New Safety Standards for Rental Properties: Unsecured Blind and Curtain Cords

Unsecured blind and curtain cords might seem like a small detail, but they can pose a serious risk to children. Each year, tragic accidents occur when children become entangled in loose cords, often within just a few minutes and without sound.
To address this preventable danger, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has introduced new minimum safety standards for residential rental properties.

What’s Changing

From 1 December 2025, all corded internal window coverings in Victorian rental properties must be:

• Secured or tensioned, and
• Fitted with an anchor so cords can’t form a loose loop.

These changes form part of CAV’s ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and safety standards across all rental homes.

What Rental Providers Need to Do

If you own or manage a rental property in Victoria, it’s essential to:

1. Inspect all blinds and curtains to identify any unsecured cords.
2. Install compliant safety anchors or tensioning devices to eliminate loose loops.
3. Ensure compliance before December 2025 to avoid potential breaches of minimum standards.

Communicate with your property manager or engage a qualified installer to ensure all fittings meet safety requirements.

Free Safety Kits Available

To make compliance easier, Consumer Affairs Victoria is offering free blind and curtain cord safety kits. You can order these directly from CAV or purchase similar kits at most local hardware stores.

These kits are simple to install and are an effective way to ensure your property meets the new standards while protecting children from harm.

How Buyer Solutions Can Help

At Buyer Solutions, we stay across the latest legislative changes so our clients don’t have to. When buying investment properties we advise on how compliant a property appears ( although we are not experts) before a client purchases so they can understand any future spend required and budget that into the purchase price.

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We can refer you to competent Property Managers who:

• Conduct property safety audits
• Coordinate compliance upgrades
• Liaise with trades to install approved safety devices

By staying proactive, you can protect your tenants, meet your legal obligations, and maintain the value of your investment property.

Learn More

You can read more about these upcoming standards and other rental compliance changes on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website:
Consumer Affairs Victoria – Minimum Standards Update

Buyer Solutions is committed to keeping our investor clients and rental providers informed and compliant.

For any advice regarding property investing or your investment portfolio please reach out to Buyer Solutions at info@buyersolutions.com.au or call Janet on 0418 101 146