Victoria’s rental landscape is changing and savvy property investors should pay attention. In July 2025, Consumer Affairs Victoria reinforced the existing 14 categories of minimum rental property standards and introduced significant updates to ensure rental properties are safe, functional, and energy efficient.
What Are the Baseline Minimum Standards (Effective Now)?
Under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, residential rental providers must ensure any rental agreement starting from 29 March 2021 (or earlier agreements rolling into periodic leases) meets minimum standards before a tenant moves in.
The 14 categories include:
- Bathroom: Working washbasin and shower or bath with hot and cold water; 3-star water efficiency showerhead (1- or 2-star acceptable only if age prevents upgrade).
- Kitchen: Functional sink with hot and cold water, working stovetop (two or more burners) and oven if provided.
- Heating: Fixed heater in the main living area, energy-efficient if tenancy commenced from 29 March 2023, including non-ducted air conditioner, 2-star gas heater or fireplace.
- Electrical Safety: Properties must have modern switchboards with circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs).
- Ventilation and Lighting: Adequate ventilation in all habitable rooms to building code standards; natural and artificial light in hallways and living areas.
- Locks, Windows and Window Coverings: External doors must have secure locks; all openable windows must latch; bedrooms and living areas must have curtains or blinds that block light and provide privacy.
- Mould and Damp: All rooms must be free from structural mould and damp.
- Structural Soundness and Vermin-Proof Bins: Property must be weatherproof, structurally sound, and have vermin-proof, council-compliant rubbish bins.
Non-compliance is a criminal offence. Landlords can face significant penalties, and tenants may request urgent repairs or cancel the lease before moving in if minimum standards are not met.
What’s New?: Late 2024 and Mid-2025 Updates
Until recently, properties were only required to meet these standards by the time tenants moved in. From late December 2025, blind cord safety anchors must be installed on all corded blinds or curtains. This simple but vital change aims to reduce the risk of accidents involving young children.
In addition, minimum standards must now be met before advertising a property – not just before a tenancy begins. This means investment property management teams and property managers must ensure properties are fully compliant at the listing stage.
Why This Matters for Property Managers and Investors
- Avoid Penalties and Legal Risk
Failing to meet standards before listing or leasing can result in serious fines and reputational damage. A proactive approach protects your investments and your financial position as a property owner. - Boost Tenant Confidence and Retention
Renters increasingly prioritise safety and functionality. Compliant properties are more appealing, which reduces vacancy rates and improves tenant retention. - Checklist Completion Pre-Listing
Integrating the minimum standards checklist into the onboarding process for new managements and/or the exit inspection prior to re-letting ensures compliance is addressed early and consistently as standards must be met prior to listing. - Reduce Operating Costs Long-Term
Upgrading to energy-efficient systems like fixed heaters, switchboards, and showerheads may require an initial investment but leads to reduced maintenance and better rental yields over time.
Best Practices for Property Investors
- Ensure your property management company runs a full minimum standards audit before listing any property.
- Engage a qualified electrician to check heating and electrical systems, ensuring they meet current standards.
- Install 3-star showerheads or higher where required.
- Ensure that blind cord safety anchors are fitted on all window coverings before 1 December 2025. Free kits can be ordered from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- Ensure that your property management team is completing thorough condition reports that document safety standard checks in each area and ensure compliance checks are completed annually or bi-annually as per the regualtions.
- Use available rebate programs to offset upgrade costs.
Preparing for the Future: The Energy Efficiency Roll-Out
From March 2027, new energy efficiency standards will begin phasing in. These include mandatory upgrades such as ceiling insulation, draughtproofing, efficient heating and cooling systems, and water-saving fixtures. While these are not yet required, planning for them now will ease future transitions and improve property value and livability.
| Area | Current Mandatory Standard | Upcoming Charge |
| Minimum Standards | Must meet minimum standards before tenant moves in | Must meet minimum standards before property is advertised |
| Heating | Fixed energy-efficient heater required from March 2023 | Stricter energy requirements from 2027 |
| Electrical Safety | Switchboards with circuit breakers and RCDs | No immediate change, but essential |
| Blind Cord Safety | Not mandatory at present | Mandatory safety anchors by Dec 2025 |
| Compliance Checklist | 14 key categories must be reviewed and documented | Continues to be enforced rigorously |
For anyone involved in investment property management or working as a property manager, staying up to date with Victoria’s rental minimum standards is critical. Ensuring compliance not only avoids legal issues but enhances the quality of housing stock, improves tenant satisfaction, and protects the long-term value of your property investments. By addressing today’s requirements and preparing for tomorrow’s energy efficiency upgrades, you position yourself and your properties for continued success in a competitive market.
For assistance with the Minimum Standards and Compliance of your investment properties, contact us today.
