What The November 2025 Rental Reform Means For Your Investment Property

Victoria is entering a new era of rental regulation - The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 passed earlier this year introduces sweeping changes coming into effect as of November 2025.

As your trusted property-management partner, Ascension Real Estate is ready - not only to ensure compliance, but to elevate your investment strategy.

Here's what you need to know, and more importantly, what you should do.

Key changes you can't ignore

1. Fixed Rental Listing Prices & Ban on Bidding

From 25 November 2025, rental listings must show a single fixed rent price - properties cannot be advertised with a range, or with wording like "Contact agent" or "Offers over". Also, all forms of rental bidding (where prospective renters/tenants offer above the advertised price) will be banned.

Why it matters for you:

  • If you advertise incorrectly, you risk regulatory penalties and your listing may be pulled.

  • You may need to review your pricing strategy with objective market data rather than expect bidding to drive up rent.

  • Clear listing prices help attract more genuine enquiries and reduce confusion at shortlisting.

How Ascension Real Estate elevates your response:

  • We manage your market appraisal and set correct rent based on comparable properties and future-proofed margin.

  • We ensure all marketing is compliant with the new rules, avoiding costly mistakes.

  • We communicate clearly to renters/tenants from first point of contact: "What you see is the price you pay."

2. No-Fault Evictions & Longer Notice Periods

Rental providers will no longer be able to issue "no reason" notices to vacate at the end of a fixed-term lease; a valid reason must be provided (owner moving in, major renovations, sale for vacant possession, etc). Notice periods for both rent increases and termination will extend from 60 to 90 days in many cases.

Why it matters for you:

  • You'll need to plan Lease-End and Rent-Increase strategies further ahead.

  • Market timing and property-use decisions become more strategic (you can't simply reclaim the property without reason).

  • Documentation and communication become critical - valid reasons must be recorded and defensible.

How Ascension Real Estate elevates your response:

  • We build your lease strategy with foresight: reviewing expiry, lock-in periods and owner intent well before the 90-day window.

  • We handle documentation and structure valid claims for termination if necessary.

  • You receive proactive communication so you're always aware of what's happening and when.

3. Meeting Minimum Standards at Time of Advertising

All rental properties must meet legal minimum standards before they can be advertised-not just once a renter/tenant moves in. This includes insulation, heating, draught-proofing, smoke alarms, and other home-safety features.

Why it matters for you:

  • Properties that don't meet the minimum standards may remain vacant or be removed from listings until compliant.

  • Non-compliance can lead to fines or legal exposure.

  • Up-front investment may be required to bring properties to standard before marketing.

How Ascension Real Estate elevates your response:

  • We conduct a "pre-listing compliance health check" to identify any upgrades or maintenance items required before listing.

  • We coordinate trades and timelines so the property hits the market quickly and legally.

  • You gain a competitive edge: properties ready to advertise earlier often secure better renters/tenants and minimise vacancy.

4. Prohibition on Agent/Payment Fees & Enhanced Data Privacy

Fees charged to renter/tenants for processing applications, paying rent via third-party platforms, or other hidden costs will be banned. Also, rental providers and agents must protect renter/tenant data, use standard forms, and handle privacy with greater scrutiny.

Why it matters for you:

  • Past cost-shifting practices may now attract regulatory action or penalties.

  • Your application and payment processes must be transparent and fair.

  • Data breaches or misuse could damage your reputation or lead to legal consequences.

How Ascension Real Estate elevates your response:

  • We manage all tenancy administration using compliant systems and standardised forms.

  • We guarantee a fee-free payment method for renters, reducing risk and increasing trust.

  • We keep you informed with data-protection best practices so your portfolio is secure and respected.

5. Increased Penalties & Professional Requirements

Agents, property managers and conveyancers must maintain registration and complete ongoing professional development - Severe fines will apply for breaches: up to tens of thousands of dollars for under-quoting or misleading advertising.

Why it matters for you:

  • The regulatory bar is being raised - compliance isn't optional.

  • Choose a property manager who demonstrates active commitment to training, transparency and professional standards.

  • Failure to engage a compliant manager may put you at risk of penalties or asset devaluation.

How Ascension Real Estate elevates your response:

  • We proactively stay ahead of training, regulation and best-practice changes.

  • We provide you with evidence of our compliance, professional development and systems support.

  • You deal with a partner who operates at the high-end of service and legal standard - not just a "rent collector".

What You Should Do Next

  1. Schedule a full property audit with us - we'll review your current leases, advertisements, compliance status and listing strategy.

  2. Update your marketing strategy - ensure your advertising, rent setting and listing details align with the fixed-price rule and minimum standard requirements.

  3. Plan rent increases or expiries now - work out successors ahead of the 90-day notice changes.

  4. Choose a property manager who leads - one who sees these regulatory changes as advantage, not just burden.

With the new laws coming, the industry is shifting fast.

At Ascension Real Estate, we don't just manage properties - we elevate them.

Let us help you stay compliant, competitive and connected.

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