Victorian Rentals in 2026: Blink and You Might Miss a New Law
Legislation is changing quickly, but we've rounded up the updates that matter most for renters, rental providers and property managers.
If you've been feeling like Victorian rental legislation changes almost as often as Melbourne's weather... you're probably not imagining it.
Between new application rules, changes to bond processes, upcoming compliance requirements and future energy efficiency standards, there's been plenty happening in the rental space this year. Whether you're a renter, rental provider or property manager, keeping up can sometimes feel like trying to read the terms and conditions after you've already clicked "I Agree."
The good news? We've done the reading for you.
Here's a practical (and hopefully painless) guide to the key changes introduced throughout 2026, along with a look at what's still around the corner.
Changes Introduced on 31 March 2026
A Standard Rental Application Form
Remember when every real estate agency had its own rental application?
One asked for everything short of your Year 3 report card, while another seemed to fit on half a page.
From 31 March 2026, rental providers and estate agents must use the prescribed Residential Rental Application Form when assessing applicants.
The aim is simple: create a more consistent application process across Victoria, making it easier for renters to apply for multiple properties while ensuring rental providers receive the information they need to assess applications.
It doesn't necessarily mean less paperwork—but at least everyone is now working from the same script.
Clearer Rules Around What Information Can Be Requested
Alongside the standard application form came clearer guidance around what information rental providers and agents can request from prospective renters.
Information collected must now be relevant to:
confirming identity;
assessing a person's ability to pay the advertised rent; and
determining their suitability as a renter.
The changes are designed to strike a balance between protecting applicants' privacy while still allowing rental providers to make informed decisions about who will be living in their investment property.
Goodbye to Third-Party Fees
Another welcome change was aimed at simplifying the application process.
Third-party businesses are no longer permitted to charge renters fees simply for submitting rental applications or making rent payments through their platforms.
Rental providers and estate agents can still choose to use third-party software, but those businesses can no longer pass additional application or payment fees onto renters.
Because let's be honest—moving house is expensive enough without discovering another surprise fee hiding around the corner.
Additional Considerations for Rent Increases
Changes introduced in March also expanded the factors that Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), including Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, can consider when determining whether a proposed rent increase is excessive.
This doesn't mean every rent increase will be challenged, nor does it prevent rental providers from reviewing rent.
Instead, it provides additional guidance when disputes arise and allows each situation to be considered on its individual circumstances.
Changes Introduced on 1 July 2026
Victoria's Portable Rental Bond Scheme
Perhaps the most talked-about change this winter has been Victoria's new Portable Rental Bond Scheme.
The scheme allows eligible renters to transfer the value of their existing bond directly to a new rental property through the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), rather than paying a second bond while waiting for the first one to be refunded.
Participation is completely optional and comes with a $25 application fee.
How does it work?
In simple terms:
Sign your new lease before paying the bond.
Tell your new rental provider or property manager you'd like to use the Portable Rental Bond Scheme.
Once the bond request has been lodged with the RTBA, you'll receive an email inviting you to opt in.
Accept the Terms and Conditions and pay the $25 application fee.
If your new bond is higher, simply pay the difference.
The bond value is then transferred through the RTBA system.
What About the Previous Property?
One question many people asked when the scheme was announced was:
"What happens if my previous rental provider still has a legitimate claim against my bond?"
The answer lies with the Victorian Government.
Under the scheme, the State Government temporarily acts as guarantor should a successful bond claim arise after the transfer has occurred. The Government pays the claim first before recovering that amount from the renter.
This allows the transfer process to continue without delaying the commencement of the new tenancy while maintaining the existing bond protections for rental providers.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Like most legislation, there's a little more to it than the headline.
For example:
The scheme transfers the value of the existing bond, not the renters listed on the bond.
Two separate bonds can't be combined into one.
Homes Victoria bond loans aren't eligible.
Share house renters may be eligible if everyone listed on both leases agrees to the transfer.
The scheme can generally be used each time you move, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met.
For property managers, communication is key. If a renter wishes to use the scheme, it's important they advise their property manager before paying the bond, as the RTBA follows a different process for Portable Rental Bonds than a standard bond lodgement.
