Rental compliance · Victoria & NSW
Rental property requirements, clearly explained.
I've kept Victoria and NSW separate so you can find the right information for your property. Choose your state, check the government guidance and have a qualified person confirm what applies to your situation.
Victoria
15 minimum standards
The current minimum standards generally apply to agreements starting on or after 29 March 2021, including older agreements becoming periodic on or after that date. An agreement that became periodic before 29 March 2021 has a specific exception. Minimum standards are now required before advertising or offering a property for rent.
The 15 current categories of minimum rental standards.
BathroomBefore advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancyLast content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: Washbasin, shower or bath and a reasonable hot and cold water supply; normally a 3-star WELS showerhead.
When: Before advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancy
A 1- or 2-star showerhead is acceptable if a 3-star cannot be installed.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsElectrical safetyCurrent standard commenced 29 March 2023Last content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: A compliant switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs).
When: Current standard commenced 29 March 2023
A licensed electrician should establish whether components can be added or the switchboard needs replacement.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsHeatingEnergy-efficient fixed heating for agreements from 29 March 2023Last content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: A fixed working heater in the main living area.
When: Energy-efficient fixed heating for agreements from 29 March 2023
Portable heaters do not qualify. Limited apartment exceptions can apply.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsKitchenBefore advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancyLast content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: Food-preparation area, hot/cold-water sink and working stovetop with at least two burners.
When: Before advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancy
Any installed oven must also work. Limited heritage exemptions apply.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsLaundryBefore advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancyLast content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: A reasonable hot and cold water connection wherever a laundry exists.
When: Before advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancy
Only applies if a laundry is provided.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsLightingBefore advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancyLast content review: 22 October 2026
Requirement: Functional natural light by day and artificial light at night in rooms, corridors and hallways.
When: Before advertising/offering and before move-in; maintain during the tenancy
Approved heritage exemptions can apply.
Last content review: 22 October 2026
Consumer Affairs Victoria · Rental minimum standardsSummary based on official guidance checked on 22 October 2026. The content review is not a legal sign-off or a finding that any particular property complies. Specific agreements, property features, exemptions and transitional dates may change what applies.