Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act
31 May 2021 - Link to updated documents and resources for co-ops due to rental law change
The Victorian Government is introducing new tenancy laws.
- Some changes have already been implemented
- All other changes will be in place from July 2020
- Until changes come into effect, the current laws apply
CEHL is monitoring each change that is announced and making sure that all our policies are up-to-date. Co-ops will be informed of any changes so all tenancies are managed in accordance with the new law.
Training in May
All people in the Program are welcome to attend the training sessions about the new residential tenancy laws, scheduled in early May in each region. Check What's on for details
Recent changes
Pets and renting
- As part of the rental reforms, tenants will be able to keep a pet after seeking permission from their landlord
- A landlord must apply to VCAT if they do not want to give permission for a tenant to keep a pet
- For more information about this change to the Act, view Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Pets and renting page
Changes to the frequency of rent increases
- Leases entered into, on or after 19 June 2019, landlords must not increase the rent more than once in any 12-month period
- In the Program this will affect when a rent increase can be charged for any tenancy that started after the last Annual Rent Review. CEHL will advise co-ops of the correct date to charge a rent increase for any new tenancies.
- For more information about this change to the Act, view Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Rent increases page
Keeping up-to-date
The Consumer Affairs Victoria website has really helpful information about all the proposed changes. You can access the information and register for regular updates.