Your starting point
Victoria · Renting and housing
Start with the notice, date and evidence.
Choose the problem in front of you. This guide identifies the immediate step, the material to preserve and the current official pathway.
Legally reviewed: 18 September 2026Based on current Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance. Rules vary for rooming houses, caravan parks, social housing and site agreements.
Five rules worth knowing.
These are starting points, not automatic outcomes. The exact form, ground, service method and dates can decide which option is available.
Urgent means immediately.
Urgent repairs must be done immediately. Written requests for non-urgent repairs generally have a 14-day timeframe.
A valid reason is required.
Since 25 November 2025, a rental provider cannot end a fixed term without a valid statutory reason. Some grounds also require evidence.
Notice is generally 90 days.
A rent increase generally requires the correct form, a stated calculation method and at least 90 days’ notice.
The request window is 30 days.
A renter seeking a free CAV rent assessment must generally apply within 30 days of receiving the written increase notice.
Fair wear is not damage.
A rental provider cannot claim bond for fair wear and tear. The starting condition report and dated photos matter.
Do not wait for the hearing.
A notice may be issued once residential rent is more than 14 days late. Seek advice and propose a documented plan promptly.
2025–26 reforms
What changed—and what has not started yet.
No-fault eviction ban and longer notices
A valid reason is required even when a fixed term ends. Rent increases and certain notices to vacate moved to 90 days; shorter periods can still apply to renter breaches.
Applications, fees and rent assessments
A prescribed rental application form and information limits apply. Third-party application and payment fees are banned, and rent investigations consider additional factors.
Bond evidence and safety records
Stronger bond-claim notification and evidence rules, minimum-standard records, and broader two-year gas and electrical safety checks are scheduled to begin. They are not yet in force on this page’s review date.
Energy-efficiency standards
New minimum standards for heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, insulation and draughtproofing are scheduled to phase in with different triggers.
Prepare the file before asking for help.
Use the Issue Summary Builder to turn the agreement, notice dates, requests, photos and desired outcome into a one-page brief. Do not enter private identifiers.
Primary and specialist sources