Resources and Updates

Victorian Rental Laws, compliance and property insights

Official legislation, Director's Guidelines, government forms, and Ascension's own updates on Victorian rental reforms. Everything in one place.

Your Reference Hub

Stay Informed, stay protected

Victorian rental law is detailed and changes regularly. This page brings together the official government resources, Director's Guidelines issued under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, and Ascension's own updates to help rental providers and renters stay across their rights and obligations.

Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria

Director's Guidelines, issued under the RTA 1997

These five guidelines are issued by the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. VCAT must consider them when determining disputes. They provide practical, authoritative guidance on what the Act requires in everyday situations.

Director's Guideline

Rental provider and renter duties for maintaining the property in good repair.

Director's Guideline

Defines "reasonably clean" with practical examples and when professional cleaning can be required.

Director's Guideline

Damage and Fair Wear and Tear

Describes renter responsibilities and gives examples distinguishing damage from fair wear and tear.

Director's Guideline

Explains what constitutes an urgent repair and the expected timeframes for responding.

Director's Guideline

Endangering Others

Guidance on when a renter endangers others and the circumstances under which a notice to vacate may be issued.

All guidelines are issued by the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. VCAT must consider these guidelines when determining relevant disputes. Files download as Word documents from the CAV website.

Legislation

The Act and Regulations, as they currently stand

Primary legislation and regulations governing residential rental agreements in Victoria. Reflects amendments including the November 2025 Housing Statement reforms.

Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Full Text)

The consolidated Act including all amendments.

New Changes to the Rental Laws

Summary of the November 2025 Housing Statement reforms from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Victorian Government

Strengthening Rights for Renters

The Victorian Government's overview of recent and upcoming rental reforms.

Consumer Affairs Victoria's main renting information hub for rental providers and renters.

Compliance

Minimum Standards and Safety, official references

Forms, checklists and guidance for rental providers on property compliance under Victorian law.

Minimum Standards for Rental Properties

The 15 categories of minimum standards all rental properties must meet.

Minimum Standards Checklist

A checklist for rental providers to verify their property meets all minimum standards.

Minimum Standards Checklist (PDF)

Downloadable PDF checklist for rental providers.

Gas and Electrical Safety Checks

Requirements for gas, electrical, and smoke alarm safety checks in rental properties.

Smoke Alarm Guidelines

CFA guidance on smoke alarm installation, placement, and annual servicing requirements.

Mandatory Disclosure Checklist

Required disclosure statement for rental providers before signing a lease.

Legal References

Notices, Bond and Disputes, key official references

Official CAV and VCAT resources covering notice periods, bond, entry rights, repairs, rent increases, and dispute resolution.

Notice to Vacate

All valid reasons, notice periods, and how to correctly serve a notice to vacate.

Entry Rights and Notice Periods

When rental providers can enter, how much notice is required, and what rules apply.

Rules for rent increases including the 90-day notice requirement and prescribed form.

Bond Amounts and Lodgement

Maximum bond amounts, RTBA lodgement requirements, and bond return process.

Repairs in Rental Properties

Urgent vs non-urgent repairs, timeframes, and renter and rental provider obligations.

Residential Tenancy Disputes

VCAT's residential tenancies case type page, including how to apply and what to expect.

Notice to Vacate (Official Form)

The prescribed Notice to Vacate form to be used by rental providers.

CAV Publication

Renters Guide (March 2026)

The full CAV Renters Guide covering all stages of a tenancy. Updated March 2026.

Ascension Updates

Latest from Ascension, Victorian rental insights

Ascension's own commentary on Victorian rental reforms and market trends, written for rental providers.

Latest Victorian Rental Law Updates

What Victoria's November 2025 rental reforms mean for your investment property.

5,300 Property Managers Missing

What the property management shortage means for rental providers in Australia.

Why Renters Are Leaving Melbourne's CBD

Where renters are going and what it means for Melbourne's West and growth corridors.

Have a Question?

Not Sure Where You Stand? we can help

If you have a question about how any of these laws or guidelines apply to your property, contact us directly.

Schedule a Call With Lehna Free Performance Review