UPDATE: The state government has just announced a groundbreaking change to rental laws, introducing a new Portable Rental Bond Scheme aimed at easing financial burdens for renters. Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos unveiled the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 on October 15, 2025, a move expected to support over 736,000 households across the state.
This urgent reform addresses the common issue of the ‘double bond’ payment, where renters must pay a second bond before their first is refunded. The new scheme allows renters to transfer their existing bond directly to their new rental property, significantly reducing the cost of moving.
Renters will be able to apply online to port their existing bond, a process designed to streamline transitions between homes. The government will guarantee the bond amount to the original rental provider in advance until the tenancy is concluded and the bond claim process is finalized. If a claim is successful, renters will owe the bond amount to the government rather than the rental provider, with options to pay back either upfront or in installments.
In addition to the bond scheme, the bill introduces several critical protections to ensure fairer renting practices, including:
– Rental providers and their agents must provide renters with documentary evidence to support a bond claim at least three days before lodging the claim.
– Mandatory supporting documentation for bond claims submitted to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
– A ban on excessive fees charged when paying rent, particularly through ‘rent tech’ apps.
– Requirements for rental providers and rooming house operators to keep records proving their properties meet mandatory minimum standards.
– Expanded gas and electrical safety checks to cover all residential rental agreements, regardless of their start date.
– Ensured health and safety for renters by mandating gas checks before draughtproofing activities in residential properties.
These developments are set to not only alleviate financial strain for renters but also enhance overall safety and fairness in rental agreements. As the bill moves forward, the government emphasizes its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of renters.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
