Victoria makes rental taskforce permanent in major crackdown on landlords

Victoria’s landlords and “dodgy agents” have been warned after the Carroll government made the state’s rental taskforce permanent. Victoria’s rental taskforce will be made permanent, with the Victorian government also pledging to beef-up the size of its enforcement team. It’s the Carroll government’s first major announcement for the state’s rental market, and comes with a warning to landlords and “dodgy agents” that they are “out to catch you”. Since their inception in March, 2024, the taskforce has dished out close to $2m in various penalties, and taken 11 rental providers to court. RELATED: Desperate for a home? Navigate Victoria’s rental hell with this tool Victorian renters set for $100m lifeline in rights and advice boost How Vic teen became a landlord at 19 They have issued 130 infringement notices worth a combined $900,000 in fines and sent 250 warnings. Separately from these actions, the Ingenia Gardens retirement village group was hit with $1m in an enforceable undertaking after banning residents in some units from cooking in their home — and renting out residences without a cooktop. The expanded workforce will include six additional inspectors, and support staff, who will...