Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au have upgraded their platforms to block non-compliant listings from being published, supporting the state’s rental bidding laws that require residential rental properties to be advertised with a single fixed price.
Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce worked closely with the real estate platforms to implement these changes, which prevent advertisements without a price, with a price range, or with phrases such as “contact agent” from being published.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said the change represents a significant win for renters by guaranteeing transparent pricing while helping rental providers and agents comply with Victoria’s laws.
“It’s hard enough trying to find a new home – without also worrying about what you’ll have to pay to secure it,” Mr Staikos said.
The initiative builds on the more than 150 rental law reforms introduced by the Labor Government and allows the taskforce to better allocate resources and operate more efficiently.
Since its establishment in 2024, the renting taskforce has issued over 90 fines totaling more than $750,000 for key rental offences.
“Victorian rental listings on realestate.com.au now display one clear advertised price, replacing ranges and extra text, making searches more accurate for renters while streamlining the process for real estate professionals,” REA Group said.
They added that the change helps property managers and agents avoid possible fines while improving the property journey for renters.
Additional reforms coming into effect on November 25 will further strengthen renter protections by completely banning rental bidding, including prohibiting rental providers and real estate agents from accepting unsolicited offers of increased rent from applicants.
These upcoming changes will also increase notice periods for rent increases and notices-to-vacate from 60 to 90 days, eliminate no fault and no cause evictions, and ban third-party businesses from charging extra fees for rent payments or rental applications.
“Rental price transparency helps create a fairer, more informed marketplace for everyone. We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving transparency in rental pricing – a goal we strongly share,” Domain said.
“Price transparency is vital – renters have the right to know how much they can expect to pay, and these new measures as well as the complete ban on all forms of rental bidding will ensure this,” Mr Staikos said.
