Rental Minimum Standards
Rental Minimum Standards set out the basics every Victorian rental property needs to provide a safe, comfortable place to live. With clear reporting and practical guidance, it’s easier to stay on track, address issues early, and feel confident your property is meeting its responsibilities.
15 Categories of Compliance
Below is a short summary for each of the 15 categories of minimum standards which rental properties are required to meet:
1. Door Locks
→ must have functioning deadlocks (or locks that can be unlocked with a key from the outside but unlocked without one from the inside) on the property's external entry doors
2. Vermin-Proof Bins
→ must have a bin for rubbish and separate bin for recycling, either provided by the local council or purchased elsewhere (so long as they are vermin proof and meet council collection standards)
3. Toilets
→ must be in good working order and in a separate room in the property, either by itself or in an appropriate room such as a bathroom or laundry
4. Bathroom Facilities
→ must have a washbasin and shower or bath, a reasonable supply of cold and hot water, and showerhead with 3 star WELS rating *** For new lease agreements / renewals from 1st Mar 2027 this must be a 4 star WELS rated showerhead)
5. Kitchen Facilities
→ must have a kitchen with a dedicated cooking and food prep area, sink in good working order with hot and cold water, and a stovetop in good working order that has 2+ burners
6. Laundry Facilities
→ must be connected to a reasonable supply of hot and cold water (if there is a laundry on the property)
7. Structural Soundness
→ must be structurally sound and weatherproof
8. Mould & Dampness
→ must be free from mould and damp in all rooms
9. Electrical Safety
→ must have modern switchboards, with circuit breakers and electrical safety switches (otherwise known as residual current devices - RCD, RCCB or RCBO) installed
10. Window Coverings
→ must be fitted with curtains or blinds in rooms likely to be used as bedroom or living areas that can be closed, block light and and provide privacy
11. Windows
→ must have a functioning latch to secure again external entry on all external windows capable of opening. Openable windows must also be able to be left in the open or closed position
12. Lighting
→ must have access to light to make inside rooms, corridors and hallways functional
13. Ventilation
→ must have adequate ventilation in all habitable rooms including bathroom, shower, toilet and laundry
14. Heating
→ must have a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order in the main living room. For new lease agreements / renewals from 29 March 2023, this must be an energy-efficient fixed heater.
15. Corded Internal Window Coverings (Blind Cord Safety) - NEW
→ all loose looped blind cords hanging below 1600mm from the floor must now be secured by fitted blind cord anchors
Upcoming Energy Efficiency Standards
New categories come into effect for new rental agreements or lease renewals entered into from 1st March 2027
16. Cooling
→ must have an energy-efficient fixed cooler in the main living area
17. Ceiling Insulation
→ must have a ceiling insulation installed correctly throughout the roof
18. Draughtproofing
→ must have draughtproofing fitted to all external windows and external doors
19. Water Heaters
→ must have an energy-efficient water heater supplying the kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities
Service You Can Rely On
Don’t risk renter safety or compliance penalties — our services are trusted by leading real estate brands.
Trained Technicians
All our technicians conducting rental minimum standards checks are insured and have been trained specifically to assess each category and determine compliancy
Blind Cord Fittings Included
We will check and fit your Blind Cord Safety Anchors where required as part of your Taskforce Rental Minimum Standards check
Specialist Equipment
Our technicians use specialist equipment such as moisture meters to thoroughly assess all categories
Don't wait. Enjoy peace of mind your property is compliant.
New Energy Efficiency Standards
The Victorian State Government has announced new standards and regulations for Victorian buildings. This move towards electric and energy-efficient homes marks a major shift in residential building standards — and introduces new building electrification regulations and set minimum energy standards for rental properties.
Rental Minimum Standards FAQ
Find answers to common questions about Victorian Rental Minimum Standards
How much does a Rental Minimum Standards check cost?
Pricing can vary between providers and may approach $400 + GST for a single property. A Taskforce Rental Minimum Standards inspection is $175 + GST, regardless of property size.* The inspection covers all 15 categories of minimum standards and includes a clear, easy-to-read compliance report issued within 24 hours of inspection.
*Excludes rooming houses. Rectification quotes are provided where required works fall within scope.
Can I complete a Rental Minimum Standards check myself?
There is no legal requirement to engage an external provider; however, several categories of Rental Minimum Standards require specialist knowledge and equipment to assess properly. A professional inspection provides an independent assessment and clear documentation of compliance across all 15 categories, helping landlords and property managers understand their obligations with confidence.
Who is responsible for a property meeting Rental Minimum Standards?
Responsibility ultimately rests with the Residential Rental Provider (owner). Property managers have a duty of care to advise owners of their obligations and manage compliance as part of the tenancy. Owners must ensure the property meets Rental Minimum Standards before it is advertised for rent and throughout the tenancy.
How often do I need to complete a Rental Minimum Standards check?
A rental property must meet all 15 categories of Rental Minimum Standards before it is advertised for rent. While there is no mandated inspection interval, compliance must be maintained throughout the tenancy. If a property falls below standard at any point, tenants may request urgent repairs. Regular inspections help identify issues early and support ongoing compliance.
What areas do you service?
Taskforce provides Rental Minimum Standards inspections across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Does a Rental Minimum Standards check replace electrical safety checks?
No. While Electrical Safety is one of the 15 Rental Minimum Standards categories, a Rental Minimum Standards inspection does not replace the requirement for a separate electrical safety check. In Victoria, electrical safety checks must still be completed every two years by a licensed electrician.
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