- Published:
- Wednesday 16 April 2025
The Allan Labor Government’s renting taskforce is cracking down on offences with inspectors out this week across the state conducting property inspections.
The taskforce will be inspecting properties across the CBD and regional Victoria to ensure rentals are being advertised fairly and meet the mandatory minimum standards for safety and livability.
The taskforce has the power to conduct targeted inspections and take enforcement action, including issuing official warnings, fines, disciplinary proceedings against estate agents, and court actions for the most serious breaches.
If a property does not meet the minimum standards, the taskforce works with the property manager to ensure repairs are made before a renter moves in. If a property isn’t fixed and a renter moves in, this is an offence and penalties may apply.
The taskforce has issued over 70 fines totalling more than $620,000 for key rental offences since it was established in 2024.
In addition to minimum standards, the taskforce’s priorities include ensuring bonds are being lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and condition reports are provided. The taskforce is also cracking down on rental bidding, which means rentals must be advertised with a fixed price.
To date, the taskforce has received more than 500 reports from the public via the online complaint form. These reports have helped the taskforce engage with estate agents to request properties be upgraded and repaired to meet the minimum standards, prior to a rental agreement being signed.
Victorians who suspect rental properties are being falsely advertised or do not meet minimum standards can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria directly through forms.consumer.vic.gov.au/riarp
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos
“The renting taskforce will be out across the state inspecting rentals to ensure they meet Victoria’s minimum standards”
“Renters in Victoria deserve to have a comfortable place to call home – a home that meets the rental minimum standards and is advertised correctly.”
“We’ve led the nation and introduced more than 130 reforms to protect renters – with more on the way.”