From banning rent fees to requesting extra keys, here are Victoria’s new rental reforms

The Victorian government has introduced a new series of rental reforms aimed at enhancing the rights and protections for renters across the state.

Announced by Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams, these measures build on more than 130 rental reforms implemented in recent years, positioning Victoria as a leader in tenant protections.

The latest reforms cover a range of issues, from dubious bond claims to fees associated with rent payments and applications. Williams highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a fairer rental market, noting, “Renters’ rights are all about respect – that’s the principle that we are trying to bring to the rental market through more than 130 reforms, and that’s why we are leading the nation on it.”

Key changes include:

• Restrictions on bond claims: Landlords will now be required to provide evidence, such as receipts or photos, for any bond claims, reducing disputes over vague or undocumented damages.
• Ban on no-fault evictions: Renters will no longer be subject to evictions without a specified reason, though landlords can still evict for reasons such as property damage, unpaid rent, or the landlord’s personal use of the home.
• Elimination of extra rent payment fees: Renters will be protected from additional fees charged through third-party apps and platforms, ensuring they pay only the amount of rent owed, regardless of the payment method.
• Prohibition on background check fees: Applications for rental properties will be free from additional background check fees, reducing costs for renters seeking new housing.
• Caps on lease break fees: The new legislation will limit compensation for breaking a lease on fixed-term agreements of up to five years, with fees capped at a maximum of four weeks’ rent.
• Access to additional security keys: Renters living in secure apartment buildings will be able to request extra electronic keys or fobs, with the law protecting renters from unreasonably denied requests.

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The new rules on no-fault evictions will be among the first to be introduced, with further changes to follow over the next 12 months. According to Williams, these reforms not only provide greater protections but also address ongoing concerns about unfair costs associated with renting. “By banning fees and charges on rental payments and applications, and cracking down on unfair bond claims, we’re putting more money back in the pockets of renters,” she said.

The reforms also support the state’s broader housing objectives, with the Victorian government increasing the construction of new housing. This expansion aims to provide renters with greater access to homes near essential services, workplaces, and amenities.

Jennifer Beveridge, CEO of Tenants Victoria, welcomed the reforms, noting their importance in safeguarding renters who now account for nearly 30% of the state’s population. She emphasised, “Extending the ban on no-reason evictions gives renters more security. It puts them on a more even footing to request repairs, for example, in the knowledge that rental providers cannot ask them to leave without a reason under the law.”

The reforms also follow recent government initiatives, including the establishment of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, a portable bonds scheme, and the launch of a renting taskforce to address issues with non-compliant landlords.

Check the rental laws here.

Words by Staff Writer