Coming Soon – Changes From 13 October 2026
As if 2026 hadn't already been busy enough, there's another round of changes arriving in October.
Stronger Bond Claim Requirements
Rental providers who intend to make a bond claim at the end of a tenancy will be required to notify the renter beforehand and provide evidence supporting their claim.
The intention is to improve transparency around bond claims and help ensure all parties understand the basis of any deductions before the claim progresses.
Records Demonstrating Minimum Standards
Rental providers will also need to retain records demonstrating that a rental property met Victoria's Rental Minimum Standards when it was advertised or offered for rent.
Consumer Affairs Victoria may publish guidance on what documentation is considered sufficient, but examples could include compliance certificates, invoices, reports and maintenance records.
Good record keeping has always been valuable—it's now becoming even more important.
Gas Safety Before Draughtproofing
If draughtproofing works are planned for a rental property, a licensed or registered gasfitter must first complete a gas ventilation safety check within the previous six months.
The requirement is designed to ensure improving a property's energy efficiency doesn't unintentionally create gas ventilation risks.
It's another reminder that sometimes improving one part of a home means checking another first.
Application Fees
From October, it will also become an offence for rental providers or estate agents to charge renters an application fee.
Combined with the earlier changes affecting third-party providers, the reforms reinforce that simply applying for a rental property shouldn't come with additional charges.
Looking Ahead – March 2027
The legislative calendar isn't slowing down just yet.
From 1 March 2027, Victoria will begin phasing in new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties.
These standards will progressively cover areas such as:
heating;
cooling;
hot water systems;
showerheads;
ceiling insulation; and
draughtproofing.
The changes will be introduced in stages and may apply at different times depending on the circumstances of the tenancy or property.
For rental providers, it may be worthwhile becoming familiar with the upcoming requirements now, rather than waiting until they're triggered.
What Does This Mean for Everyone?
The rental industry continues to evolve, and while legislative updates can sometimes feel overwhelming, many of these changes are aimed at creating greater consistency, transparency and clarity across the rental process.
For renters, there are new protections and more streamlined processes.
For rental providers, there are additional compliance and record-keeping obligations, while existing rights and responsibilities remain in place.
For property managers, these updates mean keeping clients informed, adjusting processes where required and helping everyone navigate changes with confidence.
At the end of the day, whether you're handing over keys, signing a lease, lodging a bond or simply trying to remember which piece of legislation changed this week, staying informed is one of the best ways to avoid surprises.
And if all else fails, just remember: unlike Melbourne's weather, at least these changes come with commencement dates.
Want to Learn More?
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides detailed guidance on each of these legislative changes, including commencement dates, eligibility requirements and practical resources for renters, rental providers and property professionals.
You can find more information by visiting the Consumer Affairs Victoria website or, for the Portable Rental Bond Scheme specifically, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/portable-bonds.
If you're a client of Us Real Estate and have questions about how these changes may affect your tenancy or investment property, our team is always happy to help point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
If there's one thing we've learnt over the past few years, it's that Victoria's rental legislation doesn't stand still for long.
From updated application processes and bond reforms to upcoming compliance and energy efficiency standards, 2026 has certainly kept renters, rental providers and property managers on their toes. While keeping up with legislative changes can sometimes feel like a full-time job, understanding what's changed (and what's still to come) can help avoid confusion, unnecessary delays and unexpected surprises down the track.
Whether you're applying for your next rental, managing an investment property, or simply trying to remember which changes have already started and which ones are still on the horizon, staying informed is the best place to start.
At Us Real Estate, we're committed to helping our clients navigate these changes with practical advice, clear communication and up-to-date industry knowledge. If you have questions about how any of these legislative updates may affect your tenancy, investment property or upcoming move, we're always happy to point you in the right direction.
Your Us Real Estate Team
📞 Tamika Thurgood – 0401 431 484
✉️ [email protected]
📞 Monique Robins – (03) 8762 0128
✉️ [email protected]
✨ Here's to smoother applications, informed decisions, compliant properties, and keeping up with legislation—without needing to read every page of the Residential Tenancies Act. ✨