New Victorian Rental Laws
The Victorian Government has introduced significant rental law reforms taking effect in November 2025, establishing enhanced minimum standards for rental properties. These changes create new compliance obligations for landlords and Real Estates, particularly regarding roof safety, weatherproofing, and insulation requirements. This document outlines the critical compliance changes, legal responsibilities, and practical steps needed to meet these new standards whilst avoiding substantial financial penalties.
Key compliance changes for rental properties
The Victorian Government has passed new rental laws set to take effect in November 2025, introducing stricter compliance requirements for property managers and owners—particularly around structural safety and roof integrity. One of the key reforms mandates that the roof of a rental property must be structurally sound, watertight, and free from hazards before a property can be advertised or leased. This means that regular roof inspections are no longer just best practice—they're a legal necessity.
Property managers will now be responsible for ensuring that every rental property under their care undergoes appropriate roof assessments, especially prior to new tenancies or lease renewals. Any signs of damage—such as cracked tiles, sagging, leaks, or missing flashing—must be rectified to meet compliance standards. Failing to do so can result in significant penalties, with fines of up to:
$11,000 for individuals and $59,000 for companies per breach.
These changes aim to protect tenants from avoidable structural issues and ensure homes are safe and habitable year-round. For agencies and owners, this is a timely opportunity to partner with qualified roof inspectors and implement systems for regular reporting and documentation to meet their legal obligations under the new framework.
Ensure Roof Compliance with the 2025 Victorian Rental Reforms
From 30 October 2025, new and periodic rental agreements in Victoria must meet enhanced minimum standards under state legislation. This includes ensuring the roof is weatherproof, structurally sound, and ceiling insulation is present if required.
At Vantage Roof Inspections, we specialise in independent, unbiased roof inspections to help property managers and landlords meet these requirements without delay or confusion.
Under the updated Victorian Rental Minimum Standards, Real Estates and landlords must:
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Ensure the roof is free from leaks, sagging, or structural issues
By inspecting for broken tiles, rust, water damage, or weak spots. These defects can lead to serious safety and compliance risks. Under Victoria’s new rental laws (effective November 2025), a structurally sound roof is mandatory before leasing or renewing a tenancy. Non-compliance may result in heavy fines.
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Ceiling Insulation Compliance Check
Confirm ceiling insulation is installed—whether it's blow-in or batts. Properties without insulation may fail to meet minimum standards under Victoria’s updated rental laws. Ensure type before signing or renewing leases.
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Provide evidence of compliance before signing or renewing leases
Real estate agencies, landlords, and property managers must ensure all minimum standards—such as roof integrity, ceiling insulation, smoke alarms, and structural safety—are met and properly documented. This evidence is essential to demonstrate legal compliance under Victoria’s updated rental laws taking effect in November 2025.
Who Is Legally Accountable for Non-Compliance?
Under Victorian law, landlords and real estate agencies share legal responsibility for ensuring rental properties meet minimum standards. Both parties must verify compliance, such as confirming the roof is weatherproof, structurally sound, and insulated before leasing.
Non-compliance cannot be excused by shifting blame. Penalties apply based on each party’s role, with fines ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. This shared accountability ensures tenant safety is prioritised, and all involved in the rental process understand their obligations.
Specific Legal Responsibilities
Landlords (Rental Providers)
Landlords bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring their rental property meets all legal minimum standards before it is leased or renewed. This responsibility cannot be delegated entirely to property managers, as owners maintain legal liability for their property's condition.
If compliance cannot be demonstrated through proper documentation such as a professional roof inspection report, landlords face severe financial penalties. Individual landlords may be fined up to $11,000, whilst corporate entities face fines up to $59,000. Beyond monetary penalties, landlords may face tenant claims, legal disputes, and forced delays to leasing activities that directly impact rental income.
- Fines up to $11,000 (individuals)
- Fines up to $59,000 (corporate entities)
- Tenant claims and legal disputes
- Forced delays to property leasing
Real Estate Agencies / Property Managers
Property managers who act on behalf of landlords are equally accountable under the new legislation. They cannot simply claim they were following instructions or were unaware of compliance requirements, as professional property managers are expected to understand and implement current legal obligations.
Agencies must ensure all required documentation is obtained before advertising or leasing any property. They are responsible for not advertising properties that are non-compliant and for informing landlords about their legal obligations. If an agency fails in these duties, they face fines and potential investigation, particularly if properties are advertised, leased, or renewed without meeting minimum standards.
- Ensuring compliance documentation is obtained
- Not advertising non-compliant properties
- Informing landlords of legal obligations
- Professional liability for compliance failures
No Evidence = Legal & Financial Risk
Victoria’s new rental laws eliminate reliance on assumptions or informal checks. Without clear evidence such as a professional roof inspection report, both landlords and real estate agencies remain legally and financially exposed. Ignorance is not a valid defence.
Courts and regulators now expect documented proof of compliance before any property is leased. This marks a shift to evidence based property management focused on tenant safety.
Independent timestamped reports such as roof inspections offer the strongest protection, confirming due diligence, verified compliance, and professional standards for all parties involved in the leasing process.
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