Victorian renters now have stronger rights and protections as landmark laws take effect

Renters in Victoria will now be entitled to at least 90 days' notice before their rent is increased as part of major tenant protection laws that take effect today.

Rental bidding will also be outlawed under the landmark reforms, making it illegal for agents to accept a rate any higher than the one advertised.

Notice periods will also jump from 60 days to 90 days, meaning landlords and agents will need to give tenants more time before they are evicted or their rent is increased.

READ MORE: 'I stabbed another boy': Teenager accused of fatal stabbing to stay behind bars

The overhaul outlaws no-fault evictions, meaning a tenant can only be forced to leave if they're damaging the property, failing to pay rent, if the landlord needs to move in or if the property needs to be sold.

"Short of any of those reasons, tenants won't be able to be evicted from the property for no reason," Consumer Affairs minister Nick Staikos said.

The new laws come as welcome news to renters like Ali Sherazee and his family, who have been forced to move three times in four years.

The family was asked to move for a fourth time when their last landlord wanted to sell their Berwick home.

"It gets very challenging and daunting. Packing bags every year is not something any family wants to go through," Sherazee said.

READ MORE: Man dresses as dead mother in Mrs Doubtfire scheme to collect pension

Under the changes, smoke alarms must be installed and tested every 12 years.

Properties must meet rental standards before they're listed for lease, including having a fixed heater in the main living area and curtains or blinds in every bedroom and living area.

"These are all important reforms. They're about security, they're about fairness and they're about cost of living," Staikos said.

"We don't believe that renters should be caught in a bidding war just to secure a home," Staikos said.

The government is planning further changes which would allow some tenants to directly transfer their bond to a new property when they move.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.