Consumer Affairs Victoria

Make sure your rental property meets minimum standards
before you advertise or lease it. ​

For example, all rental properties must have secured cords
on curtains and blinds, no matter when they were installed.​

Following the rules helps keeps renters safe. Know the
Funda-rentals. ​

🏠 consumer.vic.gov.au/fundarentals

It's against the law for businesses to make false or misleading claims. Even if they "didn't mean to".

If you think a business has acted in a misleading way, let us know. Your report helps us take action.

👉 Report it at consumer.vic.gov.au/generalenquiry

To understand your rights, visit consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/products-and-services/business-practices/advertising-and-promotions/misleading-or-deceptive-conduct

This ban applies to products that position a baby bottle, or bottle teat, so an infant can self-feed without another person holding the bottle or without adult supervision. Significant penalties may apply for non-compliance.
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/permanent-ban-on-baby-bottle-self-feeding-devices-now-in-effect

During National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), we recognise the strength, cultures and histories of First Nations peoples.

If you are looking for information about renting, shopping, contracts or other consumer issues, the Yarrka Barring resources may help.

When you call us, you are reaching us in Ballarat, on Wadawurrung Country. The name Yarrka Barring comes from Wadawurrung language and means ‘for guidance; to search for the road or path’. We thank the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for sharing this phrase.

The website also includes original artwork called Tyaler, by Sandra Kropinyeri (Kirby). Tyaler is a Wamba Wemba word meaning ‘branch’.

Explore the resources:
consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/yarrka-barring-resources-for-first-nations-people

Rental providers and agents who break the new rules can now be fined. Fines can reach $12,000 for businesses and $2,400 for individuals. They apply to breaches including:​

▪️ using non-standard rental application forms​
▪️ charging prohibited fees to renters​
▪️ advertising or letting properties that don't meet rental minimum standards​
▪️ taking excessive rent in advance​
▪️ accepting an offer of higher rent​

We know most agents and property managers want to do the right thing. Know the Funda-rentals. 🏠 consumer.vic.gov.au/fundarentals

Building a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

Before you sign anything, use our checklists to help you:

✅ ask the right questions
✅ spot warning signs
✅ protect yourself from costly problems down the track.

Choose the checklist that matches your project – whether it’s building from scratch, a major renovation or many others.

Get informed before you commit: consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/building-and-renovating/checklists

Does your business sell gift cards? Under the Australian Consumer Law, there are rules you must follow.

🚫 Post-purchase fees are illegal, this includes activation fees, account-keeping fees and balance enquiry fees.
💳 The expiry date must be displayed on the card.
📅 Most gift cards must carry a minimum three-year expiry.

For more advice on selling gift cards, visit: consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/products-and-services/business-practices/gift-vouchers-and-gift-cards

The rules for retirement villages just changed.

Today, we’re going to answer questions and explain the main reforms. These include:

▪️ residents getting a stronger say in village decision-making
▪️ VicAssist Retirement Villages, a new conciliation service
▪️ clearer and fairer contracts and fees.

Just after 5pm catch us on 94.9 JOY Drive, or stream online: joy.org.au/player/index.html

For more detail about the reforms: consumer.vic.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/retirement-village-operators/retirement-village-reforms