VIC Rental Lease Agreement: Guide for Landlords

This guide is about Victorian residential rental lease agreements for landlords, rental providers, and renters. It does not cover commercial lease agreements, retail leases, generic lease templates, non-Victorian tenancy agreements, or property sale contracts.

If you’re a rental provider (landlord) in Victoria, your tenancy agreement isn’t something you can write from scratch or download from a random template site. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, every written residential rental agreement in Victoria must use a specific government-prescribed form — known as Form 1.

Victoria’s rental laws changed significantly on 25 November 2025, with further changes taking effect on 31 March 2026. If you haven’t created a new agreement since then, the rules around notice periods, no-fault evictions, rental applications, rent increases, and what you can include in your agreement have all shifted.

In this guide, we cover what Form 1 requires, how the November 2025 and March 2026 reforms affect your agreement, the legal rules you need to know as a rental provider, common mistakes to avoid, and how to prepare a prescribed-form agreement using Landlord Wise.

For the broader tenancy law framework behind this agreement, see our VIC residential tenancies act guide. If you’re working through the full tenancy setup process, it also helps to read the VIC rental bond guide alongside this page.

What Is Form 1?

Form 1 is the prescribed residential rental agreement for tenancies of 5 years or less in Victoria. It is issued by Consumer Affairs Victoria under Section 26(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and Regulation 10(1) of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021. If your tenancy is for a fixed term of more than 5 years, you must use Form 2 instead. Note that short-term agreements can also be verbal under Victorian law, but we strongly recommend using a written agreement — without one, you have limited evidence to rely on in any dispute.

The form is a binding contract, and it is divided into five parts:

Part A contains the basic terms specific to your tenancy. This is where you enter the rental provider and renter details, the property address, the type and length of agreement, rent amount and payment method, bond amount, electronic service consent, owners corporation rules, and condition report details.

Part B sets out the standard terms that apply to every residential rental agreement by law. These cover the rental provider’s duty to maintain the property, the renter’s duty of care, rent payment obligations, urgent and non-urgent repair processes, assignment and subletting, rent increase rules, access and entry rights, and pet consent. You cannot alter, remove, or override anything in Part B — doing so may attract penalties under the Act.

Part C contains prescribed safety-related activities that apply to your property. These cover electrical safety checks, gas safety checks, swimming pool and spa barrier compliance, and bushfire-prone area obligations. These terms are set by the Regulations and cannot be modified.

Part D is a summary of both parties’ rights and obligations under the Act. It is included for information purposes.

Part E is where you add any additional terms specific to your property. These must not exclude, restrict, or modify any rights or duties under the Act, and they must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) — meaning they cannot be unfair contract terms.

What Changed on 25 November 2025

The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025 brought the most significant package of rental reforms Victoria has seen since 2021. These changes affect the way you create, manage, and end tenancy agreements. Here is what changed and what it means for you as a rental provider.

No-Fault Evictions Banned

This is the headline change. You can no longer issue a notice to vacate simply because a fixed-term agreement has ended. When a fixed-term agreement expires, it automatically rolls into a periodic (month-to-month) agreement unless you and the renter agree to enter a new fixed-term agreement, or you issue a notice to vacate for one of the valid prescribed reasons.

Valid reasons still include sale of the property, the rental provider or their family moving in, renovations or repairs that require the property to be vacant, demolition, and breach of the agreement (such as unpaid rent). But “end of lease” on its own is no longer a valid reason.

This fundamentally changes the nature of fixed-term agreements in Victoria. A fixed term no longer acts as a natural endpoint — it is now a minimum guaranteed period. Plan accordingly when setting your lease term.

Rent Increase Notice Period Extended to 90 Days

The minimum notice period for a rent increase has increased from 60 days to 90 days. This applies to all residential rental agreements, whether periodic or fixed-term (where the agreement allows for an increase). You must use the prescribed Notice of Proposed Rent Increase form and provide it at least 90 days before the increase takes effect. If you serve notice by post, you must also allow for Australia Post delivery times on top of the 90 days.

