Victorian renters will soon have access to more support services with the extension of Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce and announcement of providers under the new Victorian Renter Rights Program.
Renting Taskforce to become permanent
The Renting Taskforce was planned as a two-year operation. From today, it is a permanent part of Consumer Affairs Victoria. It will also get expanded resources, including more inspectors and lawyers to further protect Victorian renters.
The taskforce monitors Victoria’s rental market and will continue cracking down on offences such as false advertising, properties that fail to meet minimum standards, and not lodging bonds.
Since 2024, the taskforce has issued more than 250 official warnings and 130 infringements totalling more than $900,000. It has launched several court and tribunal actions for serious breaches and recently secured a $1 million penalty and compensation for residents affected by the conduct of large-scale accommodation provider, Ingenia Gardens.
It has also assessed more than 2,600 rental property cases and inspected more than 600 properties for minimum standards.
With new reforms to Victoria’s renting laws starting throughout 2026, the taskforce will play an important role helping rental providers and agents to understand their new obligations and monitoring compliance.
More support for Victorian renters
From early 2027, the Victorian Renter Rights Program will give renters better access to advice, support and advocacy. Once fully rolled out the program is expected to more than double the number of renters supported each year to more than 25,000.
The program includes four local and statewide services: the Renter Rights Service, Renting Central Service, Victorian Renters Helpline and Older Persons Housing Rights Service, and builds on the success of existing programs.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the changes would give renters more support and strengthen protections across the rental market.
‘Renters should understand their rights, get help when they need it and have confidence that Victoria’s rental laws are being followed,’ Ms Rich said.
‘Making the Renting Taskforce permanent and delivering better access to advice and support will help improve outcomes for renters across Victoria.’
Find out more about the Victorian Renter Rights Program.