Login
‘3 strikes and out’: Victorian landlords could be banned from renting out properties
Victorian landlords could face a licensing system and a three-strike rule under a Greens proposal that targets rental providers who breach their obligations, as the state heads toward an election.
Under a new Greens proposal, Victorian landlords would need a licence to rent out properties, in a bid to hold “dodgy” landlords accountable.
The proposal would introduce an independent regulator to oversee landlords, and bar those responsible for multiple or serious breaches from renting out properties.
Greens spokesperson for renters Gabrielle de Vietri said the system was necessary because tenants were too often afraid to raise issues with their landlords, even when repairs were legally required.
“70 per cent of renters are scared of asking for basic repairs. What’s the point of minimum standards if no one enforces them?” she said.
Under the proposal, landlords would face three strikes before losing their licence and being barred from renting out properties.
The Greens would establish an independent regulator to require landlords to hold a licence, maintain a public register, and comply with rental standards.
The regulator would also require rent-worthiness checks and energy-efficiency disclosures for advertised leases, conduct independent inspections, and penalise landlords who fail to meet minimum standards or carry out repairs.
“In Victoria, you need a licence to keep bees and if you want to use a metal detector.
“Landlords should need one too,” de Vietri said.
The party estimated it would take $50 million to establish the independent regulator and oversee the licensing system, alongside its other proposed rental market reforms.
De Vietri said landlords were responsible for decisions that could determine whether renters were living in safe homes or being exposed to hazards such as black mould.
“If you can’t provide a safe home then you shouldn’t be a landlord,” she said.
Free investor loan check
Better property decisions start with smarter lending.
A free 15-minute finance check for property investors.
What are your lending goals?
Choose a goal to request a callback.
Ready to talk?
Book a 15-minute call →Finni Pty Ltd · Australian Credit Licence 384324 · Privacy
“Substandard housing is directly linked to poor physical and mental health. The landlord licensing scheme is one part of our package for renters, alongside a rent freeze and rent caps, to ensure everyone can afford a safe and liveable home.”
The Greens proposal came as the Victorian government introduced further rental reforms to strengthen requirements for rental providers and agents.
Under the changes, rental providers and agents will be required to notify renters before making a claim against their bond and provide supporting evidence, including invoices, receipts, quotes or photographs.
The government said the evidence would give renters the opportunity to review and dispute claims before money is deducted.
The new regulations also banned rental application and rent payment fees, with renters now able to apply for properties or pay rent without being charged for either process.
Landlords will also be required to arrange gas and electrical safety checks every two years, covering both new and existing rental agreements, to identify and fix potential hazards.
Additionally, rental providers will need to arrange a gas safety check by a licensed gasfitter to assess gas ventilation before carrying out draught-proofing work.
The government also introduced minimum standards record-keeping requirements, requiring rental providers and rooming house operators to retain records demonstrating their properties meet the relevant standards and provide them to Consumer Affairs Victoria on request.
Minister for Renters Tim Richardson said the changes built on reforms introduced since November last year, forming part of more than 150 rental reforms rolled out across Victoria since 2021.
He said that the state’s now-permanent taskforce had issued more than $900,000 in fines to dodgy landlords and agents.
“Labor believes renting your home shouldn't mean you're treated like a second-class citizen," Richardson concluded.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Smart Property Investment a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Smart Property Investment as a preferred news source.