Rental Bidding Banned

It is now illegal for agents to accept or solicit higher rent offers than the advertised price. As a rental provider, you must advertise the property at a fixed rent amount — you cannot invite or accept offers above the advertised price, and your agent cannot accept unsolicited offers above the listed price either.

Minimum Standards Must Be Met Before Advertising

You can no longer advertise or offer a property for rent unless you reasonably believe it meets all the prescribed rental minimum standards. If it doesn’t, it’s an offence. This means issues like broken locks, missing window coverings, lack of a fixed heater in the main living area, or inadequate ventilation must be resolved before you list the property — not after the renter moves in.

Mandatory Annual Smoke Alarm Testing

You are now responsible for ensuring that all smoke alarms on the rented premises are correctly installed and in working condition. This applies to all rental agreements, regardless of when they commenced. Annual testing and maintenance is your obligation, not the renter’s.

Renter Information Protections

Stricter rules now govern how you handle personal information provided by renters. You must protect renter information from misuse, follow rules around destruction and de-identification, and it is an offence to disclose information without consent.

What Changed on 31 March 2026

A second wave of reforms took effect on 31 March 2026, primarily affecting the rental application process and rent payment fees.

New Prescribed Rental Application Form (Form 3A)

From 31 March 2026, you must use the new prescribed Form 3A for all rental applications. You can no longer use a custom application form, and you cannot ask applicants for information beyond what the form allows. The prescribed form limits what you can collect to identity details, employment information, financial capacity (no more than two supporting documents from a defined list), rental history, and information about pets or other occupants.

This replaces the earlier Form 3 (which referenced Section 29C of the Act). The new Form 3A references Section 30AC and is set out in Schedule 1 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (version 006).

Third-Party Application and Rent Payment Fees Banned

Third-party platforms can no longer charge renters fees for submitting rental applications or paying rent. Rental providers, their agents, and authorised deposit-taking institutions (banks) are exempt from this prohibition, but other businesses operating application or rent payment platforms cannot charge renters. You may still use third-party platforms to manage applications and collect rent — the prohibition applies to those platforms charging the renter, not to you using them.

Enhanced Excessive Rent Review Framework

From 31 March 2026, the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT now consider additional matters when determining whether a proposed rent increase is excessive. These include comparing the proposed rent with the current rent, considering the rate of increase relative to the annual inflation rate (CPI — All Groups Melbourne), and evaluating relevant similarities and differences between the property and comparable premises (including location, facilities, size, condition, and number of bedrooms). If you are in breach of the minimum standards and there is an active order, infringement notice, or court order relating to that breach, this can also be considered.

Victoria has also introduced Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), a free dispute resolution service available as an alternative to VCAT for certain tenancy disputes. If a dispute arises with your renter — whether about repairs, bond, rent, or other tenancy matters — RDRV may be able to help resolve it without a formal VCAT hearing.

What VIC Law Requires in Your Rental Agreement

Each section of Form 1 reflects specific legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Here are the key rules you need to understand before completing your agreement.

Security Bond Limits

The maximum bond you can charge is one month’s rent, unless the weekly rent exceeds $900 — in which case the bond amount is negotiable. If you want to charge more than one month’s rent (for properties at or below the $900/week threshold), you must apply to VCAT for an order under Section 33 of the Act.

The bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days of receiving payment. You cannot hold the bond yourself. The RTBA will send the renter a receipt — if the renter doesn’t receive one within 15 business days of paying the bond, they can contact the RTBA directly.

Victoria does not have a separate pet bond. If you allow pets, the standard bond rules apply — one month’s rent maximum, no additional pet-specific charge. However, the rental provider can seek compensation through the bond or VCAT for any pet damage at the end of the tenancy, provided there is evidence (such as the condition report).

The Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2025 has enacted new bond claim evidence requirements and a portable rental bond scheme, but these provisions have not yet commenced and will start no later than 13 October 2026. Once commenced, rental providers will need to provide evidence before making bond claims, and renters will be able to transfer an existing bond to a new tenancy. For full details on the upcoming bond claim and transfer rules, see our Rental Bond VIC guide.

Bond Top-Ups for Long-Term Tenancies

If the agreement runs for more than 5 years, the rental provider may require the renter to pay an additional bond after the first 5 years, provided the agreement is being extended by at least 5 years (or has an unexpired period of 5 years or more) and 120 days’ written notice is given. The additional amount is calculated based on the difference between the bond at the current rent and the bond that would apply at the new rent level. No more than one top-up is permitted in any 5-year period.

Rent Increase Rules

Rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months. You must give the renter at least 90 days’ written notice using the prescribed Notice of Proposed Rent Increase form. Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term agreement unless the agreement specifically provides for an increase and states how the increase will be calculated.

This last point is critical: simply stating “rent may be increased” is not sufficient. The agreement must specify the method — for example, CPI, Statewide Rent Index, a fixed percentage, or a fixed dollar amount. The Notice of Proposed Rent Increase must also show the method used and the calculation. If it doesn’t, the increase may be invalid.

The four most common methods for calculating a rent increase in Victoria are: according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI — All Groups Melbourne), according to the Statewide Rent Index (SRI) or metropolitan/regional rent index, by a fixed percentage (e.g. 3%), or by a fixed dollar amount (e.g. $20 per week).

Form 1 includes four pre-drafted rent adjustment options in item 15 of Part A — Option 1 (CPI), Option 2 (Statewide Rent Index), Option 3 (a fixed percentage), and Option 4 (a fixed dollar amount) — that you select when completing the agreement. You may also choose no rent increase clause at all, in which case rent cannot be increased during the fixed term.

Renters can challenge a rent increase by requesting a free review from the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, or by applying to VCAT for an order declaring the increase excessive. From 31 March 2026, the Director and VCAT consider an expanded list of factors when assessing whether an increase is excessive — including the rate of increase compared to CPI.

Rent Payment Methods

You must allow at least one fee-free payment method (other than the renter’s own bank fees) and must allow the renter to use Centrepay or another form of electronic funds transfer. You cannot require post-dated cheques. You cannot solicit or invite the renter to pay rent more than one month in advance — or more than two weeks in advance if rent is payable weekly. The Act has a high-rent exception for inviting more than one month’s rent in advance where the weekly rent exceeds the prescribed threshold, but unsolicited upfront offers above one month remain prohibited.

Since 25 November 2025, there is also a new restriction: you cannot accept an unsolicited offer of rent more than one month in advance, even if the renter volunteers it. This means that if a renter offers to pay six months upfront, you must decline — accepting it is now an offence carrying a penalty of 60 penalty units for a natural person or 300 penalty units for a body corporate.

Property Condition Report Obligations

Before the renter moves in, you must give them two copies of the condition report (or one emailed copy if the renter has agreed to electronic service). The condition report must be in the prescribed form and specify the state of repair and general condition of the premises.

The renter has 5 business days after moving in to review the condition report, note any disagreement, sign it, and return one copy to you. If the renter does not return it, you should still retain your completed copy as evidence.

The condition report is your primary evidence in any future bond claim or damage dispute. We cover this in detail in our Condition Report VIC guide.

What You Must Give the Renter Before Moving In

Before a renter moves in, you must provide: a copy of the signed rental agreement, a copy of the Renters Guide (either as a paper copy or electronically if the renter has agreed), a phone number for urgent out-of-hours repairs, your full name and postal address for serving documents (plus email if electronic service is agreed), a set of keys for each renter named on the agreement, and two copies of the condition report (or one electronic copy).

