General information only — not legal advice. This tool does not determine whether your rent increase is lawful or excessive. For a free, authoritative assessment contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.

RentWise Victoria

How Victorian rent increases work

Plain-language explanation of the rules, the process, and the factors that matter. Verify details against official sources before taking action — laws change.

The basic rules

There is no cap on the amount of a rent increase

Victoria does not have a legislated maximum percentage for rent increases. A landlord can propose any amount. However, a tenant can challenge an increase they believe is excessive through a free CAV assessment process.

Frequency: once every 12 months

For most residential tenancies, rent can only be increased once every 12 months. Check your lease type — rooming house and caravan park rules may differ slightly.

Notice: 90 days minimum, on the prescribed form

The landlord or agent must give you at least 90 days written notice before the increase takes effect. The notice must be on the prescribed form (Form 13). An increase notified incorrectly may not be valid — seek advice if you're unsure.

CPI is a reference point, not a cap

Melbourne All Groups CPI is one of the factors a CAV assessor weighs. Since 31 March 2026, an increase below CPI can still be challenged as excessive, and an increase above CPI is not automatically excessive. The full set of factors is listed below.

How to challenge an increase

  1. 1

    Apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)

    Apply within 30 days of receiving the written notice of increase. This is a free process. A CAV assessor will examine the increase against all relevant factors and provide a written opinion.

  2. 2

    Apply to RDRV (if CAV assessment is unfavourable)

    The Residential Disputes Resolution Victoria (RDRV) can mediate between you and the landlord. This is also a free service.

  3. 3

    Apply to VCAT

    If unresolved, you can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a binding decision. There is a filing fee, and the process is more formal. Tenants Victoria can help you prepare.

All factors assessed by CAV and VCAT

Several of these are qualitative — only you can describe them. A benchmark comparison (CPI, suburb median) is just one part of the picture. Make sure to raise all relevant factors if you pursue an assessment.

Local comparable rents

Rents for similar properties (size, type, condition, location) in the same area.

CPI

All Groups Consumer Price Index for Melbourne — a measure of general inflation.

Location

Proximity to transport, schools, shopping, parks, and other amenities.

Dwelling and land size

The physical size of the property, including yard or outdoor areas.

State of repair and condition

Whether the property is well-maintained. Disrepair can weigh against a large increase.

Number of bedrooms

Used to compare your property against similar properties.

Utilities responsibility

Whether the tenant or landlord pays for gas, electricity, water, internet, etc.

Goods or services provided by the tenant

E.g. if the tenant maintains the garden, pool, or common areas.

Tenant-funded improvements

Any upgrades or improvements the tenant paid for themselves.

Rent increase history

How frequently and by how much rent has been increased at this property.

Landlord duty breaches

Whether the landlord has failed to meet their legal obligations (e.g. repairs, safety).

About the data this tool uses

CPI — Australian Bureau of Statistics

All Groups CPI, Melbourne. The annual change shown is the percentage change from the same quarter one year prior. Current data: 2.4% for the March quarter 2026.

Source: ABS, Consumer Price Index, All Groups, Melbourne

Suburb median rents — DFFH Rental Report

Moving annual median weekly rents by suburb, dwelling type, and bedroom count. Published quarterly by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) based on bond data from the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).

These are moving annual medians, not live market data. They reflect bonds lodged over the previous 12 months — not what is listed for rent today. Low-count suburb/type/bedroom combinations are suppressed for privacy.

Source: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), Rental Report — Moving Annual Rents by Suburb. Based on Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) bond data.. Data as at: March quarter 2026.

Why do rents go up? The bigger picture

Most rent increases reflect a mix of real cost pressures — interest rates, inflation, land tax, insurance — and market conditions. Understanding these doesn't mean accepting an increase; it means you can have an informed conversation and decide whether to seek advice.

Understand the cost pressures →

Is your landlord citing the Federal Budget?

Some landlords are using the 2026–27 Budget's negative gearing announcement as a reason for raising rent. Most existing landlords are unaffected by the change, which is also not yet law. Understand who the changes apply to — and who they don't.

Budget & negative gearing explained →

Disclaimer

The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures change. Always verify current rules at consumer.vic.gov.au or call the CAV helpline. If you need personalised advice, contact Tenants Victoria (free service).