New rental standards target slumlords

The Victorian government has announced new measures to make the region’s rental properties safer and more energy efficient, aiming to lower power bills and improve living conditions for renters.

The initiative includes a consultation process for proposed minimum rental standards, as well as a new complaint form for reporting properties that do not meet these standards.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams and Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio launched the consultation for the proposed standards, which include requirements for ceiling insulation, draught-proofing, hot water efficiency, and cooling.

Ms Williams said the standards would have financial benefits for renters.

“The proposed standards will make rental properties safer and more comfortable – giving renters peace of mind for both the winter and summer and driving down costs.”

Under the proposed changes, landlords will be required to meet minimum standards for ceiling insulation, draught sealing on all external doors, and replace outdated hot water and heating systems with energy-efficient electric appliances.

Additionally, a 3-star cooling rating for systems in the main living area, 4-star shower heads in all showers, and blind cord anchors will be mandated. These heating and cooling standards are expected to save renters an additional $215 annually.

The new standards will be phased in to give landlords adequate time to comply, with full compliance required by 30 October 2025.

These enhanced standards build on the existing rental minimum standards introduced in 2021, which covered 14 categories including heating, bathrooms and kitchens, ventilation, and electrical safety.

In addition to these standards, the government has introduced a new complaint form to alert Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) about properties that do not meet minimum standards or are falsely advertised.

The form, part of the state Government’s $4 million renting taskforce, allows Victorians to report issues with rental properties, including inaccurate descriptions or images and breaches of rental minimum standards.

Significant penalties will apply to estate agents and landlords who breach these standards, with maximum fines exceeding $11,000 for individuals and $57,000 for businesses.

Higher penalties can also apply under Australian Consumer Law for misleading advertisements or false representations.

Ms Williams said that anyone with concerns that a property is not being advertised fairly or does not meet the minimum standards can now more easily alert Consumer Affairs Victoria.

“The rental complaint form is backed by our renting taskforce and rental minimum standards campaign. These measures are making our rental market fairer for all Victorians and ensuring that all rental properties can be called a home,” she said.

The renting taskforce, embedded within CAV, is currently recruiting additional intelligence analysts, investigators, and lawyers to support its work in monitoring compliance and enforcing the law.