Victoria has some of the strongest renter protections in Australia, strengthened significantly by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 which came into effect in March 2021. The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (RTA), as amended, gives Victorian renters meaningful rights on rent increases, pets, property modifications, and urgent repairs. This guide covers what to check in a Victorian rental agreement in 2025.
Rent Increases: Once Per Year Maximum
Under Victorian law, a landlord can only increase the rent once in any 12-month period, regardless of whether you are on a fixed-term or periodic agreement. The landlord must give at least 60 days' written notice of any rent increase. The notice must state the new rent amount and the date from which it applies.
As of January 1, 2024, rent increases in Victoria are also limited by a prescribed method — they cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 5%. This cap applies to all residential rental agreements covered by the RTA. Any clause in a lease allowing more frequent or uncapped rent increases is void.
Challenge excessive increases: If your landlord attempts a rent increase that exceeds the permitted cap, you can apply to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for a rent reduction order. You have 30 days from the notice to apply.
Pets in Victorian Rentals
The 2021 reforms introduced a presumption in favour of allowing pets. Landlords can no longer refuse a pet request without applying to VCAT for an order permitting refusal. VCAT can only refuse a pet on limited grounds — for example, if the property is genuinely unsuitable (e.g., a tiny unit with no outdoor space for a large dog), if the pet is prohibited by an owners corporation, or if the landlord genuinely cannot give informed consent in time.
A blanket "no pets" clause in a Victorian rental agreement is not automatically enforceable. If your landlord has included one, ask them to follow the proper consent process before you accept it.
Minor Modifications
Victorian renters have a right to make a range of minor modifications without the landlord's consent, provided they are on the prescribed list. These include:
- Installing picture hooks and shelf brackets (small holes)
- Fitting window furnishings (curtains, blinds) using existing fittings
- Child safety devices (safety latches, outlet covers)
- Accessibility modifications for renters with disabilities
- TV antenna connections, modem cables (no cable-running through walls)
At the end of the tenancy, you must restore the property to its original condition for non-consented modifications (fair wear and tear excepted). For consented modifications, you negotiate with the landlord whether to restore or leave the change in place.
Urgent Repairs
Victorian law specifies a list of urgent repairs that the landlord must attend to immediately (or as soon as practicable). These include:
- A burst water service or serious water leak
- A blocked or broken toilet
- A gas leak or dangerous electrical fault
- Flooding or serious storm damage
- A failure of the sole heating system
- A fault in appliances supplied by the landlord that cause danger
If the landlord cannot be contacted or fails to act, you can arrange and pay for urgent repairs up to $2,500 and recover the cost from the landlord. Keep all receipts and notify the landlord in writing as soon as possible.
Bond in Victoria
In Victoria, the bond (security deposit) is capped at one month's rent for rents up to $900 per week. For higher rents, no cap applies. The bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days. You should receive a bond receipt number from the RTBA directly — verify this has been received before moving in.
Landlord Entry Requirements
Under the RTA, landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice for most types of entry (except emergencies). Routine inspections require at least 48 hours' notice and cannot occur more than once every six months (after the first routine inspection which can be any time in the first three months). All entry must be at a reasonable time (usually 8am–6pm on weekdays and 9am–6pm on weekends, unless agreed).
Scan your Victorian rental agreement
LeaseScan checks your agreement against Victorian RTA requirements — rent increase caps, pet clauses, entry provisions, and bond rules.
Analyse My Lease →Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Victorian rental law continues to evolve — consult Consumer Affairs Victoria or a qualified lawyer for current advice.