Renting in Victoria in 2026: What’s next - and how we’re helping shape it

Victoria’s rental landscape isn’t just changing. It’s evolving deliberately toward fairness, safety and long-term stability.
 
As 2026 unfolds, the reforms introduced over the past two years are moving from legislation into lived experience. For renters, rental providers and property managers alike, this is the year the detail really matters.
 
Strong neighbourhoods are built on clarity and confidence. With 1 in 3 Australians now renting, understanding how Victoria’s rental market is changing matters more than ever.

Reform to reality - 2026 is about implementation
 
From bans on all rental bidding to rental properties being compliant prior to advertising, the property management industry has experienced a significant reform shift. Many of the headline changes came into effect on 25^th November, 2025.    

2026 brings stronger enforcement, clearer expectations and higher professional standards across the industry, with regulators including Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT expanding powers - in particular closer look at rent increases, minimum standards and tenancy disputes.
 
For renters, this means greater protection and clearer pathways to resolution.
 
For rental providers, it means decisions need to be thoughtful, evidence-based and compliant from the outset. Minimum rental standards are now a baseline, not a future goal.
 

In March 2026, additional reforms include:
 
·      Standardising rental applications with use of a prescribed form
·      Privacy and secure handling of renter information
·      Ban on third party fees for rental applications and rent payment
·      Additional considerations for rent increase investigations
 
Our role is to help rental providers stay ahead of these standards while making sure renters understand what they can reasonably expect from their homes.
 

Raising the standard in property management
 
This year is a pivotal moment across real estate as these changes reflect the importance of our industry being treated as a professional discipline that demands up-to-date knowledge, sound judgement and accountability.
 
At Buxton, this is how we already work:
 
·      Ongoing education is built into everything our team does
·      Advice is based on current regulations, not old practices
·      Guidance is proactive, not reactive

The outcome? Clearer advice, smoother experiences and fewer surprises for those we help and our teams alike.
 
 

Faster, fairer pathways when issues arise
 
Disputes over rent, repairs, bonds and damages are increasingly settled earlier and more efficiently without automatically going to formal VCAT hearings. That’s better for renters and rental providers, saving stress, time and cost.
 
Our approach is to start the conversation early and keep it clear, so any issues that may arise are resolved sooner and more smoothly.
 

What this means for our neighbourhoods
 
It’s clear that renting in Victoria is becoming more transparent, consistent and accountable.
 
For renters, that means certainty and protection.
For rental providers, it means clearer guidance and support.
For communities, it means more stable tenancies and better-maintained homes.
 
Our team see 2026 not as a year of adjustment, but as a year of opportunity - to do property management even better. Thoughtfully. Professionally. And with people at the centre of every decision.
 
If you’d like to understand what these changes mean for your rental property or tenancy, your local Buxton is here to partner with you, providing clear advice, steady guidance and a long-term perspective.
 
Find your Buxton.