Owning or managing a rental property in Victoria comes with important legal responsibilities. Under Victorian rental laws, residential rental properties must meet minimum standards relating to safety, security, heating, ventilation and essential facilities.
With several rental law changes taking effect in 2025 and 2026, landlords and property managers should ensure their properties meet the current requirements before advertising or leasing them.
At Ausgun Building Inspections, we provide Rental Minimum Standards (RMS) inspections across Melbourne and regional Victoria, helping property owners and managers identify areas requiring attention.
This guide explains the rental minimum standards in Victoria for 2026, common compliance issues and upcoming changes.
1. What Are the Rental Minimum Standards in Victoria?
Rental minimum standards are legal requirements designed to ensure residential rental properties provide basic levels of safety, security and functionality.
They are set out in Schedule 4 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021.
Victoria has 15 categories of rental minimum standards:
- Bathrooms
- Electrical safety
- Heating
- Kitchens
- Laundries
- Lighting
- Locks
- Mould and damp
- Structural soundness
- Toilets
- Ventilation
- Vermin-proof bins
- Windows
- Window coverings
- Window covering anchors
Rental providers must ensure the applicable standards are met before advertising or offering a property for rent and before a renter moves in.
2. Window Coverings and Privacy
One of the common issues identified during rental minimum standards inspections is missing or unsuitable window coverings.
Rooms used for living or sleeping must have suitable curtains or blinds that can open and close, provide privacy and block light.
For example, a bedroom without blinds or curtains may not meet the minimum standard.
Recommended action: Install suitable window coverings in affected living and sleeping areas.
Blind Cord Safety
Since 1 December 2025, corded internal window coverings must have suitable anchors to secure cords and prevent dangerous loops from forming.
Property managers should check existing blinds and curtains for compliance.
3. Bathroom, Toilet and Laundry Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is essential to help control moisture and reduce the risk of mould.
Victorian rental properties must have adequate ventilation in relevant rooms, including bathrooms, showers, toilets and laundries.
Ventilation may be provided through compliant natural or mechanical means, depending on the room and applicable building requirements.
Common inspection findings include:
- Missing exhaust fans where mechanical ventilation is required
- Non-operational exhaust fans
- Inadequate natural ventilation
- Poorly ventilated bathrooms
- Excessive moisture accumulation
Recommended action: Have inadequate ventilation assessed and install or repair suitable ventilation systems where required.
A mechanical exhaust fan is not automatically required in every bathroom or laundry; compliance depends on the particular circumstances.
4. Heating Requirements
Victorian rental properties must have a fixed heater in the main living area that meets the applicable heating requirements.
The heater must be in good working order.
For rental agreements covered by the energy-efficiency heating requirements, the installed system must meet the relevant efficiency standard or an applicable exception.
During an inspection, common issues may include:
- No fixed heater in the main living area
- A heater that does not operate
- Damaged heating equipment
- Heating that cannot be tested because electricity or gas is unavailable
Where a heater cannot be tested, its operation and compliance cannot be confirmed.
Recommended action: Arrange testing or further assessment by an appropriately qualified tradesperson.
5. Locks and Security
External entry doors must meet the applicable locking requirements.
In general, relevant external entry doors must have a suitable functioning locking device that can be operated from outside with a key and unlocked from inside in accordance with the regulations.
Common problems include:
- Damaged locks
- Missing locking mechanisms
- Entry doors that cannot be secured
- Locks that do not operate properly
Recommended action: Repair or replace non-compliant locking devices to ensure the property meets the applicable requirements.
6. Electrical Safety Requirements
Rental properties must have electrical switchboards that meet the minimum standard, including appropriate circuit breakers and electrical safety switches.
Electrical safety switches are commonly known as residual current devices (RCDs).
An older switchboard may require upgrading or modification.
A licensed electrician should assess the installation and undertake any necessary electrical work.
From 13 October 2026, gas and electrical safety checks every two years are required for all rental properties, with gas checks applying where gas appliances, fixtures or fittings are present.
A general RMS inspection does not replace the specialist electrical or gas safety checks required under Victorian rental laws.
