Vic Renters: Here Are 5 New Rental Rights You Might’ve Missed, ‘Cos We’ve Got Your Backs, Besties
By Saacha Neilson
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As a renter, sometimes it can feel a little tough to keep track of what the rules are, what rights we have and how to best take care of ourselves.
What you might not have realised is that the Victorian Government has pulled through for us. A bunch of new renting rules are now here to keep renters safe and protected.
So we’ve decided to put them all in one convenient location for you. Think of this as your Victorian rental bible that you can whip out next time you’re at an inspection or calling a house meeting (IYKYK) and finally know exactly what your rights are.
1. You can’t be kicked out without a good reason
Well, Hallelujah!
Turns out, you can’t be asked to leave without a good or valid reason. Even if your fixed-term lease is ending, your rental provider (A.K.A your landlord or agent) still needs to say why, otherwise you automatically stay on a month-to-month lease.
I bet that takes out some of the anxiety, hey?
So what counts as a valid reason? Things like selling the property, major renovations, or a breach of the agreement. What’s not a valid reason? Asking for repairs or asking to have a pet. So bestie, if you still want that dog, I say go for it!
2. Rental bidding has finally been banned
We’ve all seen it done and I bet a lot of you have lost out to the perfect rental ‘cos someone else offered a little extra on top. Well, thanks to the new renting rules, rental bidding is effectively banned.
In case you didn’t know, rental bidding is when someone tries to get ahead by offering more than the advertised rent, or paying a few months upfront.
If you ask me (and you didn’t), this new rule will go a long way in terms of evening the playing field for the rental market, which, if any of you have been looking recently, knows it’s tough out there.
It’s actually building on pre-existing laws that already banned rental providers from asking for or encouraging higher rent offers. Well, now they’re officially banned not just from asking but also from accepting any offers, so we are free and clear of those pesky rental bidders!
Image source: Paramount Pictures
3. Rent going up? You should have 90 days’ notice
Look, no one wants to pay more rent. Lord knows, my shopping budget doesn’t account for any rental jumps in my future, but sometimes, it’s just not our call to make.
The good news is that now, rental providers have to give at least 90 days’ notice of an increase. That’s two weeks longer than Kim K was married to Chris Humphries, so this is nothing to scoff at.
What does that mean for us renters? Basically, it gives us enough time to fix our budgets or start looking elsewhere if need be.
You have 30 days to challenge the increase if you think it’s excessive and a whole three months to get your life together before it comes into effect. And if you ask me, that’s a huge win.
4. Your data is protected when you apply for rentals… thank God
Anyone who’s applied for a rental knows that they ask for everything but your firstborn and a blood sample.
Well, I’m sure you’ll be relieved to hear agents and rental providers have to follow clear rules about what information they can ask and use the same application form. That means it’ll be quicker and easier to apply for a rental.
They also have to destroy or de-identify all of your info after you apply or finish renting (if you get the property). And a bonus? It’s an offence to disclose your information without consent.
Image source: Paramount Pictures
5. Not all rentals are equal – here’s what to look out for
You may not believe it, but every rental must have the basics or ‘minimum standards’ like heating, lighting, locks – the stuff we need to be safe and comfortable.
Rental providers must have this covered before advertising, so when you see the listing pop-up, you should be confident it is well and truly ready for a move-in.
What are other minimum standards? Well, there’s a big list of things you should look out for, which includes everything from hot and cold water to electrical safety. Read up on what they are and next time you’re at an inspection, be on the lookout because any property advertised should be meeting all these basics to a tee.
Image source: Warner Bros.
Of course, there is so much information to cover, which is why the Victorian Government has created the Funda-Rentals, a campaign to promote the new rules that keep renters and rental providers informed.
If you’re a renter, a would-be renter or are just curious as to the new rules, be sure to check it out.
Native Editor
Saacha is a Native Content Producer at PEDESTRIAN.TV, your inside source for brands, products, and events worth caring about. When she’s not typing at lightning speed, she’s busy fishing for compliments on her baking, dissecting Real Housewives drama, or hunting for the next obsession to add to her cart.
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