Rent increases in Victoria: how often, how much notice and how to do it

Last checked against official sources on 2 October 2026

A rent increase has three rules to get right: how often, how much notice, and which form. Get one wrong and the notice may not be valid.

How often

According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months in most cases. For agreements that started before 19 June 2019, the limit is once every 6 months.

How much notice

You must tell the renter at least 90 days before the increase takes effect. This replaced a 60-day rule from 25 November 2025, which Consumer Affairs Victoria lists among the changes already in effect. Its list of upcoming changes does not include a further change to rent increases, but check before you act.

A worked example

The last increase took effect on 1 March 2026. The next one can take effect no earlier than 1 March 2027. Working back 90 days from that date gives about 1 December 2026, so aim to give the notice on or before that date, and add a few days if you are posting it.

Use the official form

Consumer Affairs Victoria says you must use the official Notice of Proposed Rent Increase form, and that if you don’t use the right form, the notice isn’t valid. Have the new rent amount and how you worked it out ready when you fill it in.

Fixed-term leases

During a fixed term, you are not allowed to increase the rent unless the lease has an additional clause allowing it. Check the clause before you plan an increase.

If the renter disagrees

The official page says renters may challenge an increase they think is higher than the market range, through a formal assessment. It also describes common ways landlords set increases, such as following the consumer price index (CPI) or a fixed percentage. Be ready to explain your figure.

Delivering the notice

Check the delivery rules on the official page. If you plan to email the notice, make sure the renter has agreed to receive documents that way. See our guide to email consent.

How VicPropGuard helps

VicPropGuard records each rent change with the date it takes effect, so the ledger uses the right rent from the right day and the days overdue stay correct after an increase. Request early access.

General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a lawyer before you act.