From November 2025, new rental compliance rules come into effect across Victoria. These changes build on the existing reforms and focus on safety, minimum standards and clearer obligations for rental providers and renters.
If you own or manage a rental property in Victoria, this page explains what’s changing and how we can help you stay compliant.
What’s Changing in November 2025?
1. Updated Minimum Rental Standards
The Minimum Rental Standards are being tightened to improve safety and comfort in rental homes. Key areas affected include:
Heating
- Fixed heaters must meet updated efficiency requirements.
- Unflued gas heaters must be removed and replaced.
- Older, inefficient split systems may need assessment or upgrading.
Insulation
- Ceiling insulation must meet new minimum R-values.
- Properties with unknown insulation status will require assessment.
- Evidence of insulation compliance must be recorded and kept on file.
Ventilation & Mould
- Wet areas (bathrooms, laundries, kitchens) must have adequate ventilation.
- Reoccurring mould issues must be disclosed and addressed, not just “wiped over.”
- Clear timeframes now apply for mould-related repairs once reported.
Window Coverings
- Blinds and curtains must meet updated safety standards.
- Corded window coverings must be secured or replaced with compliant options.
2. Gas, Electrical & Smoke Alarm Compliance
Routine safety checks are not new, but the rules around how they’re done and recorded have been strengthened.
Key points from November 2025:
- Gas, electrical and smoke alarm checks remain required every 2 years, but a combined safety report is now preferred for each cycle.
- Properties with multiple gas appliances must have each appliance checked, including full carbon monoxide testing.
- Only appropriately accredited electricians and gas fitters can carry out these checks, and their accreditation details must be listed on the report.
- Smoke alarms are expected to be hardwired wherever practical, with battery-only alarms only allowed in limited circumstances.
- Items that fail a safety check must be rectified within stricter timeframes, often within 7–14 days depending on the risk.
3. New Disclosure Requirements at the Start of a Tenancy
Rental providers now need to disclose more information before a renter signs a rental agreement. This includes:
- Whether the property has insulation and the R-value rating (if known).
- Any known or recurring issues with mould, damp or leaks.
- Any recent failures in gas, electrical or smoke alarm safety checks.
- Whether any appliances are decommissioned or nearing end-of-life.
- Dates of the most recent gas, electrical, smoke alarm and Minimum Rental Standards checks.
This information should be provided with the rental agreement and kept on file for future reference.
4. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
The government is steadily lifting the energy performance of rental homes, and the November 2025 changes are another step in that direction.
You can expect requirements such as:
- Meeting a minimum energy-efficiency threshold over time.
- Replacing old heaters, hot water systems and cooking appliances with models that meet a minimum star rating when they are upgraded.
- Encouragement or requirements for basic water-saving fixtures in some properties.
These changes are designed to reduce running costs for renters and prepare properties for stricter future standards.
5. Higher Penalties for Non-Compliance
With clearer rules comes tougher enforcement.
Rental providers who don’t meet their obligations may face:
- Higher fines for missing, overdue or incomplete safety checks.
- Penalty units for each breach of the Minimum Rental Standards.
- Compensation claims or VCAT orders in more serious or repeat cases.
For agencies and property managers, accurate record-keeping and proactive compliance management are now essential, not optional.
What This Means for Rental Providers & Property Managers
If you’re a rental provider, you should:
- Confirm that your gas, electrical, smoke alarm and Minimum Rental Standards checks are current.
- Arrange insulation assessments if your property has never been checked or recorded.
- Budget for potential heater or appliance upgrades over the coming years.
- Keep copies of all compliance reports, invoices and rectification evidence in one place.
If you’re a property manager or agency, you should:
- Audit your current portfolio to identify upcoming or overdue compliance items.
- Ensure you’re working with properly accredited trades.
- Implement a system or platform to track expiry dates, inspections and reports for every property.
How We Can Help
This is where a dedicated compliance partner or platform makes a difference.
We can help you with:
- Coordinated gas, electrical, smoke alarm and Minimum Rental Standards checks.
- Compliance reporting that meets Victorian requirements.
- Easy access to all reports for VCAT, insurance and internal audits.
- Guidance on upgrades required to meet the new standards.
Want to make sure your properties are ready for November 2025 and beyond?
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your portfolio and upcoming compliance needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new rules start?
The latest changes take effect from November 2025. Some requirements phase in over time, so it’s wise to start preparing now rather than waiting until the last minute.
Do I need to upgrade everything at once?
Not necessarily. Some items will only need to be upgraded when they reach end-of-life or fail a safety check. Others, like insulation or minimum heating standards, may require proactive work.
What happens if my property doesn’t comply?
You may face higher fines, compensation claims, or VCAT orders. Non-compliance can also delay new tenancies and increase your risk profile with insurers.
Can you manage this for me?
Yes. We can coordinate inspections, organise reports, and help you stay on top of expiry dates and rectification work.