New rooming house and rental properties minimum standards 2025
New regulations will add to the existing minimum standards for rentals and rooming houses starting December 2025
These changes build on the existing minimum standards by introducing a new:
- minimum standard for blind cords for residential rental properties; and
- heating standard for rooming houses.
Heating standard for rooming houses
From 1 December 2024, if a rooming house operator installs a heater in a resident’s room, it must be a ‘fixed heater’ secured to a wall, floor or ceiling of the room.
From 1 December 2025, rooming house operators must install a fixed heater secured to a wall, floor or ceiling of each resident’s room.
A ‘fixed heater’ is either:
- an electric ducted heating or electric hydronic heating system; or
- an electric non-portable heater; or
- a non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump with a 2 star or above heating rating.
From 1 December 2030, rooming house operators must provide an energy efficient fixed heater secured to a wall, floor or ceiling in each resident’s room.
An ‘energy efficient fixed heater’ is either:
- an electric non-portable, non-ducted air conditioner or heat pump with a 2 star or above heating rating, or
- an electric ducted air conditioner or heat pump with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor of 3.2 or above.
Existing gas ducted or gas hydronic heating systems in good working order do not need to be removed until they reach the end of their life.
Rooming house operators may be exempt from part or all of the standard if they have existing fixed heating, or if installation would not be permitted due to heritage laws or owners corporation rules.
Blind and curtain cords standard for residential rental properties
Unsecured blind or curtain cords pose a serious risk to children, who can get tangled in loose cords.
From 1 December 2025, all corded internal window coverings in residential rental properties must have an anchor installed to ensure the cords are secured or tensioned and can’t form a loose loop.
To help make blind cords and curtains safer in your home, Consumer Affairs Victoria provides free curtain and blind cord safety kits which you can order on their website or buy one at a hardware store.
If you need further information please visit the CAV site or call one of our experience property managers who can help you understand all the new regulations and assist in bringing your investment up to the regulated standard.