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 meet the standards before the renter moves in (s65A).
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), rental providers must ensure a property meets minimum standards before it is advertised (s65B) and before a renter moves in (s65A).
Failure to comply may result in penalties, disputes, and potential legal action. Rental providers may also face fines if a property is leased without meeting minimum standards.
The Victorian rental minimum standards are defined across 15 categories.
Victorian Rental Minimum Standards Checklist (2026)
If you are a landlord or property manager in Victoria, ensuring your property meets the minimum rental standards is critical before advertising or leasing.The Victorian rental minimum standards are defined across 15 categories, including heating, ventilation, electrical safety, and structural soundness.
This guide provides a complete 2026 checklist to help you stay compliant and avoid potential penalties under Victorian legislation.
What Are Rental Minimum Standards in Victoria?
Rental minimum standards are legal requirements that all rental properties in Victoria must meet before being rented out.
These standards cover safety, security, and basic liveability to ensure tenants are protected.
When Do You Need to Comply?
You must ensure compliance:
- Before advertising the property
- Before a new lease starts
- When requested by a renter
Failing to comply may result in disputes, penalties, or issues with tenancy agreements.
Full Minimum Standards Checklist (2026)
1. Locks and Security
- External entry doors must have functioning deadlocks
2. Ventilation
- Each habitable room must have adequate ventilation (window or ventilation system)
3. Lighting
- Each room must have access to natural or artificial lighting
4. Heating
- A fixed heater must be installed in the main living area
5. Kitchen
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Functioning cooktop with at least two burners
6. Bathroom
- Shower or bath with hot and cold water
- Basin connected to water supply
7. Toilet
- Must be in working condition and connected to sewer or septic system
8. Laundry (if provided)
- Access to water connections
9. Structural Soundness
- Property must be structurally safe and free from major defects
10. Mould and Damp
- Must be free from visible mould and damp caused by structural issues
11. Electrical Safety
- Electrical systems must be safe and compliant
12. Window Coverings
- Windows in bedrooms and living areas must have coverings for privacy
13. Ceiling Insulation
- Must meet minimum energy efficiency requirements where applicable
Common Mistakes Landlords Make
Many landlords and agents unintentionally breach minimum standards by:
- Advertising before confirming compliance
- Missing minor issues like mould or ventilation
- Assuming old properties are automatically compliant
How to Stay Compliant (Recommended)
The safest way to ensure compliance is to:
- Conduct a full checklist inspection before advertising
- Keep records of compliance
- Use a structured checklist or digital tool
Use an App to Simplify Compliance
Instead of manually checking everything, you can use our app to:
- Run a full compliance check in minutes
- Identify risks before advertising
- Keep records for future reference
👉 Download the Minimum Standards Check App to simplify your compliance process.
Final Thoughts
Meeting Victorian rental minimum standards is not optional — it is a legal requirement.
By following this checklist and using the right tools, you can reduce risk, avoid disputes, and ensure a smooth leasing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rental properties need to meet minimum standards before advertising?
Yes. Under s65B of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), a property must meet minimum standards before it can be advertised for rent.
What happens if a property does not meet minimum standards?
The rental provider may face disputes, compliance action, and potential penalties.
How can I prove compliance?
Using a documented checklist or inspection report can help demonstrate a reasonable belief that the property meets minimum standards.
## Free Minimum Standards Checklist Tool
Instead of manually checking each item, you can use our app to:
– Complete a full compliance check in minutes
– Generate a report for your records
– Demonstrate reasonable belief under the law