Know what is required, understand the checks and keep a clear record of your property’s condition.
Whether you are preparing to lease a property or reviewing an existing rental, this guide explains the current minimum standards and how an inspection can help.
A managing agent supports the rental provider, while also carrying direct duties of their own.
Section 65A: ensure the premises meet prescribed minimum standards by occupation. Section 68: maintain the premises in good repair and a condition suitable for occupation.
Sections 65C–65D: retain occupation-compliance evidence and produce it at the Director’s request.
Section 65B: whoever advertises or offers the premises must reasonably believe they meet minimum standards at that time. Sections 65E–65F: retain supporting advertising-compliance records and produce them when requested.
Record findings, raise defects, obtain instructions and follow through on approved work. An owner’s instruction does not override an agent’s statutory duty.
Inspection findings, dated photographs, safety certificates, outstanding actions and rectification evidence are brought together in one property file, with responsibility for each action clearly recorded. Our team maintains the compiled record and prepares a downloadable PDF for sharing when requested.
Consumer Affairs Victoria may request information from the particular party responsible. A consolidated file helps the owner, operator and managing agent respond consistently and retrieve the relevant evidence promptly.
Our service helps identify gaps, coordinate approved work and maintain evidence. It is not an insurance policy, a guarantee of compliance or a transfer of anyone’s statutory duties.
Plain-English summary, checked 17 October 2026. Application dates, exceptions and the full legislation must be considered for your property.
The property must satisfy the applicable standards. An inspection is a way to assess and document it; paying for a report does not make an unresolved defect compliant.
Before advertising or offering to let, the provider or agent must reasonably believe the property meets the standards. Resolve defects and obtain the verification needed to support that assessment.
From 13 October 2026, providers and agents have record-keeping duties for the relevant stages. Keep inspection findings, photographs and appropriate supporting documents. CAV can request these records.
The rental provider must ensure the property meets the standards before occupation. Review what has changed, verify rectification and retain the earlier assessment alongside the later record.
The legal duties arise under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and the applicable regulations. Read the Act ↗ · Read CAV’s guidance ↗
Use these short summaries as a starting point. The detailed requirements, exceptions and property-specific circumstances determine what applies.
Washbasin, shower or bath, water supply and the applicable showerhead rating.
Read the detailed requirementRequired circuit protection, established by an electrician.
Read the detailed requirementWorking fixed heating in the main living area; applicable efficiency requirements.
Read the detailed requirementFood-preparation space, working sink and at least two working cooktop burners; any supplied oven must work.
Read the detailed requirementHot and cold water connections where laundry facilities are provided.
Read the detailed requirementUsable lighting throughout; appropriate daylight and artificial light in habitable rooms.
Read the detailed requirementFunctioning entry-door locks meeting the applicable locking rules.
Read the detailed requirementNo mould or damp caused by, or connected with, the building structure.
Read the detailed requirementA structurally sound, weatherproof building.
Read the detailed requirementWorking sanitary facilities in an appropriate room, with an approved waste-disposal connection.
Read the detailed requirementVentilation appropriate to the rooms and building type.
Read the detailed requirementSuitable rubbish and recycling bins; council-compatible and vermin-proof where required.
Read the detailed requirementSecure latches on openable external windows and applicable window-locking requirements.
Read the detailed requirementOperable bedroom and living-area coverings that reasonably block light and provide privacy.
Read the detailed requirementSafe cord restraints, placement and installation under the cord-safety rules.
Read the detailed requirementCategory summaries: Schedule 4 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, read with applicable provisions of the Act, including section 70 on locks. Read Schedule 4 ↗
This guide concerns standard Victorian residential rentals. Rooming houses and some community or specialised housing have different rules. Existing agreements can have different application dates; ask your property manager to check which rules apply to your property.
One point of contact for scheduled checks, inspections and approved rectification. Clear records for owners. Less coordination for property managers. Greater peace of mind.
Regulated checks are carried out by appropriately qualified tradespeople.
Re-letting inspections during the subscription are included. The two-year minimum standards review is an additional service commitment.
We coordinate with your property manager and renter throughout the process.
Compliance-related repair coordination is included in the subscription. Repair labour, materials and replacement equipment are additional. Approved rectification quotes include our margin; there is no separate coordination charge for the included scope. Major renovations and unrelated maintenance require a separate agreement.
The package supports the safety and minimum standards obligations listed above. It does not replace the owner’s wider legal responsibilities or guarantee ongoing compliance. Our service team maintains the records; the public digital inspection workspace remains a browser-local pilot, not a connected customer portal.
We inspect, explain what needs attention, coordinate approved work and document the outcome.
We review existing safety records, assess accessible areas against the 15 minimum-standard categories and prepare photographic findings with a numbered action checklist.
We obtain quotes, seek owner approval, arrange suitable trades and access, track progress and collect completion evidence. Repairs are separately quoted; coordination is included.
When re-letting, we carry out the pre-advertising inspection, review completed actions and supporting evidence, and record readiness once applicable requirements are resolved.
We carry out the pre-tenancy inspection, review changes and current safety records, and provide dated pre-tenancy verification to the property manager. New defects must be resolved before handover.
Keep the pre-advertising and pre-tenancy verification with the supporting records. A period of vacancy does not establish that conditions are unchanged. Subscription scheduling continues between tenancies.
You must meet the applicable legal requirements and retain sufficient supporting records. Our inspection service is optional. Its findings report is not a government-issued compliance certificate or a guarantee of legal compliance.
Yes. Gold includes pre-advertising and pre-tenancy inspections whenever the property is re-let during the subscription. Our team inspects, reviews the supporting records and documents findings for the property manager. Vacancy alone is not evidence that a property remains satisfactory.
Each repair or verification item receives a reference number. Under Gold, we obtain quotes, seek owner approval, arrange suitable trades and access, follow up completion and review the evidence. Repair costs are additional; approved quotes include our margin. Unresolved mandatory items prevent pre-advertising sign-off. Keep statutory requirements separate from additional recommended improvements.
Observable findings can be recorded, but technical conclusions require suitable expertise and evidence. An electrician must establish electrical minimum-standard compliance. Refer structural concerns to an appropriately qualified building professional.
Further energy-efficiency standards begin in phases from 1 March 2027. They cover heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, insulation and draughtproofing, with different triggers and exceptions. They are distinct from the current requirements summarised here.
Read the official future changes ↗Send your property address and preferred timing. We will confirm availability and the arrangements for your assessment directly.
Gold Property Care: $990 including GST per property, per year ($900 plus GST).
Or email hello@rentalminimumstandards.com.au.
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Rental Minimum Standards is independently operated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Victorian Government. Requirements depend on the legislation and the facts of the property. This page provides general information, not property-specific legal advice.
Landlord guide reviewed 16 October 2026. Current and future requirements are identified separately.
Ask about an assessment, Gold Property Care or the evidence needed for your rental. Include the property address and preferred timing.
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Information on this website is provided in good faith for general information and guidance. While reasonable care is taken in its preparation, it may not be complete, conclusive, current or applicable to your circumstances. Laws, standards and regulatory guidance can change, and requirements vary with the property, its use, approvals and local council.
Do not rely exclusively on this website when making decisions. Make your own enquiries, check current official sources and obtain independent advice from appropriately qualified legal, building, fire-safety, trade or other professionals relevant to your property. Website summaries, checklists and tools are not a substitute for a property-specific assessment, required approvals or specialist certification, and do not establish or guarantee compliance.
Any separately commissioned service is governed by its agreed scope and applicable law. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, remedy or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified, including under the Australian Consumer Law.