Your Questions About Rental Minimum Standards – Answered
- Kathryn Docking
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We’ve gathered the most common questions about Rental Minimum Standards (RMS) for Victorian rental properties and provided answers to help you navigate your legal obligations.
If you have any questions you'd like us to answer about Rental Minimum Standards please get in touch - our team are experienced in current legislation and happy to talk through your requirements and provide recommendations.
"When must properties meet minimum standards – before advertising or just before tenants move in?"
As of 25 November 2025, Victorian rental properties must meet minimum standards before they are advertised or offered for rent, not just before occupancy. Consumer Affairs Victoria often inspects properties during open-for-inspection periods.
"What are all the ‘minimum standards’ required under the law?"
Victoria requires compliance across 15 categories:
Structural soundness
Mould and dampness
Kitchen
Bathroom
Electrical safety
Heating
Locks
Windows
Ventilation
Lighting
Rubbish bins
Toilets
Laundry
Window coverings
Blind-cord safety (from 1 Dec 2025)
“Do I need to hire an external inspector, or can we self-assess RMS compliance?”
There is no legal requirement for a licensed inspector; property owners or agents can self-assess.
However, technical aspects like electrical safety, structural soundness, and mould detection often require expertise and specialist tools to properly assess.
Many choose external providers to reduce risk and save time.
“What are the legal risks, penalties or consequences if the property is non-compliant (or if the property is advertised while non-compliant)?”
Renting or advertising a non-compliant property is a criminal offence in Victoria.
Fines for breaching rental minimum standards range from $12,210.60 for individuals to $61,053 for companies - the more categories breached, the stiffer the fine.
Other consequences:
Public non-compliance register listing (agents/property managers)
VCAT orders for repairs or upgrades
Compensation claims or leasing delays
“What recent legislative changes/new standards do I need to be aware of in 2025?”
25 Nov 2025: Minimum standards must be met before advertising a property.
1 Dec 2025: Blind-cord anchors for all internal window coverings.
New Standards beyond 2027 to be aware of:
Jan 2027: All new build homes must be all-electric.
1 Mar 2027:
Broken water/heating appliances must be replaced with efficient electric systems
New leases require 4-star showerheads, energy-efficient cooling, and R5.0 ceiling insulation (installed by a professional)
1 Jul 2027: Draught proofing mandatory for external windows, doors, and vents
1 Jul 2030: Energy-efficient cooling mandatory for all properties
"What documentation relating to Rental Minimum Standards do Property Managers need to keep?"
Evidence of RMS compliance before advertising
Detailed reports including photos covering all categories, invoices
Correspondance and communication with owners
"What happens if a tenant identifies a standard that hasn't been met?"
They can request urgent or non-urgent repairs depending on the issue. If unresolved, they can apply to VCAT or seek compensation.
Next Steps for Property Managers
Audit properties for gaps in standards
Communicate upcoming requirements to owners
Budget and plan works ahead of deadlines
Ensure visibility and understanding of all 15 categories
Decide between self-assessment vs external inspection for technical areas
Stay aware of legal and financial risks (fines, reputational damage) of non-compliance
Keep up-to-date with legislative changes to future-proof properties
Benefits of Compliance with Rental Minimum Standards
Protects owners' investments
Boosts renter confidence and retention
Compliant properties are safer, functional, and more appealing, reducing vacancy and improving retention
