The Victorian State Parliament has passed significant rental reforms, ensuring that landlords can no longer evict tenants without valid grounds. These changes were part of a broader legislative package approved by Victoria’s Upper House in March 2025, marking the end of no-grounds evictions and rental bidding in the state.
Under the new legislation, landlords in Victoria are now required to provide legitimate reasons to terminate both fixed-term and periodic leases. Additionally, rental bidding—where landlords solicit or accept offers above the publicly advertised rent—is now prohibited.
The bill was introduced by Gabrielle de Vietri, Greens MP for Richmond and the party’s housing spokesperson. De Vietri emphasized that these reforms will provide Victorian renters with much-needed stability.
“A couple of months ago, I spoke to a single woman who had moved five times in five years. Each time, she had to bid against other desperate renters, and each time, she encountered hidden fees,” she told Domain. "Once these laws take effect, that situation will no longer be allowed to happen."
The legislation introduces several other key changes to improve renter protections:
Despite these reforms, measures remain in place to safeguard landlords in cases of tenant misconduct. Evictions will still be permitted for reasons such as non-payment of rent, property damage, or illegal activity. Other valid grounds for eviction include major property repairs, the landlord moving in, or the sale of the property.
Kelly Ryan, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), welcomed some aspects of the legislation but expressed concerns that certain measures could deter investment in the rental market.
“We appreciate that protecting renters' rights is essential to a balanced rental ecosystem. Reforms such as mandated annual smoke alarm checks and minimum rental standards at the time of advertising are positive steps,” Ryan stated. “However, increasing regulatory burdens at a time when high compliance costs are already pushing many rental providers out of the market could have unintended consequences. The government should focus on supporting landlords to ensure an adequate supply of rental properties.”
The date for the implementation of these reforms has not yet been announced. Premier Jacinta Allan first outlined plans to end no-grounds evictions in October 2024, following similar legislation enacted in New South Wales last year.