Access and Entry Rights

You cannot enter the rental property whenever you want. The Act specifies exactly when and how you can enter, and the minimum notice period depends on the reason for entry.

Routine inspections are limited to once every 6 months, with at least 7 days’ written notice. The first routine inspection cannot occur within the first 3 months of the tenancy. Valuations also require 7 days’ notice, as does entry to take advertising images or video.

If you need to show the property to a prospective buyer or conduct an open inspection for sale purposes, you must give at least 48 hours’ notice and must have already provided the renter with a notice of intention to sell at least 14 days beforehand. Showing the property to prospective renters also requires 48 hours’ notice.

Entry to carry out a legal duty (such as repairs) or where you have reasonable grounds to believe the renter has breached their duties requires at least 24 hours’ notice.

Unlike some tenancy laws, the Victorian residential rental provisions do not give rental providers a general no-notice emergency entry right. If the renter has consented to entry within the last 7 days, you may enter at the agreed time without a further formal notice. Otherwise, use the notice ground that matches the reason for entry — for example, at least 24 hours’ notice to carry out a duty under the Act, the agreement, or another Act.

All noticed entry is only permitted between 8am and 6pm, not on public holidays. Renter-consented entry can occur at the agreed time.

When a property is being shown to prospective buyers, the renter is entitled to a set amount of compensation for each inspection. The renter can also request that inspections be by appointment only if someone at the property is at risk of family or personal violence.

When showing to prospective renters, inspections can only take place within the last 21 days before the termination date specified in the notice to vacate or notice of intention to vacate — this right of entry only activates after such a notice has been given. Inspections must be no more than twice weekly and for no longer than one hour unless otherwise agreed.

Pet Consent Rules

Renters must seek your consent before keeping a pet. You must not unreasonably refuse. If you want to refuse, you need to apply to VCAT for an order — you cannot simply say no without grounds. If VCAT finds you have unreasonably refused, it can order that consent is granted. There is no separate pet bond in Victoria.

Modifications

Renters may make minor modifications, modifications related to disability access, safety modifications related to family violence, and furniture safety modifications (to prevent injury to a child or person with disability) — all subject to varying consent requirements under the Act. For minor modifications, if you do not respond within 14 days, consent is deemed to have been given.

Professional Cleaning

You cannot require the renter to arrange professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy unless professional cleaning was carried out immediately before the tenancy started and the renter was advised of this, or professional cleaning is required to restore the premises to the condition recorded in the condition report (accounting for fair wear and tear).

Urgent Repairs

If the renter reports an urgent repair — such as a burst water service, gas leak, serious flood or storm damage, or a failure of electricity, gas, or water supply — you must arrange for it to be carried out as soon as possible. If you cannot be contacted or do not arrange the repair promptly, the renter can arrange the repair themselves and seek reimbursement from you of up to $2,500. If the cost exceeds $2,500 or you refuse to reimburse, the renter can apply to VCAT for an order. Responding quickly to urgent repair requests protects both the property and your liability.

Assignment and Subletting

The renter cannot assign or sublet the property without your written consent. However, you cannot unreasonably withhold consent, and you cannot charge a fee beyond your reasonable expenses for considering and processing the assignment. If a renter assigns or sublets without your consent, you may have grounds to issue a notice to vacate.

How to Fill Out Your Form 1 Step by Step

Landlord Wise is built specifically for the Victorian market. You can get free early access and use the Tenancy Wizard to turn this complex form into a guided process.

Rental Provider and Renter Details

The first sections of Form 1 (Part A, items 1–4) capture the basics: the date of the agreement, the property address, the rental provider’s full name and contact details (or agent’s details), and the renter’s full name, current address, phone number, and email. If multiple renters are signing, each one must provide their details and each one must sign the agreement.

Length and Type of Agreement

Item 5 of Part A asks you to choose between a fixed-term agreement and a periodic (month-to-month) agreement. For a fixed-term agreement, you specify the start and end dates. Remember that fixed terms of 5 years or less use Form 1 — anything longer requires Form 2.