7. Mould, Damp and Water Leakage
Rental properties must be free from mould and damp caused by or related to the building structure.
Common problems include:
- Water leakage from showers
- Roof leaks
- Moisture-damaged walls
- Damp subfloors
- Water penetration around windows
- Mould associated with structural moisture problems
Where high moisture readings or visible water damage are identified, further investigation may be necessary.
Recommended action: Identify and repair the source of moisture rather than simply painting over damaged surfaces.
8. Structural Soundness and Weatherproofing
Rental properties must be structurally sound and weatherproof.
Significant structural deterioration, water penetration or unstable building elements may raise concerns about compliance.
Common defects include:
- Significant wall cracking
- Damaged roof structures
- Deteriorated structural timbers
- Roof leaks
- Unstable external structures
- Serious foundation movement
Where significant structural defects are suspected, a qualified structural engineer may need to investigate the cause and recommend repairs.
9. Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry Facilities
Rental properties must provide the essential facilities required under the minimum standards.
Kitchen
A compliant kitchen generally requires a dedicated food preparation area, a functioning sink connected to hot and cold water, and a working stovetop with at least two burners.
If an oven is provided, it must be in good working order.
Bathroom
A bathroom must have a washbasin and a shower or bath connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water.
Showerheads must meet the applicable water-efficiency requirements, subject to permitted exceptions.
Laundry
Where a laundry is provided, it must have a reasonable supply of hot and cold water.
Damaged taps, inadequate water supply and defective plumbing fixtures may require attention.
10. Other Rental Minimum Standards
Landlords and property managers should also check the remaining requirements.
Lighting: Internal rooms, corridors and hallways must have sufficient access to light for their intended use.
Toilets: A functioning toilet must be provided in an appropriate room and connected to a suitable sewerage or septic system.
Windows: Openable external windows must have suitable latches and be capable of being secured.
Vermin-proof bins: Appropriate rubbish and recycling bins must be provided in accordance with the requirements.
These items are often straightforward to check, but missing or defective components can still affect compliance.
11. Important Rental Law Changes in 2026
From 13 October 2026, rental providers and their agents must keep records demonstrating that a rental property met the minimum standards before it was advertised or offered for rent and before the renter moved in.
These records must be provided to Consumer Affairs Victoria when lawfully requested.
Maintaining inspection reports, photographs, repair invoices and relevant certificates can help landlords and property managers document compliance.
An RMS inspection report can be a useful part of this record-keeping process, although it does not replace specialist certificates or checks where required.
12. What Changes Are Coming in 2027?
Victoria is introducing new minimum energy-efficiency standards in phases from 1 March 2027.
The changes cover six areas:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Hot water
- Showerheads
- Ceiling insulation
- Draughtproofing
Different requirements have different commencement dates and triggers.
Landlords should review the specific rules applicable to their property before planning upgrades.
Preparing early may help avoid delays when a property becomes subject to the new requirements.
13. Why Book a Rental Minimum Standards Inspection?
A professional RMS inspection can help landlords and property managers identify visible issues before a property is advertised or leased.
Benefits include:
- Identifying potential non-compliance
- Planning necessary repairs
- Reducing unexpected maintenance issues
- Supporting property management records
- Helping prepare properties for new tenants
- Providing clear recommendations for further assessment
An inspection can also help owners understand which items require attention before arranging repairs with qualified tradespeople.
Why Choose Ausgun Building Inspections?
Ausgun Building Inspections provides professional Rental Minimum Standards inspections throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Our inspectors assess accessible areas against the applicable rental minimum standards and provide reports identifying observed concerns and recommended actions.
We work with:
- Property managers
- Real estate agencies
- Private landlords
- Property investors
- Rental property owners
Our goal is to help property owners understand their obligations and maintain safer, more suitable rental properties.
Book Your Rental Minimum Standards Inspection in Melbourne
Are you preparing a property for rent or managing an existing investment property?
Arrange a Rental Minimum Standards inspection with Ausgun Building Inspections.
Our team can help identify potential compliance concerns and provide practical recommendations before your property is advertised or leased.
Book Your Inspection Today
Website: https://ausgunbuildinginspections.com.au/
Your Property, Our Priority.