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19 November, 2025 / Category: Blog
Following major rental law changes introduced by the Victorian Government in 2021, a new round of reforms will come into effect on 25 November. There’s been plenty of commentary about the additional requirements placed on property owners and agents, and while the changes are significant, they’re also manageable with the right approach.
Let’s break it down simply, without the doom and gloom.
What’s Changing?
Yes, the reforms introduce extra steps to ensure rental homes are safe, compliant and fair for tenants. And yes, both property owners and agents can face hefty fines for getting things wrong. But one of the most important clarifications is this:
These requirements apply when a property is advertised for lease.
If you already have a tenant in place, you don’t need to rush out and complete all the upgrades immediately. You can address these requirements later, when the home next becomes vacant.
Is it annoying to have extra compliance tasks? Absolutely. But once they’re done, they’re done, and you gain long-term peace of mind knowing your property is protected from penalties.
Why the Reforms Matter for Planning Ahead
Beyond the practical changes, these reforms introduce a mindset shift for property owners because notice periods have now moved to 90 days – for rent increases or notices to vacate.
For example: If your goal is to sell early next year when the market re-energises in February, you’re realistically looking at March or April to list, once you factor in the 90-day notice period plus the time needed for repairs, staging and photography.
In other words, these new rules mean you need to be more strategic with long-term planning.
How to Plan Smarter
This is where your agent becomes more than a property manager, they become an advisor.
A good agent can help you map out:
With the rules now more structured and the timelines longer, having expert guidance is more valuable than ever.
A Final Word on Risk
It’s also important to acknowledge that some agents may be tempted to cut corners, and some owners may seek them out to minimise costs. But in the new regulatory environment, this carries significant risk: fines in the thousands for non-compliance.
It’s worth considering whether saving a small amount upfront is worth the potential liability later.
The Bottom Line
These reforms aren’t designed to make life harder, they’re designed to lift standards. And while they do require more planning, they ultimately encourage property owners to think long-term, act strategically and work closely with trusted advisors.
Handled well, they’ll help protect both your property and your investment for years to come.
As property advocates and property managers we love what we do. Searching, negotiating and securing the perfect property for our clients, sooner and on better terms.
