Victoria Passes Landmark Rental Reforms: No-Grounds Evictions Banned

Source: Domain

In a significant win for renters across Victoria, the state parliament has passed groundbreaking rental reforms, eliminating no-grounds evictions and banning rental bidding. These changes mark a major shift in tenant protections, ensuring greater stability and fairness in the rental market.

Under the new legislation, landlords will no longer have the authority to terminate a lease without valid reasons. This move is expected to provide much-needed security for renters who have long faced the uncertainty of abrupt evictions.

Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri, who introduced the bill, emphasized its importance in safeguarding tenant rights. "For too long, renters have been ignored by politicians, and laws have been made in favour of landlords and property investors. Renters are now on the political agenda," she stated. She highlighted the challenges many renters face, including frequent relocations and hidden rental costs, which this legislation aims to address.

Among other significant reforms, the notice period for vacating a property has been extended from 60 to 90 days, and rental application forms will be standardized to prevent unnecessary disclosure of sensitive personal information. Furthermore, landlords will no longer be allowed to charge hidden fees for rental payments, a common practice on third-party payment platforms.

While these reforms are seen as a victory for renters, provisions remain to protect landlords in cases of tenant misconduct. Evictions will still be permitted under specific circumstances, such as non-payment of rent, property damage, major repairs, owner move-ins, or property sales.

Despite supporting certain reforms, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on investment. CEO Kelly Ryan noted that while measures such as mandated smoke alarm checks and adherence to minimum rental standards are positive steps, the increasing regulatory burden could deter property investors, exacerbating rental supply shortages.

The exact date for these reforms to take effect has yet to be announced, but their passage marks a pivotal moment in Victoria’s housing landscape. As similar legislation has already been enacted in New South Wales, this movement reflects a broader push for tenant protections across Australia.

If you have any questions or need any information about Australian property, buying Australian property, selling property or looking for property management, you can leave a message or WhatsApp +61 481 988 806 to contact real estate expert, Entre Shield Property, we have the most professional sales consultants to answer any related questions for you!

Phone/ WhatsApp: 0481 988 806

Email: info@esproperty.com.au

FB: ESPropertyAU

Ins: esproperty