Summary: Victoria sets a baseline every rental home must meet. Here is what is required, and how to get your property there without the stress.
If you rent out a property in Victoria, it has to meet a set of minimum standards before a renter moves in. Think of them as the floor, not the ceiling: the basics that make a home safe, secure and decent to live in. For a well-kept property most of it is already sorted, but the cost of getting it wrong, repair orders, disputes, a tenancy that starts badly, is very real.
Here, in plain English, is the sort of thing the standards cover.
Safety and security
- Working locks on external doors and windows that secure the property against entry.
- Smoke alarms installed, working and properly maintained.
- Electrical safety, including modern safety switches where required.
Amenity and comfort
- A functioning toilet, and a bathroom with a shower or bath.
- Adequate hot and cold water to the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
- A kitchen with a sink, a working cooktop and oven, and space to prepare food.
- Fixed heating in the main living area.
Privacy and the basics
- Window coverings in rooms likely to be bedrooms or living areas.
- A property that is structurally sound, free of building-related damp and mould, and in good repair.
The thinking behind it is simple, and fair. A renter is paying to live in your property, and the law says it should be safe and liveable from day one, whatever the age of the building or the rent being charged.
Getting there without the headache
Meeting the standards is rarely as daunting as it first looks, once someone has helped you work out what is actually needed and what is not. That is where we come in. We will walk your property with you, tell you plainly where it stands, and connect you with trusted tradespeople to close any gaps. We do not manage your property; we help you get it right and point you to the right people.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For the rules that apply to your property, check with Consumer Affairs Victoria or have a chat with us.
Not sure your property is compliant?