Victoria Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Rental Providers

Victoria has some of the strongest renter protections in Australia, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Major reforms effective November 25, 2025 have significantly reshaped the rental landscape — including the abolition of no-fault evictions and extended notice periods.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed legal practitioner in Victoria for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Victoria Rental Laws at a Glance

Bonds (Security Deposits)

Victoria uses the term "bond" rather than security deposit. The bond cannot exceed one month's rent when the weekly rent is $900 or less. Bonds must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days of receipt.

Key features:

• Only one bond can be charged per tenancy
• Additional bonds permitted only for long-term agreements (5+ years) or approved modifications
• A new Portable Rental Bond Scheme allows bonds to transfer between tenancies

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Eviction Rules (Notices to Vacate)

The November 2025 reforms represent one of the most significant changes to Victorian tenancy law:

No-Fault Evictions — Abolished

From 25 November 2025, rental providers can no longer issue a "no reason" notice to vacate at the end of a fixed-term agreement. A valid legal reason must be provided.

Valid Reasons for Eviction

• Property undergoing major repairs or renovation
• Property being demolished
• Property sold with vacant possession
• Rental provider or close family member moving in
• Nonpayment of rent (14+ days overdue)
• Repeated breach of the rental agreement
• Illegal activity on the premises

Notice Periods (Post-November 2025)

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Rent Increases

Victoria does not cap the amount of rent increases, but imposes strict rules on frequency and process:

• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
• 90 days' written notice is required (increased from 60 in November 2025)
• Cannot increase rent during a fixed-term unless the agreement specifies the method of calculation
• Renters can challenge excessive increases through CAV and VCAT

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Required Disclosures

Before a renter moves in, rental providers must provide:

1. A copy of the written rental agreement (prescribed CAV form)
2. The "Renters Guide" published by Consumer Affairs Victoria
3. A phone number for urgent repairs
4. Full name and address of the rental provider/agent
5. A complete set of keys
6. A condition report (two paper copies or one electronic)
7. Minimum standards compliance disclosure

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Maintenance and Minimum Standards

Victoria enforces comprehensive minimum rental standards that properties must meet before being advertised. These include:

• Structural soundness and weatherproofing
• Secure locks on external doors and windows
• Functioning heating in the main living area (energy-efficient for new agreements)
• Electrical safety switches and circuit breakers
• Hot and cold running water
• Functioning bathroom, toilet, and kitchen facilities
• Window coverings in bedrooms and living areas
• Annual smoke alarm safety checks

Renters can arrange urgent repairs up to $2,500 and seek reimbursement if the landlord fails to act.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Rent

Victoria does not impose late fees in the traditional sense. Instead:

• If rent is 14+ days overdue, a 14-day notice to vacate can be issued
• If a renter receives 4 notices in 12 months but pays before the termination date, VCAT must dismiss the possession order
• Rental providers cannot charge additional fees or penalties for late rent

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Lease Requirements

Victoria requires the use of prescribed forms from Consumer Affairs Victoria for rental agreements:

• Form 1 — for fixed-term agreements up to 5 years
• Form 2 — for fixed-term agreements over 5 years
• Both written and verbal agreements are valid, but written is required for enforceability
• Numerous prohibited clauses exist (e.g., requiring insurance, fixed cleaning fees)

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

2025-2026 Reforms Timeline

Getting Started with Compliance

Navigating Victoria's evolving tenancy regulations can be complex. Landager helps rental providers track compliance requirements, manage lease terms, monitor bond deadlines, and stay updated on regulatory changes.

Explore more Victoria compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees