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What am I actually responsible for?

76 quoted answers, each with its source

The short answer

In Victoria, renters must allow entry when the rental provider or agent is legally allowed and has given proper notice; a general inspection may only be made after the first 3 months and at most every 6 months, and entry may only occur between 8 am and 6 pm on days other than public holidays. Renters must not damage the property or common areas (including through visitors), must keep it reasonably clean, must not cause a nuisance to neighbours, must tell the landlord as soon as possible of any damage or breakdown of facilities, and must return it to its original condition at the end of the tenancy except for fair wear and tear; they must also provide a key as soon as practicable if they change a lock, remove any modifications they made, and they need not leave during inspections, keep utilities on after moving out, clean at heights, or maintain gutters, while simple tasks such as trimming small shrubs are their responsibility. Renters can only be asked to pay for professional cleaning in defined circumstances, and renters cannot be expected to leave the property cleaner than when they moved in. From 2 March 2020 a rental provider cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request, and from 29 March 2021 the definitions of damage and fair wear and tear, cleanliness, and urgent repairs were standardised, and public housing renters may add picture hooks, wireless doorbells and letterbox locks without local housing office permission; the claims conflict on routine inspection notice (at least 24 hours written notice) and on whether showings or open inspections are limited to 14 or 21 days before the end of the rental agreement, and they note major reforms from 25 November 2025 but do not specify their effect on renter duties.

Every part of this comes from the quotes below. How we write these.

What the rules actually say43

Quoted straight from Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Residential Tenancies Act or a tribunal.

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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria states that renters…

  • are not responsible for gutter maintenance.
  • should tell the rental provider if they notice signs of gutter issues.
first-party
1 quote from 1 source
Renters are not responsible for gutter maintenance, but they should tell the rental provider if they notice any signs of gutter issues
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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria states that trimming small shrubs or plants is the renter's responsibility.

medium confidencefirst-party
4 quotes from 1 source
Simple tasks related to keeping the property clean and tidy, such as:
Mowing the lawn regularly
Light weeding of garden beds and pathways
Trimming small shrubs or plants (for example, rose bushes hanging over a walkway)
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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria publishes the view that if a maintenance job needs a cherry picker, ladder or special tools it is the rental provider's responsibility.

first-party
1 quote from 1 source
If it’s something you need a cherry picker, ladder or special tools for, it’s the rental provider’s responsibility
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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria states that if the backyard was overgrown when the renter moved in, the renter should not be expected to clean it up to get their bond back.

first-party
1 quote from 1 source
If the backyard was overgrown when the renter moved in, they shouldn’t be expected to clean it up to get their bond back.
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Consumer Affairs Victoria states that a renter in Victoria is not required to leave the property during a general inspection or when it is being shown to prospective tenants or buyers.

first-party
1 quote from 1 source
Rental providers sometimes ask renters to be absent during a general inspection or when they’re showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers, but the renter is not required to leave.
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Tenants Victoria states that a breach of duty notice given to a renter who refuses a valid entry generally has a 14-day compliance period.

1 quote from 1 source
If you refuse entry, the landlord may give you a breach of duty notice, which you generally have 14 days to comply with.
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Tenants Victoria states that a Victorian renter may change the locks at any time as long as the lock is not part of a master key system.

1 quote from 1 source
As a renter, you are allowed to change the locks at any time, as long as the lock is not part of a master key system
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter who changes a lock must give the landlord a copy of the new key as soon as practicable.

1 quote from 1 source
If you do change a lock, you must give your landlord a copy of the new key as soon as practicable.
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter who received a correct notice of entry for a valid reason must allow entry even if…

  • the time does not suit them.
  • they will not be home.
1 quote from 1 source
If you received the correct notice of entry for a valid reason, you must allow entry to those authorised to visit – you have a legal duty to do so. This is the case even if the time does not suit you or you will not be home.
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Tenants Victoria states that it is an offence for a landlord or their agent to try to force a renter to leave their home.

1 quote from 1 source
It is an offence for the landlord or their agent to try to force you to leave
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  • Tenants Victoria lists not causing a nuisance or interference with the peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours among a renter's duties in Victoria.
  • Tenants Victoria references the renter's duty of not causing a nuisance or interference with the peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours to section 60.
1 quote from 1 source
Not causing a nuisance or interference with the peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours [section 60]
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  • Tenants Victoria lists keeping the property in a reasonably clean condition among a renter's duties in Victoria.
  • Tenants Victoria references section 63 for keeping the property in a reasonably clean condition.
1 quote from 1 source
Keeping the property in a reasonably clean condition [section 63]
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  • Tenants Victoria lists not damaging the property or common areas among a renter’s duties in Victoria.
  • Tenants Victoria references section 61 for the duty of not damaging the property or common areas.
1 quote from 1 source
Not damaging the property or common areas [section 61]
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  • Tenants Victoria lists allowing entry to the property where proper notice has been given among a renter's duties in Victoria.
  • Tenants Victoria references allowing entry to the property where proper notice has been given to section 89.
1 quote from 1 source
Allowing entry to the property if proper notice has been given [section 89]
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  • Tenants Victoria lists providing the rental provider with a key after changing a lock as a renter’s duty in Victoria.
  • The renter duty of providing the rental provider with a key after changing a lock is referenced to section 70.
1 quote from 1 source
Providing the rental provider with a key if you have changed a lock [section 70]
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  • Tenants Victoria lists returning the property to its original condition on moving out, unless it has been agreed this does not need to be done, among a renter’s duties in Victoria.
  • Tenants Victoria references section 64 for the duty to return the property to its original condition on moving out.
1 quote from 1 source
Returning the property to its original condition on moving out, unless it has been agreed this does not need to be done [section 64]
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Tenants Victoria states that a notice of breach of duty cannot be given to a Victorian renter for breaching a term of the rental agreement.

1 quote from 1 source
It cannot be given for breaching any terms of your rental agreement [section 208].
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Regarding renter duties, Tenants Victoria states that a renter given a notice of breach of duty in Victoria has 14 days to fix the breach if the breach was for a duty other than the ones with shorter timeframes.

1 quote from 1 source
You will have 14 days to fix the breach if it was for any other duty [sections 3, 208].
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter given a notice of breach of duty in Victoria for causing nuisance or interference to the neighbours has 7 days to fix the breach.

1 quote from 1 source
You will have 7 days to fix the breach if it was for causing nuisance or interference to the neighbours.
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter in Victoria who breaches the same duty 3 times can be given a 14-day notice to vacate on the third occasion, provided breach notices were given the first two times.

1 quote from 1 source
That if you breach the same duty 3 times you can be given a 14-day notice to vacate on the third occasion, provided you were given breach notices the first two times
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter who made modifications must…

  • remove the modifications.
  • restore the property to its condition before the modification, save for fair wear and tear.
1 quote from 1 source
If you made any modifications to the property, such as installing picture hooks, you need to remove these and restore the property to the condition it was in before the modification was made, save for fair wear and tear.
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Tenants Victoria states that Consumer Affairs Victoria measures cleanliness according to average standards in the community.

1 quote from 1 source
Consumer Affairs Victoria says cleanliness should be measured according to average standards in the community. It neither means spotless nor really messy, but sits somewhere in the middle.
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Tenants Victoria states that a Victorian renter cannot be expected to leave the property cleaner than when they moved in.

1 quote from 1 source
The renter cannot be expected to leave the property cleaner than when they moved in.
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter's duty not to damage the rental property or common areas extends to damage caused by visitors.

1 quote from 1 source
Renters have a duty to not intentionally or negligently damage the rental property or common areas. This includes damage caused by visitors.
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Tenants Victoria states that damage does not include fair wear and tear, which is deterioration caused by everyday use or natural forces or elements.

1 quote from 1 source
Damage does not include fair wear and tear, which is deterioration caused by everyday use or natural forces or elements, such as sunlight.
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Tenants Victoria states that a renter must let the landlord know as soon as possible of any damage or breakdown of facilities.

1 quote from 1 source
Let the landlord know as soon as possible of any damage or breakdown of facilities
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Tenants Victoria states that…

  • cleaning at heights is considered maintenance
  • cleaning at heights is the landlord's responsibility
  • renters are not expected to clean ceiling fans where access may be dangerous
1 quote from 1 source
note that cleaning at heights is considered maintenance and the landlord’s responsibility. Renters are not expected to clean ceiling fans where access may be dangerous

Practical effect5

What is observed to happen in practice, as distinct from what is documented.

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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria reports that disputes often come up after the rental agreement has ended.

medium confidencefirst-party
1 quote from 1 source
In her experience, disputes often come up after the rental agreement has ended and there’s a disagreement over the
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Deputy President Kylea Campana observes that there is often an increase in gutter disputes when trees start losing their leaves in autumn.

medium confidencefirst-party
2 quotes from 1 source
Deputy President, Kylea Campana is an experienced lawyer who specialises in rental law.
Campana recommends that rental providers conduct annual maintenance checks to help meet their responsibility to keep gutters clear and working. She also observes there’s often an increase in gutter disputes when trees start losing their leaves in autumn.
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Tenants Victoria reports that rental providers and agents often try to insist that renters must steam clean carpets or professionally clean the property.

1 quote from 1 source
Rental providers and agents often try to insist that renters must steam clean carpets or professionally clean the property.
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  • Tenants Victoria reports that some rental providers and agents tell renters that the utilities need to stay on for a period after the renter moves out.
  • Tenants Victoria states that renters do not need to keep the utilities on for a period after moving out.
1 quote from 1 source
Some rental providers and agents will tell you that the utilities need to stay on for a period of time after you move out, usually saying this is needed for the final inspection or to show the property to a new renter. You do not need to do this.

Changed on15

A dated change. This is where advice quietly stops being true.

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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria was established…

  • in 2025.
  • as part of the response to the Housing Statement.
first-party
1 quote from 1 source
RDRV was established in 2025 as part of the response to the Housing Statement released in 2024
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Under the changes that began on 29 March 2021, public housing renters in Victoria can add items such as picture hooks, wireless doorbells and letterbox locks without getting permission from their local housing office.

medium confidencefirst-party
2 quotes from 1 source
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 has been updated and the new rental laws began on 29 March 2021.
It is now going to be easier to make minor modifications. Renters can now add things like picture hooks, wireless doorbells and letterbox locks without getting permission from their local housing office.
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For renter duties, the Victorian definition of…

  • damage and fair wear and tear was standardised as part of the rental law changes that began on 29 March 2021.
  • cleanliness was standardised as part of the rental law changes that began on 29 March 2021.
  • urgent repairs was standardised as part of the rental law changes that began on 29 March 2021.
medium confidencefirst-party
2 quotes from 1 source
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 has been updated and the new rental laws began on 29 March 2021.
Definitions for ‘damage and fair wear and tear’, ‘cleanliness’, and ‘urgent’ repairs have been standardised and are available from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
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From 29 March 2021 a new term in Victoria's standard rental agreement form allows rental providers in some circumstances to require the renter to have the property professionally cleaned, or cleaned to a professional standard.

