Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce ran a blitz in the Werribee area on Saturday, as it continues to check advertised rental properties are meeting mandatory minimum standards.
The taskforce visited properties in Werribee and surrounding suburbs, where 33% of dwellings are rental properties. This was the taskforce’s third blitz, following Clayton in August and Fitzroy in October.
Victoria’s 14 rental minimum standards cover aspects of properties people can reasonably expect, like structural soundness, a functional kitchen and secure windows and doors.
The taskforce’s goal is to have properties that are safe, secure and fit for renters to move into. Where rentals don’t meet the minimum standards, the taskforce will work with agents to make sure they understand their responsibilities and that repairs happen before a renter moves in.
Letting a new renter move into a property that doesn’t meet the minimum standards is an offence, with maximum penalties of more than $11,000 for individuals and more than $59,000 for companies.
Weekend inspection blitzes are just one of the ways the taskforce is monitoring and inspecting rental properties. If you see a rental property advertised that you don’t think meets the minimum standards – or may be in breach of Victoria’s rental laws – you can report it to us anonymously through our online form.
Learn more about the renting taskforce.