The State Government’s Rent Taskforce is currently undertaking rental inspections across Victoria to check that rental properties meet minimum required standards.

Allowing a new tenant to move into a rental property that does not meet minimum standards is a criminal offense punishable by maximum fines of over $11,000 for individuals and over $57,000 for businesses.

The minimum standards for rental housing include things that most people would reasonably expect from an apartment, such as a functioning kitchen, lockable exterior doors, and solid construction and water resistance.

The Tenancy Law Task Force uses information and market analysis to improve monitoring of rental campaigns, conduct targeted inspections and respond to identified violations.

Consumer Protection Minister Gabrielle Williams said the only people who should be worried are those who are doing the wrong thing.

“Most landlords and estate agents are doing the right thing – our Tenancy Taskforce is cracking down on those who try to break tenancy laws with impunity,” she said.

Residents can report false rental advertisements to Consumer Affairs Victoria using a short, anonymous online complaint form.

Information: consumer.vic.gov.au/rental-listing