If you own an investment property in Victoria, there’s another important date to add to your calendar.
From 13 October 2026, further changes to Victoria’s rental laws come into effect, introducing new requirements around safety checks, minimum-standard records and bond claims.
For Mornington Peninsula landlords, the changes are another reminder that owning a rental property is becoming increasingly compliance-focused – and keeping the right records is just as important as completing the required work.
Here’s what you need to know.
Gas and electrical safety checks every two years
One of the most significant changes relates to gas and electrical safety checks.
From 13 October, all Victorian rental properties will require gas and electrical safety checks every two years, regardless of whether the rental agreement commenced before, on or after 13 October 2026.
This expands the existing requirements, which previously depended partly on when a rental agreement commenced.
For landlords, it means having a reliable system for knowing when checks were last completed, when the next ones are due and ensuring the appropriate records are retained.
Greater record keeping around minimum standards
Rental properties in Victoria are already required to meet minimum standards, and since November 2025 those standards must be met before a property is advertised, rather than simply before a renter moves in.
From 13 October, rental providers and their agents must also keep records demonstrating that the property met the required minimum standards before it was advertised, offered for rent or occupied.
Those records must be provided to Consumer Affairs Victoria if requested.
This makes documentation increasingly important. It’s no longer enough to simply know that work has been completed – landlords and property managers need to be able to demonstrate compliance when required.
Bond claims will require greater transparency
There are also changes to the way bond claims are handled at the end of a tenancy.
From 13 October, if a rental provider intends to make a claim against a renter’s bond, the renter must be notified in advance and evidence must be provided to support the claim.
Good condition reports, photographs, invoices, maintenance records and clear communication throughout the tenancy therefore become even more important.
For landlords, comprehensive record keeping from the very beginning of a tenancy can make the end-of-tenancy process considerably smoother.
And there are more changes coming in 2027
October isn’t the end of the changes.
From 1 March 2027, new minimum energy-efficiency standards begin to phase in for Victorian rental properties. These cover areas including heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, ceiling insulation and, later, draughtproofing.
Importantly, not every landlord will need to immediately replace every appliance or upgrade every element of their property on 1 March.
Different standards have different triggers. Some requirements apply when an existing system fails and cannot be repaired, while others are triggered when a new rental agreement begins or an existing agreement converts to a periodic agreement.
For example, from 1 March 2027, fixed energy-efficient cooling will generally be required in the main living area when a new rental agreement begins or an existing agreement converts to month-to-month. Ceiling insulation will also become a requirement in ceiling spaces where no insulation currently exists when those tenancy triggers occur.
The takeaway for landlords is simple: now is a good time to understand what your property already has and what may need attention in the future.
Is your investment property ready?
With rental legislation continuing to evolve, managing an investment property now involves much more than finding a renter and collecting rent.
Safety checks, minimum standards, compliance records, condition reports, bond requirements and upcoming energy-efficiency standards all need to be monitored – and missing something can become an expensive problem.
That’s where having an experienced property manager can make a real difference.
At Scenic Property, our property management approach is built around proactive management, clear communication and keeping landlords informed about the requirements affecting their property.
Whether you’re managing your investment yourself, considering changing agencies or simply wondering whether your current property management service is keeping pace with the latest requirements, now is a good time to review it.
Make the switch – and receive 3 months free property management
To make changing property managers easier, Scenic Property is currently offering 3 months free property management to eligible new management clients.
We can help coordinate the changeover from your existing agency, review your property and tenancy documentation and help you understand the compliance requirements that apply to your investment.
Own an investment property on the Mornington Peninsula? Talk to Scenic Property about making the switch and receiving 3 months free property management.
A better-managed investment starts with knowing the details are being taken care of.
Terms and conditions apply to the 3 months free property management offer. This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Rental providers should refer to Consumer Affairs Victoria for the requirements applicable to their individual property and circumstances.
