Australia Updates Rental Protections in Victoria and Tasmania
Expats in Victoria and Tasmania benefit from reduced upfront rental costs and increased housing rights regarding pets, facilitating easier long-term settling.
Australia Updates Rental Protections in Victoria and Tasmania
Living in Australia just became more secure and affordable for the long-term nomad community. Recent legislative shifts in Victoria and Tasmania have fundamentally changed the power balance between landlords and tenants, focusing on financial flexibility and lifestyle freedom.
In Victoria, the final phase of a massive rental overhaul is now live. Landlords are officially banned from evicting tenants without a valid reason, ending the era of "no-cause" notices. Notice periods for rent increases have also jumped to 90 days, giving you more time to adjust your budget or find a new base.
Perhaps the biggest win for mobile workers is the rental bond transfer. Instead of waiting weeks for a refund while simultaneously coughing up thousands for a new deposit, you can now transfer your existing bond directly to your next rental. This drastically lowers the upfront cost of moving between Melbourne’s trendy suburbs or regional hubs.
Meanwhile, Tasmania has just implemented a "pet-friendly" mandate. As of March 20, 2026, landlords can no longer include blanket "no pets" clauses in leases. If you want to bring a companion, you simply submit a formal request. Landlords have 14 days to respond; if they miss the deadline, the request is automatically approved. Any refusal must be justified through a tribunal, making it much easier for pet-owning expats to secure housing.
Who it affects
These changes apply to anyone on a long-term residential lease. While short-term holiday stays like Airbnb operate under different rules, these protections are a game changer for digital nomads and expats staying six months or longer.
What to do
If you are currently looking for a home in Melbourne or Hobart, keep these tips in mind:
- Victoria: Never participate in rental bidding. It is now illegal for agents to accept offers above the advertised price.
- Tasmania: Use the approved government form for pet requests to ensure your 14-day clock starts correctly.
- Safety: Check that your Victorian rental meets the new minimum standards for heating and locks before signing.
Check out the latest nomad news for more updates on living abroad. Read our full Australia guide for the complete picture.