1 quote from 1 source
A new term in the standard rental agreement form, used for all rental agreements from 29 March 2021, allows rental providers, in some circumstances, to require you to have the property professionally cleaned, or cleaned to a professional standard.
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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria states that a raft of changes was…

  • legislated in 2018.
  • implemented in 2021.
medium confidencevendor
1 quote from 1 source
Beyond the raft of changes legislated in 2018 and implemented in 2021
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Major reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act came into effect on 25 November 2025.

vendor
1 quote from 1 source
Major reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act came into effect on 25 November 2025
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Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria was launched…

  • in June 2025.
  • to streamline the handling of rental disputes.
vendor
1 quote from 1 source
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), launched in June 2025, is a new government initiative designed to streamline the handling of rental disputes across the state.
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From 2 March 2020…

  • renters in Victoria can keep a pet at a rental property with the rental provider's consent.
  • a rental provider cannot unreasonably refuse a renter's request to keep a pet at a rental property.
medium confidencevendor
1 quote from 1 source
Effective 2 March 2020, renters can now keep pets at a rental property with the rental provider’s consent. A rental provider cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet.

Disputed between sources4

Sources that do not agree, presented without picking a winner.

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  • Harcourts states that, regarding renter duties, prospective tenants can only be shown through in the 14 days before the termination date.
  • Consumer Affairs Victoria states that, regarding renter duties, an open inspection must happen no more than 21 days before the end of the rental agreement.
first-partyvendor
2 quotes from 2 sources
Prospective tenants can only be shown through in the 14 days before the termination date specified in the notice
The open inspection must happen no more than 21 days before the end of the rental agreement.
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Tenants Victoria states renters can only be asked to pay for professional cleaning in defined circumstances.

medium confidencevendor
3 quotes from 2 sources
(commonly an end-of-lease cleaning clause), you’re normally required to arrange professional cleaning before vacating.
Under the term, renters can only be asked to pay for professional cleaning if:
The property was professionally cleaned, or cleaned to a professional standard, immediately before the renter moved in, and the landlord or agent told them this had been done, or
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Renter duties are stated by aussierentlaws.com to require at least 24 hours written notice before a routine inspection in Victoria.

medium confidencevendor
3 quotes from 2 sources
They must give written notice at least 24 hours before the inspection.
At least 7 days notice in writing:
To do a routine inspection after you have lived at the property for at least 3 months and not more often than every 6 months

Often said, but we could not find it in the rules9

Lots of people say this. We went looking for an official source that backs it up and could not find one, so treat it as something people repeat rather than something settled.

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Harcourts states that the purpose of routine inspections is not to check renter duties, such as whether tenants have…

  • made their beds.
  • put all the dishes away.
vendor
1 quote from 1 source
The purpose of Routine Inspections is not to check if the tenant's have made their beds or if all the dishes are put away, but to ensure that the property is maintained
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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria states that Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria is expected to take on 55% of VCAT's Residential Tenancies List caseload in its first year.

vendor
1 quote from 1 source
RDRV is expected to take on 55% of VCAT’s Residential Tenancies List caseload in its first year
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Harcourts states that, for renter duties, a landlord or agent can inspect the whole premises during an inspection.

vendor
1 quote from 1 source
A landlord or agent can inspect the whole premises during an inspection.
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A renter must return the home to the state it was in when they first moved in, excluding fair wear and tear.

medium confidencevendor
2 quotes from 1 source
You must return the home to the state it was in when you first moved in, excluding fair wear and tear.
hiring Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Melbourne ensures you meet every strict requirement without the stress
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Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Melbourne states that cleaning issues account for nearly 70% of bond disputes in Victoria.

medium confidencevendor
2 quotes from 1 source
Cleaning issues account for nearly 70% of bond disputes in Victoria.
hiring Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Melbourne ensures you meet every strict requirement without the stress
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Haven Agents states that new rental laws came into effect on 29 March 2021.

vendor
1 quote from 1 source
New rental laws came into effect on 29 March 2021.
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Haven Agents states that a term in a rental agreement can only require professional cleaning if it is needed to return the property to the condition it was in at the start of the rental agreement, taking into account fair wear and tear.

vendor
1 quote from 1 source
A term in a rental agreement can only require professional cleaning if it is needed to return the property to the condition it was in at the start of the rental agreement, taking into account fair wear and tear.