With the ban on no-fault evictions now in effect, the distinction between fixed-term and periodic agreements has changed. A fixed-term agreement no longer automatically ends when the term expires — it rolls into a periodic agreement unless a new fixed term is agreed or you issue a valid notice to vacate. This means there is less practical difference between the two types than there used to be.

Rent Amount and Payment

Item 6 covers the rent amount and how it’s paid. You specify the dollar amount, whether it’s payable per week, fortnight, or calendar month, the day rent is due, and the date the first payment is due. You must permit at least one fee-free payment method and accept Centrepay or electronic funds transfer.

Bond

Item 7 covers the bond. For most properties, the maximum bond is one month’s rent. If the weekly rent exceeds $900, the cap does not apply and the amount is negotiable. The bond must be lodged with the RTBA within 10 business days.

Landlord Wise calculates the maximum bond from the rent amount you enter so you can review it before signing.

Electronic Service of Documents

Item 9 of Part A asks whether each party consents to receiving notices and documents by electronic methods (such as email). This is optional — both the rental provider and each renter must individually agree. Either party can later withdraw consent by giving written notice. Electronic service must comply with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

Owners Corporation Rules

Item 10 asks whether the property is covered by owners corporation rules. If yes, you must attach a copy of the rules to the agreement.

Condition Report

Item 14 confirms whether the condition report has been provided or will be provided on or before the start date. You must provide two copies (or one electronic copy) before the renter moves in.

Rent Adjustments

Item 15 is where you select how rent may be adjusted during the tenancy. The form provides four pre-drafted options: Option 1 — CPI (Consumer Price Index — All Groups Melbourne), Option 2 — Statewide Rent Index (SRI), Option 3 — a fixed percentage, or Option 4 — a fixed dollar amount. You may also insert a custom method, or leave it blank if no rent increase will apply during the term.

If you select an option, you are committing to that method for any future increase during the tenancy. The Notice of Proposed Rent Increase you serve must match the method specified in the agreement.

Wise AI: Your Built-In VIC Tenancy Law Assistant

Don’t know the law? Don’t search Google. At any point in the wizard, you can ask Wise AI for help. Because it knows Victorian tenancy law and your specific property data, you can ask things like:

“Can I increase the rent on this lease?” — Wise AI checks the 12-month minimum gap and the 90-day notice requirement against your tenant’s start date and the method specified in the agreement.

“What’s the maximum bond I can charge?” — It calculates based on your rent amount and the one-month cap (or confirms the cap doesn’t apply if rent exceeds $900/week).

“My renter wants to keep a dog — can I say no?” — It explains that you cannot unreasonably refuse and that you would need to apply to VCAT if you have grounds for refusal.

“Can I evict my tenant at the end of the lease?” — It explains the no-fault eviction ban and walks you through the valid reasons for issuing a notice to vacate.

As you add properties and renters to Landlord Wise, Wise AI learns your portfolio — giving you specific, actionable answers rather than generic legal information.

Review, Generate, and Send

Before finishing, the wizard presents a Plain-English Summary — no legal jargon, just a clear view of what you’ve created. You can read through the entire agreement in plain language, and if anything needs changing, just click the edit link next to that section.

Once happy, hit Generate Tenancy Agreement. You can then:

• Preview the PDF directly in your browser
• Sign digitally — upload or draw your signature once in settings and it’s applied automatically
• Send to renters — they receive an email invitation to review and sign the agreement online

No printing, no scanning, no posting. The whole process is completely paperless.

Once your agreement is signed, your next step as a rental provider is completing the Condition Report before your renter moves in — we’ve got a full guide for that too.

If arrears escalate beyond the agreement stage, our VIC notice to vacate guide guide explains the notice process step by step. If the tenancy later ends early, our VIC break lease guide guide covers ending a fixed term before the scheduled date.

