Victoria rent increase rules at a glance
- ✓Minimum 60 days written notice required
- ✓Maximum once per 12 months per tenancy
- ✓Fixed-term leases under 5 years: only if the lease specifies the amount or method
- ✓Notice must be in writing and state the new amount and start date
- ✓You can apply to VCAT within 30 days if the increase is excessive
- ✓VCAT application fee: around $60–100 (unlike NSW, not free)
Can your landlord increase your rent in Victoria?
Yes. Victorian landlords can increase rent, but only under specific conditions. They cannot increase it whenever they like or by any amount they choose.
The rules apply to all residential tenancies in Victoria, whether you are on a fixed-term lease or a periodic (rolling) agreement.
- Periodic lease: Your landlord can increase rent with 60 days written notice, no more than once every 12 months.
- Fixed-term lease under 5 years: Rent can only be increased if your lease agreement specifies the new amount or the method for calculating it (for example, a CPI-linked formula or a fixed percentage). If the lease does not include this, rent cannot change until the fixed term ends.
Victoria updated its tenancy laws in 2023 to apply the once-per-12-months limit to all tenancy types. Previously, different rules applied to fixed-term agreements.
If your landlord tries to increase rent more frequently than once every 12 months, or without the correct notice, the increase is not valid. You do not have to pay the higher amount until a valid notice has been given.
How much notice does your landlord have to give?
At least 60 days written notice before the new rent takes effect. This is a requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC).
The notice period starts from the day you receive the notice, not the day it was sent. If you received less than 60 days notice, the start date is invalid. You can continue paying the old rent until 60 days have passed from when you received it.
How often can rent be increased in Victoria?
Once every 12 months per tenancy. This means 12 months must have passed since the last increase took effect, not since the last notice was given.
If your landlord increased your rent in March 2025, the earliest the next increase can take effect is March 2026. A notice sent in January 2026 for a February 2026 start date would not be valid.
What makes a valid rent increase notice in Victoria?
To be valid, a rent increase notice must:
- Be in writing (email is acceptable)
- State the new rent amount in dollars
- State the date the new rent takes effect
- Give at least 60 days from the date you receive it
A verbal notice from your property manager does not count. A notice that only states a percentage increase without specifying the new dollar amount is also not valid.
If the notice is missing any of these elements, it is not enforceable. Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria if you are unsure whether a notice you received is valid.
What if the increase seems excessive?
You can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to have the increase reviewed. You must apply within 30 days of receiving the notice.
VCAT assesses whether the proposed rent is excessive compared to market rent for similar properties in the area. Your landlord's costs (including mortgage repayments or interest rate changes) are not relevant factors.
Unlike NSW, VCAT charges a small application fee (around $60–100 depending on the claim type). You do not need a lawyer to apply.
To support your application, gather evidence of comparable market rents in your area using recent listings from Domain or REA, or ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for guidance.
Before you respond, run the numbers
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Calculate my counter-offerHow to respond to a rent increase in Victoria
- Check the notice is valid. Confirm it is in writing, states the new amount and date, and gives at least 60 days. If not, it is not yet enforceable.
- Check the timing. Has it been at least 12 months since your last increase took effect? If not, you can reject the notice on that basis.
- Assess whether it is reasonable. Compare the proposed rent to recent listings for similar properties in your area. Use the two-benchmark test: CPI alignment and landlord replacement cost.
- Negotiate or dispute. Most landlords will negotiate with a reliable tenant who puts forward a specific, reasoned counter-offer. See our negotiation guide and counter-offer email templates. If negotiation does not work and the increase is above market, apply to VCAT within 30 days of receiving the notice.
Victoria rent increase rules: summary table
| Rule | Victoria requirement |
|---|---|
| Notice period | 60 days written notice |
| Frequency | Once per 12 months (per tenancy) |
| Fixed-term lease (under 5 years) | Only if lease specifies amount or method |
| Notice format | In writing, must state new amount and start date |
| Dispute body | VCAT |
| Dispute window | Within 30 days of receiving notice |
| Dispute cost | Around $60–100 application fee |
| Assessment basis | Market rent for comparable properties |
This is a general guide. Verify current rules with Consumer Affairs Victoria before taking action.
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