Melbourne’s New Rental Laws: What They Mean (from a Property Manager Who Actually Cares)

Hi everyone, ML here. As your friendly head of property management we wanted to update you all on the latest changes in the sector.
Let’s be honest — when new rental laws drop, everyone gets a little twitchy.
Rental Providers (formally Landlords) start picturing more paperwork.
Renters (formally tenants) brace for rent hikes.
Property managers? We pour a big fat gin and start translating government-speak into something human.

The good news? Most of these changes are good — they’re designed to make renting fairer, safer, and less confusing for everyone. And as someone who genuinely cares about both sides, I can tell you: this is a step in the right direction.

Let’s break it down (without the legal jargon or panic).

1. No More “Make an Offer” Madness

Those days of rental bidding — when listings felt more like eBay auctions — are officially over. Properties must now be listed at a fixed price. No “Contact agent,” no “From $X.” Just one clear figure. This price can not increase, at any time. It can decrease and will do so in response to market demand (no applications). We’ve never entertained “make an offer” rentals as it’s always felt unconscionable. We put a lot of work into helping the rental provider arrive at a fair market price. Now it’s law.

What this means:

• Renters: No more guessing games or outbidding each other in the hopes of overstretching yourselves to get an advantage.

• Rental Providers: You’ll still get fair market rent — you’ll price realistically and let demand do its thing.

• Our take: Clarity helps everyone. (And honestly, we’re glad to stop fielding “What’s the real price?” at the front door.)

2. Minimum Standards & Energy Upgrades Are Coming

By March 2027, all rental homes in Victoria must meet new energy-efficiency standards — think better insulation, proper draught sealing, energy-efficient heating, and safer electrical systems.

• For renters: Expect warmer winters, cooler summers, and fewer electricity bills that look like phone numbers.

• For Rental Providers: Think of it as a long-term investment — comfort upgrades that keep great renters happy, your property compliant and your tax depreciation schedule profitable.

• Our advice: Don’t wait until the deadline. The best properties — and the happiest renters and rental providers — come from staying ahead of issues.

3. Standard Application Forms & No Sneaky Fees

The state’s had enough of “admin fees” and confusing rental platforms. Now, applications must use a standard form, and renters can’t be charged extra just for paying rent online.

• Renters: You’ll save a few dollars (and a few headaches).

• Rental Providers: Applications will be simpler and more transparent — win-win.

• Our take: Nothing changes for us, we’ve never used a pay-extra platform.

4. No-Fault Evictions Are Out

Rental Providers can no longer end a tenancy “just because.” A valid reason must be given — such as selling, major renovations, or moving back in.

• Renters: You can breathe easier — you won’t lose your home with little to no notice. You now must be given 90 days notice of your lease ending and a reason will be given.

• Rental Providers: You still have rights — you just need to plan properly and communicate early.

• Our response: We’ll always help navigate this. Good notice, good communication, good faith — that’s the holy trinity.

5. Longer (& shorter) Notice Periods

Notice periods for rent increases or vacating have been extended to 90 days (up from 60).
Renters – if you receive notice your property is to be sold, you may end your lease at any time and give as little as 14 days notice of your intention to vacate. This frees you up to accept the right property for you, not just the one that fits your timeline.

It’s fairer for renters and gives Rental Providers more time to plan transitions. And for us property managers? It means more paperwork and nimble exit reports but fewer late-night panic calls and more time to find the right next renter, not just the fastest one.

6. Disputes Get a Softer Landing

Victoria is rolling out Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) — a service designed to resolve issues before they hit the tribunal.

Less stress, faster fixes, more cooperation. We love that.

Summary

Yes — there’s more structure, more paperwork, and more compliance boxes to tick. Oh, the ticking! But it’s also building a more stable, respectful rental market — where renters feel secure and Rental Providers have reliable, long-term renters who look after their homes.

We’ve always believed property management is about people first, property second. When everyone feels heard and supported, the results are better on both sides of the fence.

Our Promise

Whether you’re a renter navigating your rights or a rental provider wanting to stay ahead of the curve, we’ll walk you through it.
We’ll flag what needs updating, help you stay compliant, and — most importantly — keep the relationship between you and your renters smooth and respectful.

Because homes aren’t just investments or leases — they’re lived-in, loved-in, and occasionally whinged-in. And keeping them running well is what we do best.