Common Mistakes Rental Providers Make with Form 1

These are the errors we see most often. Some are administrative inconveniences — others can cost you money or make parts of your agreement unenforceable.

Using a Generic Template Instead of the Prescribed Form

Victorian law requires the prescribed Form 1 for all written residential rental agreements of 5 years or less. A generic lease template downloaded from the internet — even one labelled “Australian” or “Victorian” — is not legally sufficient. If you’re not using the prescribed form, your agreement may not be enforceable, and you may face penalties. Landlord Wise uses the latest recorded prescribed form.

Overcharging the Bond

The maximum bond is one month’s rent for properties where the weekly rent is $900 or less. A common mistake is confusing “one month’s rent” with “four weeks’ rent” — in Victoria, the cap is one calendar month, not four weeks. For a property renting at $500 per week, the maximum bond is approximately $2,167 (being $500 × 52 ÷ 12, rounded up), not $2,000 (being $500 × 4). Charging above the legal maximum is an offence carrying a penalty of 60 penalty units.

Not Providing the Renters Guide

You must give the renter a copy of the Renters Guide before they move in — either as a paper copy or electronically if the renter has agreed to receive documents that way. This is a separate obligation from providing the agreement itself and the condition report. The Renters Guide is published by Consumer Affairs Victoria and explains the renter’s rights and obligations in plain language.

Forgetting the Condition Report

You must provide the renter with two copies of the condition report (or one electronic copy) on or before the date they move in. Missing this weakens your position in any future bond dispute — without an agreed condition report, you have limited evidence to claim against the bond for damage.

Including Prohibited Terms

Certain terms are explicitly prohibited by the Act and cannot be included in any rental agreement, even if the renter agrees to them. You cannot require the renter to take out insurance, pay additional rent or penalties for breaching the agreement, pay for the preparation of the agreement, pay for maintenance of safety equipment that is your responsibility, or indemnify you. The agreement also cannot include a term that reduces rent as a reward for not breaching the agreement, or binds the renter to a contract they didn’t agree to in writing.

Adding Terms That Override Part B

Part E lets you add additional terms, but they must not exclude, restrict, or modify any rights or duties under the Act. They must also comply with the unfair contract terms provisions in the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria). A common example: adding a clause allowing more than 2 routine inspections per year (the Act limits you to one every 6 months), or requiring the renter to pay for all repairs regardless of the cause.

Not Specifying the Rent Increase Method

If you want the ability to increase rent during a fixed-term agreement, the agreement must specify both that an increase is permitted and the method by which it will be calculated. Simply writing “rent may increase” is not enough. The method must be sufficiently clear that the renter can work out how the increase is calculated and verify that the increase matches the method. If the method is missing or unclear, any increase you issue may be invalid.

Serving a Rent Increase Notice Without Enough Lead Time

The notice period is now 90 days — not 60. If you serve a Notice of Proposed Rent Increase with less than 90 days’ notice, the increase is invalid. If you’re posting the notice, you must allow for Australia Post delivery times on top of the 90 days. Use the prescribed form and track your dates carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lease Agreements in VIC

Do I have to use Form 1 in Victoria? Yes. Under Section 26(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, all written residential rental agreements of 5 years or less must use the prescribed Form 1. For fixed terms of more than 5 years, you must use Form 2. A generic lease template is not legally sufficient, and failing to use the prescribed form may attract penalties.

What is the maximum security bond in Victoria? For properties where the weekly rent is $900 or less, the maximum bond is one calendar month’s rent. If the weekly rent exceeds $900, the bond amount is negotiable. If you want to charge more than one month’s rent on a property at or below the $900 threshold, you must apply to VCAT for an order. There is no separate pet bond in Victoria. Landlord Wise calculates the maximum from the rent amount you enter so you can review it before signing.

