What changed
New Victoria rental reforms put an end to unsupported bond claims and set out clearer obligations for rental providers and agents. The Domestic Building Legal Service is also being expanded, so Victorians can get help with building disputes at any stage of a project, not just once things have gone wrong. And new property sales and underquoting laws now give homebuyers a much clearer picture of what a home is likely to sell for. Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs Victoria is cracking down on how estate agents and conveyancers manage the trust accounts that hold client money, and has published its regulatory priorities for 2026–27.
Who is affected
Victorian renters, rental providers, agents, homebuyers, and people involved in building disputes. The trust account compliance focus affects estate agents and conveyancers who manage client funds.
When it starts
The new property sales and underquoting laws took effect on 1 October 2026, followed by the rental reforms on 13 October. The expanded Domestic Building Legal Service was announced on 23 October 2026 and is being rolled out in stages.
What it means in practice
Under the Victoria rental reforms, rental providers and agents must now show the renter evidence before claiming any of their bond, such as invoices, receipts, quotes or photos. Anyone caught up in a building dispute can turn to the expanded legal service, which ranges from self-help resources and legal advice to representation in more complex cases.
Homebuyers get earlier access to the seller’s reserve price and more clarity on how advertised price ranges are worked out. In one enforcement action, Barry Plant Geelong paid $10,000 as part of an enforceable undertaking after the agency acknowledged unlawful price advertising. Estate agents and conveyancers should expect compliance checks on their trust accounts, and the 2026–27 regulatory priorities spell out the main risks the regulator will be watching.
Related: Victorian landlords need proof before claiming a bond under new rental laws
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria. © State of Victoria (Consumer Affairs Victoria), adapted under: CC BY 4.0.
