Rental properties across regional and metropolitan Victoria have been inspected this week, as Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce checks that advertised rental properties meet minimum standards.

Twenty-four inspectors have been attending open for inspections in Bendigo, the Latrobe Valley and Wangaratta. The taskforce has also been checking properties in Croydon, Dandenong, Maribyrnong and other suburbs in the south-east, west and inner north of Melbourne as part of a statewide inspection program.

Inspectors have been checking whether advertised rental properties meet Victoria’s minimum standards. They are also speaking with prospective renters about their rights under Victoria’s rental laws.

Under Victoria’s rental laws, it is an offence to advertise or offer a rental property that does not meet minimum standards. Where the taskforce identifies possible breaches, Consumer Affairs Victoria may take compliance or enforcement action.

The inspections are part of the taskforce’s work to improve compliance through proactive enforcement, early intervention and education.

The taskforce also identifies emerging issues in the rental market and works with industry to address them early. Recently, the taskforce worked with Reapit Group, which owns rental application platform 2Apply, to remove unlawful optional personal questions that could lead rental providers and agents to break the law.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the taskforce’s statewide checks were focused on making sure renters were treated fairly from the very start of the rental process.

“Minimum standards apply when a rental property is advertised, not only when a renter moves in,” Ms Rich said.

“Our taskforce is checking advertised properties and reminding rental providers and agents of their legal obligations at the point they enter the market.

“This work helps protect renters from being shown properties that simply don’t meet the basic standards of safety, security and amenity we would all expect in a home.

“It’s also a great opportunity to talk directly to renters, property managers and rental providers and support a better understanding of Victoria’s rental laws.”

Renters who see an advertised rental property that doesn’t meet minimum standards can report it anonymously.