Key responsibilities

STARTING A TENANCY

-Rental providers and agents are banned from inviting bids or soliciting offers higher than the advertised rent -Rental providers and agents cannot request inappropriate information in a rental application, including whether the applicant has been in a dispute with a rental provider or had a claim on their bond, or a credit or bank statement with daily transactions

-Rental providers can only request a bond of more than one month’s rent if the weekly rent exceeds $900

-Each renter must be provided with a free set of keys or security device. Renters can only be charged a reasonable fee for additional sets or replacements

-Rental providers must ensure a property is provided and maintained in good repair, and is in a reasonably fit and suitable condition for occupancy

-Rental providers must ensure their property meets minimum standards before the renter moves in. If it does not, the renter can terminate the agreement or request an urgent repair

-Rental providers must ensure external doors are secured with a working deadlock and each window capable of having a lock has one

DURING A TENANCY

-Rent increases can only occur if a fixed-term agreement specifies the amount or method of the increase

-If a renter receives an excessive utility bill attributable to a hidden fault, the rental provider must cover the costs that exceed the renter’s ordinary usage

-Urgent repairs now include repairs or replacements relating to airconditioning, safety devices and any fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure. If rental providers do not respond immediately, a renter can authorise an urgent repair up to the value of $2500. The rental provider must reimburse this within seven days of receiving written notice

-Renters can make certain modifications to a property without the rental provider’s consent, and rental providers cannot unreasonably refuse consent for other modifications. Renters must pay for modifications unless they are classed as a repair or needed for safety

-Rental providers must comply with requirements for keeping and producing records of gas and electrical safety checks, and smoke detector checks, at the property

-Pets can be kept at properties with the written consent of the rental provider, who must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to reasonably refuse permission

ENDING A TENANCY

-Renters must leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, taking into account fair wear and tear. This includes reversing modifications or covering the cost of reversing them, unless they and their rental provider agree otherwise -Rental providers cannot issue a “no specified reason” notice to vacate. They must provide a valid reason, such as they are selling, moving in themselves, or the tenant has caused serious damage to the property

-A notice to vacate can only be issued at the end of the first fixed term of a rental agreement, except for agreements of more than five years

-Renters can apply directly to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority, without the rental provider’s permission, to have all or part of their bond returned

-When inspections to sell a rental property are conducted, renters are entitled to compensation of half a day’s rent or $30 (whichever is higher) per inspection

Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria. For all the reforms, visit