Can I increase the rent during a fixed-term agreement? Only if the agreement specifically allows for it and states the method of calculation. If the agreement is silent on rent increases, you cannot increase the rent until the fixed term ends. You must give at least 90 days’ written notice using the prescribed form, and rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months.

What is the rent increase notice period in Victoria? 90 days. This changed from 60 days on 25 November 2025. If you serve the notice by post, you must allow for Australia Post delivery times on top of the 90-day minimum.

Can I evict a tenant at the end of a fixed-term lease? No. Since 25 November 2025, no-fault evictions are banned in Victoria. When a fixed-term agreement ends, it automatically becomes a periodic (month-to-month) agreement. You can only issue a notice to vacate for a valid prescribed reason — such as sale of the property, the rental provider moving in, renovations requiring vacancy, or breach of the agreement.

What documents must I give the renter before they move in? You must provide: a copy of the signed rental agreement, the Renters Guide (paper or electronic), a phone number for urgent out-of-hours repairs, your full name and postal address (plus email if electronic service is agreed), a set of keys for each renter, and two copies of the condition report (or one electronic copy).

Can I refuse a renter’s request to keep a pet? Not without grounds. The Act requires that you must not unreasonably refuse a pet request. If you want to refuse, you need to apply to VCAT for an order. There is no pet bond in Victoria — the standard bond rules apply.

Can I require professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy? Only in limited circumstances. You can require professional cleaning if it was carried out immediately before the tenancy started and the renter was informed of this, or if professional cleaning is needed to restore the premises to the condition recorded in the condition report (accounting for fair wear and tear). You cannot include a blanket requirement for professional cleaning as a standard term.

What are the new rules for rental applications from 31 March 2026? From 31 March 2026, you must use the new prescribed Form 3A for all rental applications. You cannot use a custom application form, and you cannot ask applicants for information beyond what the form allows. Third-party platforms can no longer charge renters fees for submitting applications or paying rent.

What happens if I use the wrong form? Using a non-prescribed form for a new residential rental agreement means your agreement may not be enforceable. It also exposes you to potential disputes with no clear legal footing and may attract penalties under the Act. Always use the current prescribed form — Landlord Wise generates from the current version automatically.

How often can I inspect the property? Once every 6 months, with at least 7 days’ written notice. The first inspection cannot occur within the first 3 months of the tenancy. Entry is only permitted between 8am and 6pm, not on public holidays, unless the renter has consented within the last 7 days. Other types of entry (such as repairs or showing to prospective buyers) have different notice periods — see the Access and Entry Rights section above.

Can notices be sent electronically? Yes, but only if the relevant party has agreed to electronic service in Part A of the agreement. Electronic service must comply with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000. Either party can withdraw consent at any time by giving written notice.

Summary

Form 1 is more than a form — it’s the legal foundation of your tenancy. Getting it right protects you in bond disputes, rent arrears claims, property damage disputes, and tenancy terminations. Getting it wrong can leave you exposed to penalties, unenforceable terms, and failed VCAT applications.

The November 2025 and March 2026 reforms have added new obligations and changed existing ones. The ban on no-fault evictions, the 90-day rent increase notice period, the prescribed rental application form, and the enhanced excessive rent review framework all affect how you set up and manage your rental agreement.

Landlord Wise helps manage the complexity: automatic bond calculation, guided checks, the current prescribed form, plain-English review, digital signing, and AI-powered assistance at every step.

Related guides for VIC landlords

If you are building out the full landlord workflow for this state, these guides connect this page to the rest of the tenancy process.

Same-state guides

• VIC rental bond guide
• VIC condition report guide
• VIC rent increase guide
• VIC notice to vacate guide
• VIC break lease guide

Compare lease agreement guides in other states

• WA lease agreement guide
• NSW lease agreement guide
• QLD lease agreement guide
• SA lease agreement guide
• Tasmania lease agreement guide
• ACT tenancy agreement guide