Gisborne

Rental Minimum Standards-Victoria

Under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act, all properties must meet the following set of minimum standards:

 Locks

All external entry doors which are not able to be secured with a functioning deadlock, other than any screen door attached to an external door, must be fitted with a locking device that:

  • Is operated by a key from the outside; and
  • May be unlocked from the inside with or without a key

 

Bins

A rubbish bin and a recycling bin are to be supplied for the renter to use. The bins can be provided by:

  • The local council; or
  • Purchased somewhere else, as long as they are vermin proof and meet council collection standards

 

Window Coverings

  • Window coverings are required in all bedrooms/living areas.
  • They should be able to be opened and closed.
  • Must provide privacy and reasonably block light.

 

Window & Window Locks

All external windows that are capable of opening:

  • Must be able to set in a closed/opening position.
  • Must have functioning latch to secure the window against external entry.
  • A window lock or bolt will meet the minimum standard.

 

Heating

A fixed heater is required in the main living area of the premises (not portable).

  • If existing: Must be in good working order
  • If a new heater is required, it must be a fixed energy-efficient heater in good working order. Energy Efficient heaters mean:
  • Non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump with a 2-star or above energy rating.
  • A gas space heater with a 2-star or above energy rating.
  • A ducted heating or hydronic heating system with an outlet in the main living area.
  • A domestic solid fuel burning appliance such as a fireplace.

 

Kitchen

The property must have a kitchen with:

  • Dedicated area for cooking and food preparation.
  • Sink in good working order with reasonable hot/cold water supply.
  • Cooktop with 2+ burners in good working order.
  • If there is an oven must be in good working order.

 

Bathroom

The property must have a bathroom with:

  • Washbasin and a shower or bath with a reasonable hot/water supply.
  • Shower head must be a 3-star water efficiency rating. (If a 3 star cannot be installed as will not operate effectively due to age, nature or structure of plumbing then a 1- or 2-star rating is fine).

 

 Toilet

The property's toilet must:

  • Be in good working order
  • Connected to an approved sewerage system
  • Located in a room intended to be used as a toilet area. (separate toilet or bathroom or combined in a bathroom and laundry).

 

Laundry

Any laundry facilities in the property must be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold-water.

 

Mould/Dampness

Each room must be free of mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure.

Structural Soundness

The property must be structurally sound and weatherproof. (Recommend qualified trade to check if possible).

 

Electrical Safety

  • All power outlets and lightning circuits need to be connected to:
  • A switchboard type circuit breaker and
  • A switchboard type residual current device that complies with relevant standards.

 

Lighting

All interior rooms, corridors and hallways are to have access to light either natural or artificial and appropriate to use of the room.

 

Ventilation

Each habitable room which includes bathroom, shower, toilet and laundry must have adequate ventilation.

 

  • Effective 1 November 2025

Compliance with Minimum Standards Before Advertising

Before a property can be advertised for rent, it must meet minimum standards. This ensures that rental properties are safe and habitable from the outset.

 

Prohibition of Rental Bidding

Rental providers and real estate agents are not allowed to encourage or accept rental bids, meaning they cannot request or accept offers above the advertised rent. All rental properties must be listed with a fixed price—price ranges or bidding invitations are not permitted, providing a fair and transparent rental process for everyone.

 

Ban on 'No Reason/no-fault' Evictions

Rental providers will no longer be able to end a lease at the end of a fixed-term without providing a valid reason. These include the owner or their family moving into the property, planned demolition or major renovations, or selling the property with vacant possession.

 

Extension of Notice Periods

The required notice period for rent increases and vacate notices will increase from 60 to 90 days, providing tenants with more time to adjust to changes.

 

 Mandatory Annual Smoke Alarm Checks

Rental Providers are requested to conduct annual smoke alarm safety checks, irrespective of when the rental agreement was established (previously the mandatory checks were only for rental agreements entered into after 2021).

 

Limit on Rent in Advance

Residential Rental Providers are not allowed to accept unsolicited or uninvited offers to pay rent more than one month in advance under the rental agreement.

Prescribed Rental Application Forms

A new standardised application form for renters will be introduced to simplify the application process for both renters and real estate agents.

 

  • Effective 1 December 2025

Mandatory Blinds and Curtain Cord Standards

All corded internal window coverings in residential rental properties must have an anchor installed to ensure the cords are secured or tensioned and cannot form a loose loop.

 

New Minimum Energy Efficiency standards- Phased introduction from 2027

Starting 1 March 2027, Victoria will begin a phased rollout of upgraded energy efficiency standards to help meet the state’s emissions reduction goals. These new standards aim to improve home comfort, reduce energy bills for renters, and lower overall emissions.

 

  • Effective 1 March 2027

Ceiling Insulation

Rental Providers must install ceiling insulation in the property where there are areas without insulation and meet minimum insulation requirements.

 

Cooling Standards

  • Rental providers must install energy-efficient cooling in the main living area at the start of a new or month-to-month rental agreement. This includes a minimum of a 3-star fixed cooling appliance or a 2-star equivalent central cooler.
  • Existing non-energy-efficient cooling systems must be upgraded when they reach the end of their lifespan.
  • From 1 July 2030, all rental properties must meet these cooling standards, regardless of when the rental agreement began, unless an exemption applies.

 

Heating and Hot Water

Outdated heating and hot water systems must be replaced with energy-efficient electric alternatives when they reach the end of their lifespan.

 

Showerheads

Showerheads must meet a minimum 4-star water efficiency rating.

 

  • Effective 1 July 2027

Draughtproofing

External doors, windows, and unsealed wall vents must have weather seals installed to help reduce heat loss.