Executive Summary: What Landlords Must Do in 2026
Under the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026, all rental properties must have window coverings installed in every bedroom and living area that provide privacy and reasonably block light. In addition, from 1 December 2025, all corded internal window coverings must meet strict child-safety anchor requirements. Most importantly, from 25 November 2025, Victorian law makes it illegal to advertise a rental property that does not meet these minimum standards. If the blinds or curtains are non-compliant, the property cannot legally be listed for lease.
As a result, window coverings are now a high-urgency compliance issue for landlords and property managers across Victoria.
Why Window Coverings Are Part of the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026
In the past, landlords treated blinds and curtains as cosmetic inclusions. However, the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026 now place window coverings firmly within the legal framework for safety, privacy, and habitability.
Specifically, the law requires rental properties to be:
- Safe for occupants, including children
- Reasonably private
- Suitable for sleeping and everyday living
Because window coverings directly affect all three, Consumer Affairs Victoria now enforces them as a mandatory compliance item, alongside heating, locks, and electrical safety.
Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026: Advertising a Non-Compliant Rental Is Now Illegal
A Critical Legal Change for Landlords and Agents
From 25 November 2025, Victorian rental law introduced a major shift:
landlords and property managers cannot advertise a rental property unless it already meets the minimum standards.
In other words, compliance must happen before the listing goes live.
What This Means in Practice
As a landlord:
- You cannot list a property on Realestate.com.au or Domain if window coverings are missing or unsafe
- Your agent may refuse to advertise the property until compliance is confirmed
- Any delay in upgrades can result in weeks of lost rent
Therefore, upgrading blinds and curtains during or before tenant vacate is no longer optional — it is now a legal necessity.
Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026: Child Safety Anchor Rules (1 December 2025)
Mandatory Blind Cord Safety Requirements
From 1 December 2025, the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026 require all corded internal window coverings to be child-safe.
This applies to:
- Roller blinds with chains
- Roman blinds
- Curtain cords
- Any cord capable of forming a loop
Exact Legal Measurements (Critical Compliance Details)
To meet compliance:
- A loose cord must not form a loop of 220mm or longer
- Landlords must secure cords at least 1600mm above floor level
- If cords hang lower than 1.6 metres, the law treats them as a high-risk liability
- Approved anchors or tensioning devices must be correctly installed
Importantly, older blinds receive no exemption. If they fail these measurements, landlords must upgrade, anchor, or replace them.
Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026: Bedroom Window Covering & Light-Blocking Rules
What the Law Says vs How Disputes Are Decided
The legislation states that bedroom window coverings must:
- Provide privacy
- Reasonably block light
Although the law does not explicitly say “blockout blinds,” interpretation matters.
How “Reasonably Block Light” Is Applied
In practice, VCAT and Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) often interpret “reasonable” as:
Enough light control for a tenant to sleep comfortably.
As a result:
- Sheer curtains alone often fail compliance tests
- Light-filtering blinds can trigger disputes
- Bedrooms without adequate light blocking frequently lead to repair orders
Therefore, most property managers now treat blockout blinds or blockout-lined curtains as the safest compliance option.
Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026 Compliance Checklist for Window Coverings
Bedrooms
- Window coverings installed
- Provide privacy
- Reasonably block light for sleeping
- No unsafe cords or loops
Living Areas
- Curtains or blinds fitted
- Privacy provided
- Safe operation
Child Safety
- No loops ≥220mm
- Cords secured ≥1600mm above floor level
- Approved anchors installed
Condition
- Blinds fully functional
- No broken mechanisms
- Secure installation
Timing
- Compliance completed before advertising
- Maintained throughout the tenancy
If any item fails, the property may be unlawfully advertised.
What Happens If You Breach the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026
When landlords fail to comply:
- Tenants can request urgent repairs
- Tenants can escalate matters to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) for a fast decision
- Unresolved issues may proceed to VCAT
- Consumer Affairs Victoria can impose penalties
- Property listings may be withdrawn
Because RDRV now resolves disputes faster than VCAT, landlords face quicker enforcement than ever before.
Why Blockout Roller Blinds Safely Meet the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026
Across Melbourne, blockout roller blinds have become the default compliance solution because they:
- Consistently “reasonably block light”
- Provide full privacy
- Work in apartments, houses, and townhouses
- Are cost-effective for landlords
- Can be supplied cordless or motorised
👉 Learn more about compliant roller blinds:
https://completeblinds.com.au/blinds/roller-blinds-melbourne/
Cordless and Motorised Blinds: The Lowest-Risk Compliance Option
Removing cords entirely is the simplest way to meet child-safety requirements.
Why Landlords Are Choosing Cordless or Motorised Blinds
- Automatically child-safe
- No anchors required
- Cleaner appearance
- Lower maintenance
- Increasing tenant appeal
👉 Explore motorised options:
https://completeblinds.com.au/blinds/motorisation/
Compliance Packs for Property Managers and Landlords
To simplify upgrades, many landlords now choose window covering compliance packs.
A Typical Compliance Pack Includes:
- Assessment of existing window coverings
- Removal of non-compliant blinds
- Installation of blockout, cordless, or motorised blinds
- Safety anchoring where required
- Documentation for property files
As a result, properties become listing-ready without delays.
Why Acting Before Tenant Vacate Matters
Landlords who act early:
- Avoid illegal advertising
- Prevent listing delays
- Reduce dispute risk
- Secure faster leasing outcomes
Meanwhile, installers and suppliers often book out closer to the deadline, making early upgrades the smarter option.
Why Complete Blinds Is a Trusted Compliance Partner in Melbourne
Complete Blinds works with landlords and property managers across Melbourne to deliver:
- Rental-specific solutions
- Knowledge of the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026
- Blockout, cordless, and motorised options
- Professional installation and compliance documentation
- Portfolio-wide support for agencies
Rather than pushing unnecessary upgrades, the focus remains on legal compliance and risk reduction.
Final Thoughts: Window Coverings Are Now a Legal Risk Area
Under the Victorian Rental Minimum Standards 2026, window coverings affect:
- Advertising legality
- Tenant safety
- Dispute exposure
- Rental income continuity
Therefore, landlords who audit and upgrade early protect both their investment and their ability to lease without disruption.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult Consumer Affairs Victoria or seek professional advice for property-specific requirements.
