Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce carried out a blitz in and around the Fitzroy area on Saturday, as it continues its important role of checking that advertised rental properties meet mandatory minimum standards.
The taskforce visited properties in the inner north, where there’s high demand for rentals. It’s the taskforce’s second blitz, following one carried out in Clayton in August.
Victoria’s 14 rental minimum standards cover aspects of properties people would reasonably expect, like structural soundness, a functional kitchen and windows that open.
The taskforce’s goal is to make sure a property meets the standards, so a renter can move in. If it doesn’t, they will work with agents to ensure they understand their responsibilities and make sure repairs happen.
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 $57,000 for companies.
Weekend inspection blitzes are just one of the ways the taskforce is monitoring and inspecting rental properties. If you see an advertised rental property you don’t think meets the minimum standards – or may be in breach of another rental law – you can report it to us anonymously through our new online form.
Learn more about the renting taskforce.