The Victorian Government is introducing new minimum energy efficiency and safety standards for rental properties and rooming houses under the Residential Tenancies and Residential Tenancies (Rooming House Standards) Amendment (Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards) Regulations 2024. The changes form part of the Government’s broader housing and climate objectives and will be implemented in stages from 1 March 2027.
While the REIV supports the goal of improved housing standards, it has consistently highlighted the need for realistic timelines, financial support, and clear guidance to ensure these new obligations are workable for rental providers and property managers. The REIV made a formal submission to the Victorian Government outlining its position on the proposed reforms.
Advocacy Position
In its submission to the Victorian Government, the REIV supported the overall objectives of improving energy efficiency and tenant safety but recommended a balanced implementation framework to avoid unintended impacts on rental supply.
The REIV’s key recommendations included:
Providing financial assistance and incentives such as rebates or tax concessions for upgrade costs.
Extending implementation timeframes to allow for planning and cost management.
Offering clear and accessible exemption criteria for properties where compliance is impractical or disproportionately costly.
Delivering industry training and resources to support consistent understanding and compliance.
Ensuring effective communication and education for both rental providers and renters about new obligations and support programs.
These measures are intended to ease the transition, promote voluntary compliance, and prevent further loss of rental housing stock.
Progress
Following public advocacy, including the REIV’s formal submission, the Victorian Government has delayed the implementation dates for many upgrades from the originally proposed 30 October 2025 to 1 March 2027, introduced broader exemptions (including for high-cost works, limited space, or structural restrictions, and ensured every property upgrade will be eligible for discounts via the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program