06  Nov 2025

OVERWHELMED AND UNDERINVESTING IN MAINTENANCE: “ACCIDENTAL LANDLORDS” IN VICTORIA PUT RENTERS AT RISK

Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) research shows landlord knowledge gaps and behaviour, not just market forces, directly shape the quality, security and affordability of housing across Victoria

CPRC CEO Erin Turner said, “Our study found that there are some great landlords that understand the law, maintain their properties and treat renters with respect. We need more of these good landlords providing housing in Victoria.”

“Forty per cent (40%) of landlords didn’t plan to provide rental housing — they inherited a property or their circumstances changed — and many are operating without fully understanding their legal responsibilities. Unfortunately, renters bear the consequences,” Ms Turner said.

Victoria’s “accidental landlords” were less likely to be confident in their knowledge about the law, like minimum standards for properties, and were less likely to resolve complaints about their rental.

“This is a group that needs more support to understand the law and the costs of providing housing as an essential service before they offer a property for rent.

“Around a quarter (26%) of landlords spend $500 or less per year maintaining their rental property. This points to a widespread underinvestment in property upkeep. As anyone who owns their own home knows, you need to maintain it to prevent costly repairs down the line and to keep the place safe and comfortable. Underinvestment in maintenance directly impacts the quality of life for people who rent,” Ms Turner said.

The research also reveals concerning attitudes toward renter information with seventy percent (70%) of landlords wanting access to banned information about renter complaint history, suggesting a need for clearer education about privacy and fairness.

“When 70% of landlords think they should have access to banned information about VCAT complaints, that creates difficulties for renters speaking up about their rights,” Ms Turner said.

“Renters already tell us they fear retaliation. This research confirms those fears are well-founded, many landlords are actively seeking information they can use to screen out renters who’ve previously complained,” Ms Turner said.

Agents also play a key role in shaping rental experience. Eighty-two per cent (82%) of landlords with agents rely on them for advice — showing the strong influence agents have on compliance and renter experience.  One in five (20%) landlords said their agent did not recommend offering leases longer than 12 months, limiting security for renters.

Most landlords agree they provide an essential service, which Ms Turner says creates an opportunity to strengthen the system.

“This research gives us the evidence base to improve outcomes for everyone: renters, landlords and the broader housing system. What we want is more landlords in Victoria who understand the law and provide a great quality essential service, ” Ms Turner said.

Renting in Reality — Insights from Victorian Landlords is the second in a four-part research series examining Victoria’s rental system from multiple perspectives. The series includes reports on renter experiences released last week and the upcoming energy efficiency standards and RentTech data practices.

More information, including the full report is available at: cprc.org.au/report/Renting-in-Reality-Landlords-Insights

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

CPRC
Liliana Campos
Communications Manager
T: +61 (0) 493 539 466
E: liliana.campos@cprc.org.au