Updated 20 October 2026.
A listing can be ready to go while the property file still has gaps: an unfinished repair, an unidentified shower head or a contractor’s report that has not arrived. Deal with those gaps before pressing publish.
Consumer Affairs Victoria says rental properties must meet minimum standards when advertised or offered for rent, and before the renter moves in. From 13 October 2026, recordkeeping requirements also apply. See CAV’s current requirements. The steps below are a suggested way to organise the work, rather than a prescribed government process.
1. Open the property file before booking the listing
Bring together the previous inspection, repair history and available specialist reports. Check that each document refers to the right address and equipment. A document from a previous tenancy may help, but it does not tell you what has changed since.
Write down what still needs checking. Give each outstanding item an owner and a next action, such as asking the plumber for a product reference or arranging access to inspect a repaired area.
2. Inspect with the full checklist
Use the 15-category minimum standards checklist to work through the property. For each item, distinguish what you observed from what a document or specialist assessment establishes.
For example, a bathroom photograph can show the shower’s location and visible condition. It may not identify the shower head model or its water rating. If the rating is unknown, record that question and follow it up instead of treating the photograph as confirmation.
3. Close the gaps and record the result
Keep a short action list alongside the inspection. “Bathroom: confirm shower head model” is more useful than “bathroom to check”. Add the contractor’s response or product information when it arrives, then record how the item was resolved.
Where work is needed, retain the relevant invoice or report and check the result. A quote explains proposed work; it is not evidence that the work was completed. For a technical assessment, use an appropriately qualified professional.
4. Review the file before the advertisement goes live
Put the inspection report, supporting photographs and relevant property documents together so the person handling the listing can find them. Make outstanding questions visible. If you have not established whether an item meets the applicable standard, resolve it before treating the property as ready.
A useful internal handover note records the property address, inspection date, who reviewed the file and where the supporting documents are stored. These are practical organisation suggestions; they do not replace the legal requirements.
5. Check again before handing over the keys
Keep the advertising-stage record, then note any changes before occupation. Repairs, damage or equipment replacements during the gap may need a fresh check. Save the later record separately so the earlier version remains understandable.
What belongs in the file?
- The dated inspection report, including observations and unresolved questions.
- Photographs labelled by room or item, with enough context to identify what they show.
- Relevant specialist reports, product details and completed repair records.
- A brief follow-up record showing what was checked after work was completed.
The mix of evidence depends on the property and the issue. A neat PDF is useful for organising findings, but cannot by itself establish every technical requirement.
Using Minimum Standards Check
The app lets you record observations, add photographs and generate a report from your phone. Keep the exported report with the supporting property documents. It is an inspection record, not a government-issued certificate or a substitute for specialist assessment.
For the wider context, read Rental Minimum Standards Victoria: Rules and Records. For the advertising provision, see our s65B guide. Future requirements are covered separately in the 2027 changes guide.