Important Notice: This article provides general information about Victorian rental law for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The information may not reflect the most current legal developments, and the application of law varies based on individual circumstances. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified legal professional, licensed property manager, or contact Consumer Affairs Victoria directly.
If you own a rental property in Victoria with blinds, curtains, or any corded window coverings, you need to read this carefully.
The December 1, 2025 deadline has passed.
As of 1 December 2025, all Victorian rental properties must comply with new child safety requirements for corded internal window coverings. This isn't about aesthetics or convenience — it's about preventing child strangulation deaths.
Loose blind cords are one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children in Australia. A toddler can strangle in less than three minutes. The Victorian Government has now made landlords legally responsible for eliminating this risk.
Here's what you need to know — and what you need to do if you haven't already acted.
Clause 15 of Schedule 4 of the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 now requires that all corded internal window coverings at rental properties meet specific safety standards.
No loose cord can form a loop of 220mm or longer that hangs below 1600mm above floor level.
Why these numbers?
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Venetian blinds with cords | Cordless blinds |
| Roman blinds with pull cords | Motorised blinds |
| Vertical blinds with chains | Curtains without cords |
| Roller blinds with bead chains | Shutters |
| Any internal window covering with accessible cords | External awnings |
If your property has any corded window covering, it must now comply.