Advertising a rental in Victoria: what must be provable
Last updated 11 September 2026 · General information, not legal advice
What must be true, and provable, before you advertise a Victorian rental, and what changed at the 2026 reforms.
Meet the standards, then prove it
The advertising rule and the record-keeping rule started on different dates. Meeting the 15 minimum standards before advertising has been required since 25 November 2025. Keeping records that show they were met, as at the day you advertised, is the new duty from 13 October 2026. It rewards capturing a dated photo or certificate per category at the point you list.
What it can cost
Advertising or offering premises that do not meet the minimum standards is an offence under section 65B of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997: up to 60 penalty units for an individual ($12,546 for the year from 1 July 2026) and 300 penalty units ($62,730) for a company. The penalty-unit value changes each 1 July, so confirm the current figure with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
What to have ready before you list
- Dated evidence that each of the 15 minimum standards is met.
- A current gas safety check and electrical safety check (each within two years).
- An annual smoke-alarm service.
- The records to prove each, held against the address.
Common questions
Can I advertise a rental before it meets the minimum standards?
No. Since 25 November 2025 a property must meet all 15 minimum standards before it is advertised or offered for rent, and again before the renter moves in.
What changed on 13 October 2026 for advertising?
The standards already had to be met at advertising. From 13 October 2026 you must also keep sufficient records to demonstrate the property met them when it was advertised.
What is the penalty for advertising a non-compliant property?
It is an offence under section 65B of the Act. The maximum is 60 penalty units for an individual ($12,546 for the year from 1 July 2026) and 300 penalty units ($62,730) for a company. Penalty units change each 1 July.
What should I have ready before I list?
Dated evidence that each of the 15 minimum standards is met, current gas and electrical safety checks, an annual smoke-alarm service, and the records to prove each, held against the address.
This page is general information about Victorian rental law, not legal advice. Penalty amounts change each 1 July. Confirm your obligations, the dates and the current figures with Consumer Affairs Victoria or your own adviser.
Keep the proof, before you advertise.
Senly Rent tracks every check and all 15 minimum standards, and holds the dated evidence for each. Free while we launch.
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