Tenants Victoria has welcomed measures that passed the Parliament overnight – including a complete ban on 'no reason' evictions – as a step change in renter rights in Victoria.
Tenants Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge said: 'Tenants Victoria welcomes measures that are now law, which were flagged in the Victorian Government's Housing Statement announced in 2023.
'They are a step change in strengthening the rights of renters – who make up almost 30% of Victorians – in their homes. After all, housing is an essential service, a public good and a human right.'
Ms Beveridge said Victorian rental laws were already reformed in 2021 to include bans on many 'no reason' evictions, which have already boosted security for renters. This change gives Victorian renters the same protection against arbitrary eviction that renters in NSW have, and is consistent with the national agreement between State and Commonwealth Governments for 'A Better Deal for Renters'.
'The removal of the remaining 'no-reason' evictions means renters are better able to assert their rights, such as asking for repairs, without the anxiety of being evicted for no clear grounds.'
The legislation (called the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024) also brings into law a new entity to improve the system for resolving issues in rental properties, called Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).
Ms Beveridge said: 'Tenants Victoria has long advocated for a fairer, faster and less formal dispute resolution system for most rental disputes.
'Many renters choose not to pursue matters because they see arguing against their landlord or agent at VCAT as daunting, or likely to create conflict with the owner. It means problems with renters' homes go unresolved, and can even lead to higher costs to renters, or unfair evictions.
'We hope that the RDRV will resolve disputes between renters and landlords quickly and fairly as the number of renters in the state continues to grow.'
Other measures that are now in the law include:
- Banning landlords and real estate agents from accepting unsolicited offers of increased rents – they are already banned from soliciting such offers
- Extending the timeframe for notices for rent increases, and for many notices to vacate, from 60 days to 90 days – including notices when the landlord intends to repair or renovate the property
- Mandatory checks of smoke alarms every 12 months, no matter when the lease started
- Landlords and agents who hold renters' information must destroy or permanently de-identify the information within 3 years after the renter's lease terminates, and within 30 days in the case of unsuccessful applicants or within 6 months if the unsuccessful applicant gives permission because they want to use the information to apply for other premises
- Improving mandatory licensing, registration and professional education requirements for real estate agents and their representatives
Ms Beveridge said: 'These reforms are particularly welcome in the current tight rental market. We look forward, with community partners, to working with the government on the implementation of these important safeguards for Victorian renters.'
