More protections for renters

New rental laws start next month, 13 October 2026, giving renters stronger protections against unfair and dodgy practices. These new laws include:

• Evidence to make a claim against your bond
• Paying your bond directly to the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
• Evidence that a rental property meets minimum standards
• Electrical and gas checks every 2 years
• Evidence that rooming house common areas, facilities and services meet standards
• Ban on extra fees for applying for a property or failed rent payments

Evidence to make a claim against your bond

If a landlord or agent wants to make a claim against your bond, they must provide evidence, such as photos or quotes.

A landlord or agent can be fined if they make a claim against your bond without evidence or the claim conflicts with the condition report.

Paying your bond directly to the RTBA

You can now choose to pay your bond directly to the RTBA. This was already possible, but it is now law.

To do this, tell your landlord or agent that you want to pay the bond directly to the RTBA.  The landlord or agent starts the bond lodgement process with the RTBA and the RTBA sends you an email to review and accept the lodgement.

Evidence that a rental property meets minimum standards

Landlords and agents must keep records to show Consumer Affairs Victoria that a property meets rental minimum standards when advertised and rented. For a list of these standards, see our webpage on minimum standards.

Electrical and gas checks every 2 years

Landlords or agents must arrange electrical and gas safety checks every 2 years and give you the date of the most recent check in writing.

Evidence that rooming house common areas, facilities and services meet standards

Rooming house operators must keep records to show Consumer Affairs Victoria that a rooming house meets standards for facilities, services and common areas. For example, rooming house operators must show they have a shared laundry facility for every 12 or fewer residents. The shared laundry must include a clothesline or other drying facility, hot and cold water supply, a wash trough or basin and free access to a washing machine in good working order.

Landlords cannot charge extra fees when you apply for a property

Landlords, agents and rent tech companies cannot charge fees for:

• Applying for a rental property
• Failed rent payments
• Background checks
• Lease or rental history or database checks
• Credit checks
• Identity verification
• Administrative costs

This builds on the existing ban on charging extra fees to pay your rent.