5 Things That You Need To Know About New Rental Law In Victoria Before You Sign A Lease
Updated: Jul 21, 2021
Photo Courtesy: Martin Widenka collected from Unsplash
Since 29 March 2021, rental laws in Victoria have changed. More than 130 changes have been incorporated into the existing law. The new law is designed to create a fairer and safer system for both renters and rental providers in Victoria. In this article, I have tried to give a brief description of the changes in renal laws that you need to know before you sign your next rental agreement.
1. Duty to Meet Basic Minimum Standard-
Under the new law, rental providers (landlords) now have a duty to rent out only properties that meet basic minimum standards to renters. After 29th March 2021, renters who move into a home that does not meet all the standards have new rights.
From 29 March 2021, the rental provider must make sure that your rental property-
complies with the rental minimum standards on or before the day you get the keys [section 65A],
continues to comply with the rental minimum standards throughout the lease agreement.
If your home does not comply with the minimum standards, you have the right to:
end the agreement if you have not moved in. It means that you have not stayed at the property, even if you have already moved your belongings in, or
request urgent repairs [section 65A].
2. Fixed-price advertising and a ban on rental bidding-
Under the new law, a rental property must be advertised at a fixed amount. A property cannot be advertised for rent with the costs listed within a price range.
Rental providers are also banned from soliciting or inviting offers of rent higher than the advertised price.
3. Inappropriate questions and discrimination disclosure
A rental provider or their agent cannot request inappropriate information in a rental application. Rental application forms must include an information statement that educates applicants, rental providers and agents about unlawful discrimination.
Following are the questions they cannot ask you in the rental application anymore:
If you have been involved in legal action or a dispute with a rental provider;
About your previous bond history, including if you had a claim made against you;
Bank statements with your daily transactions;
Information that may allow them to discriminate against you unless the reasons for asking for this information is required and explained in writing. For example, they cannot ask about your sexuality, whether you have children, whether you have a disability, or about your nationality or religion.
4. Compulsory Disclosure before the rental agreement-
Before entering into a rental agreement, the rental provider must disclose to the renter the following information-
whether the property is on the market for sale or
is being repossessed, or
if they are not the owner of the property, and
information about any embedded energy network.
5. Maximum bond amount and rent in advance
Under the new law, the rental providers cannot ask for or accept more than one month’s rent as a bond. They also cannot require renters to pay more than one month’s rent in advance, for properties with a rent of $900 per week or less.
If you need more information about the recent change in rental laws in Victoria or you need to find a lawyer who can help you with your rental dispute, please contact us on www.lawcircuit.com.au or call us at 0418361798 or email us at bonhi@lawcircuit.com.au
We will help you to find the best legal services in Melbourne to solve your problems. We are here to make your legal journey easier.