s65B Rental Advertising Victoria Explained
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 it is not enough to assume compliance — there must be evidence or checks to support that belief.
If you are a landlord or property manager in Victoria, it is critical to understand s65B of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) before advertising your property.
This section of the law directly affects when and how you can legally advertise a rental property.
Penalties for non-compliance can exceed $11,000 for individuals and over $50,000 for companies, depending on the circumstances.
What is s65B?
Section 65B of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) requires that a rental property must meet the minimum standards before it is advertised for rent.
This means compliance is not optional — it is a legal requirement before listing.
Is it illegal to advertise a non-compliant property?
Yes.
Under s65B, it is unlawful to advertise a residential rental property if it does not meet the prescribed minimum standards.
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood obligations among landlords and agents.
When must the property comply?
A rental property must meet minimum standards:
- Before advertising (s65B)
- Before a renter moves in (s65A)
Failure at either stage may expose the rental provider to legal and financial risks.
What are the minimum standards?
The Victorian rental minimum standards are defined across 15 categories, including:
- Heating
- Ventilation
- Electrical safety
- Structural soundness
- Mould and damp
- Locks and security
- Lighting
- Kitchen facilities
- Bathroom facilities
For a full checklist, refer to our complete guide:
👉 Victorian Minimum Standards Checklist
Common mistakes landlords make
Many compliance issues arise because landlords:
- Assume compliance can be checked after advertising
- Rely only on safety checks (gas/electrical)
- Overlook issues such as mould, ventilation, or window coverings
These mistakes can lead to breaches of s65B.
What are the risks of non-compliance?
Failing to comply with s65B may result in:
- Legal disputes
- Regulatory action
- Potential penalties or fines
- Delays in leasing
How to demonstrate compliance
To protect yourself, you should:
- Conduct a full minimum standards inspection
- Document your findings
- Ensure you have a reasonable belief that the property complies
Proper documentation is critical if your compliance is ever challenged.
Use a checklist or app to reduce risk
Instead of relying on memory or manual checks, you can:
- Follow a structured checklist
- Use a digital tool to document compliance
- Generate a report before advertising
👉 Use the Minimum Standards Check App to simplify compliance and reduce risk.
Final thoughts
s65B is a critical legal requirement in Victoria that directly impacts rental advertising.
Understanding and complying with this section is essential to avoid unnecessary risk and ensure a smooth leasing process.