Recent reforms to Victoria’s rental laws represent one of the most significant shifts in the regulatory landscape in years. While many of these changes came into effect late last year, their practical implications continue to shape how rental properties are leased and managed in 2026 and beyond.
At Kay & Burton, we anticipated these reforms well ahead of their commencement. Our property management teams have implemented comprehensive training, updated processes and strengthened compliance partnerships to ensure your investment remains protected, compliant and well positioned.
Below is a summary of the key changes. As always, our team is on hand to provide guidance, answer your questions, and ensure your property continues to be managed to the highest level of industry standard.
Ban on no-fault evictions
Rental providers can no longer issue a notice to vacate without a valid reason, even at the end of a fixed-term agreement. At the end of a fixed-term lease, the tenancy automatically converts to a periodic month-by-month lease unless the provider and renter agree to a new fixed term or a lawful notice to vacate is issued. Existing grounds, such as the sale of the property, renovations, or breaches of the agreement, including non-payment of rent, remain valid.
Extension of notice periods
Notice periods for rent increases and certain notices to vacate have increased from 60 to 90 days, giving renters additional time to budget or relocate. Shorter notice periods may still apply when a renter is at fault. Your Kay & Burton property manager will now commence renewal discussions with you approximately 120 days prior to the expiry of the rental agreement to account for the increase in notice periods.
Ban on all rental bidding
Agents and rental providers may not accept offers above the advertised rent or more than one month’s rent in advance. This builds on the existing ban on soliciting higher offers or requiring more than one month’s rent upfront. All rental properties must now display a fixed rental amount; terms such as “Contact Agent” are no longer permitted.
Minimum standards required before advertising
All rental properties must meet the minimum standards at the time they are advertised or offered for lease off market, not just before a renter moves in. Advertising a property or offering it for lease off market that does not comply is an offence. Offering a property for lease refers to a property being promoted off market, made available for inspection, or accepting applications, not just the actual lease offer. Introduced on 1 December 2025, the new standard requires all internal window coverings with cords to be securely anchored to prevent loops. Kay & Burton partners with a number of quality compliance providers to provide these Rental Minimum Standard Checks when required.
Mandatory annual smoke alarm checks
All rental properties must have annual smoke alarm checks arranged by the provider or agent, regardless of when the tenancy commenced. Kay & Burton partners with Smoke Alarms Australia to provide this service for our clients.
Protection of renters’ personal information
Rental providers and agents must handle renters’ personal information responsibly, following strict rules for destruction and de-identification. It is an offence to disclose information without consent.
If you would like further detail on any of the above reforms, or to discuss how they apply specifically to your property, your Kay & Burton property manager is available to assist.
We are here to support you every step of the way and ensure a seamless property management experience.
Further information is available via Consumer Affairs Victoria.
In compiling this article, Kay & Burton relied upon information supplied by several external sources. This article has been provided for general information only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstance. Although high standards have been used in the preparation of the information, analysis, views, and projections presented in this article, Kay & Burton does not owe a duty of care to any person in respect of the contents of this article and does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from any use of, reliance on or reference to the contents of this article.