Before Advertising a Rental Property in Victoria (2026)
If you are planning to lease a property in Victoria, there are critical legal requirements you must meet before advertising.
The Victorian rental minimum standards are defined across 15 categories, including safety, heating, ventilation, electrical systems, and structural soundness.
Failing to comply can expose you to penalties, disputes, and delays in leasing.
Legal requirement before advertising
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), a rental provider must not advertise a property that does not meet the minimum standards (s65B).
The property must also comply before a renter moves in (s65A).
What does “reasonable belief” mean?
A rental provider or agent must have a reasonable belief that the property complies with the minimum standards at the time of advertising.
This means:
- You cannot rely on assumptions
- You must have evidence or checks
- You should document compliance
Pre-advertising checklist (Victoria)
Before listing your property, you should confirm:
Safety and compliance
- Electrical systems are safe and functional
- Gas appliances are compliant (if applicable)
Minimum standards
- Heating is installed in the main living area
- Property is free from mould and damp
- Adequate ventilation is available
- Windows have coverings for privacy
Structural condition
- The property is structurally sound
- No major defects or hazards
Basic facilities
- Kitchen and bathroom are functional
- Hot and cold water is available
- Toilet is in working condition
Common mistakes before advertising
Many landlords and agents:
- Advertise before checking compliance
- Assume safety checks are sufficient
- Overlook issues like mould or ventilation
These mistakes may result in breaches of s65B.
What happens if you advertise too early?
Advertising a non-compliant property may result in:
- Legal disputes
- Regulatory action
- Financial penalties
- Delays in securing a tenant
Both rental providers and their agents may be held responsible.
How to reduce risk
To protect yourself:
- Conduct a full inspection before advertising
- Use a structured checklist
- Keep records of compliance
Use a checklist or app
Instead of manually checking everything, you can:
- Complete a full compliance check quickly
- Identify risks before advertising
- Generate records to support your reasonable belief
👉 Use the Minimum Standards Check App to simplify compliance.
Related guides
For more details, see:
- Victorian Minimum Standards Checklist
- s65B Rental Advertising Victoria Explained
Final thoughts
Advertising a rental property in Victoria is not just a marketing step — it is a legal process.
Ensuring compliance before listing will help you avoid risk, protect your investment, and achieve a smoother leasing process.