- Regulations make clear all basic amenities need to be working
- Renters no longer need to ask permission to install child safety devices
- Rental providers cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ the installation of vegetable and herb gardens
- Rules come into effect March 29; part of more than 130 rental reforms
The Victoria State Government says the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 is designed to protect the more than one in four Victorians who are renters to ensure basic living standards, along with accountability measures to protect rental providers and landlords.
This includes functioning hot and cold water in the bathroom and laundry, parts of the kitchen functioning such as stovetops, ovens and sink along with a permanent functioning heater in the living room.
The legislation provides freedoms to tenants to perform minor modifications. Child safety devices, picture hooks, replacing curtains and installing new LED globes now no longer need permission from a rental provider.
Additionally, rental providers cannot ‘unreasonably refuse’ the planting of a vegetable or herb garden, paintings, security gates and flyscreens.
The statement from the Premier’s office acknowledged that over 700 written submissions were reviewed during the public consultation process of the initial proposal.
The reforms include stronger accountability for renters, clearer obligations and processes which the State Government says benefits landlords.
Melissa Horne, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, is confident there will be a smooth transition to the new residential tenancy laws.
“We’re delivering on our promise to make renting fairer for all Victorians. Renters have a right to a safe, secure and affordable home they can call their own and landlords should have peace of mind with stronger accountability from those renting their properties,” says Ms Horne.
“These are the biggest reforms to renting in Victoria – setting out the minimum standards that must be provided in all rental properties, to better protect vulnerable tenants and turn rental properties from a house into a real home.”
The new legislation will come into effect on 29 March and is part of more than 130 rental reforms the Victorian Government is introducing.
