or maintenance within required timeframes
• Have unresolved compliance orders from VCAT

Prohibited Disclosure Practices

Rental providers must not:

• Ask for excessive personal information on applications
• Request unnecessary financial details beyond what's needed to assess capacity to pay
• Share renter personal information without consent
• Advertise properties that do not meet minimum standards
• Solicit rental bids above the advertised price

Best Practices for Rental Providers

1. Use prescribed forms — Only use Consumer Affairs Victoria-approved rental agreement forms
2. Complete condition reports thoroughly — Include photos and detailed descriptions
3. Provide all documents before move-in — Don't wait until after the renter moves in
4. Keep copies of everything — Store signed disclosure documents for reference
5. Check minimum standards — Conduct a compliance audit before advertising
6. Stay updated on reforms — New rules phase in through 2027

How Landager Helps

Landager's compliance tools help rental providers track disclosure requirements, store condition reports, manage minimum standards audits, and ensure all pre-tenancy obligations are met — keeping you compliant with Victoria's evolving regulations.

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