The Victorian government's renting taskforce is conducting inspections of Melbourne rentals to ensure rental properties meet legal requirements and protect tenants' rights.
The statewide operation targets Melbourne rental properties that may not comply with Victoria’s mandatory minimum standards for safety and liveability.
With power to conduct targeted inspections and take enforcement action, the taskforce has already made its presence felt in the Melbourne rental market. Since its establishment in 2024, the group has issued more than 70 fines totalling over $620,000 for various rental offences.
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Enforcement powers with real consequences
Property managers face serious consequences if they fail to meet requirements, including official warnings, financial penalties, disciplinary proceedings, and potential court action for the most serious breaches.
“The renting taskforce will be out across the state inspecting Melbourne rentals to ensure they meet Victoria’s minimum standards,” says Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos.
The taskforce’s main focus is ensuring properties meet minimum standards before tenants move in. When issues are identified, inspectors work with property managers to ensure necessary repairs are completed. Failure to fix problems before a tenant moves in constitutes an offence that may attract penalties.
Beyond minimum standards, the taskforce is targeting several priority areas including proper bond lodgement with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and provision of condition reports. They’re also tackling rental bidding—a practice now banned in Victoria, with all Melbourne rentals required to be advertised at a fixed price.
Melbourne rental reporting leads to action
Public participation has proven valuable to the initiative, with more than 500 reports submitted via the online complaint form. These reports have helped authorities engage with estate agents to request property upgrades and repairs before rental agreements are signed.
Victorians who suspect properties are being falsely advertised or fall short of minimum standards can submit reports directly through the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
“Renters in Victoria deserve to have a comfortable place to call home – a home that meets the rental minimum standards and is advertised correctly,” Staikos emphasises.
The operation forms part of the government’s broader rental reform agenda, with additional measures planned for the future.
“We’ve led the nation and introduced more than 130 reforms to protect renters – with more on the way,” says Staikos.
The taskforce’s work represents a significant step in strengthening tenant protections across Victoria, positioning the state as a leader in rental market regulation. The initiative aims to create more equitable conditions for renters while ensuring property owners and managers meet their legal obligations, ultimately raising the standard of rental accommodation throughout the state.
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