From the 1st of December 2025, all rental granny flats in Melbourne must comply with new window covering safety standards. If you’re a landlord with an existing granny flat, this affects you directly. The regulations target corded internal window coverings to prevent strangulation hazards. Understanding these requirements now helps you budget for compliance and avoid penalties.
What’s Changing on 1 December 2025?
Victoria’s new rental minimum standards require all corded internal window coverings to have safety devices fitted. This applies to any granny flat rented out after 1 December 2025.
Corded window coverings include:
- Venetian blinds with pull cords
- Roman blinds with cord mechanisms
- Roller blinds operated by chains or cords
- Vertical blinds with cord controls
The regulation aims to eliminate strangulation risks, particularly for young children. For landlords, this adds to the granny flat building cost or upgrade expenses. But compliance isn’t optional. Properties that don’t meet standards can’t be legally rented.
Who Does This Apply To?
The December 2025 standards apply to all rental properties in Victoria, including granny flats in Melbourne.
You’re affected if:
- You currently rent out a granny flat with corded blinds
- You’re planning to rent out a granny flat after December 2025
- Your granny flat has existing corded window treatments
- You’re building a new granny flat for rental purposes
Owner-occupied granny flats aren’t covered by rental standards. But if you’re building for family who might later become tenants, compliance makes sense.
The granny flat cost in Melbourne for new builds should include compliant window treatments from the start. Retrofitting later costs more than building correctly initially.
What Are Your Compliance Options?
Landlords have several ways to meet the December 2025 standards for granny flats in Melbourne.
Option 1: Install Safety Devices
Fit approved safety devices to existing corded blinds. These include cord cleats, cord tensioners, and breakaway connectors. Safety devices cost less than replacing blinds entirely. The granny flat building cost for retrofitting safety devices ranges from $50-150 per window.
Option 2: Replace with Cordless Treatments
Remove corded blinds and install cordless alternatives like motorised blinds, cordless roller blinds, or plantation shutters. Cordless options eliminate hazards completely. They’re also more convenient for elderly occupants. The granny flat cost in Melbourne for full replacement varies based on window sizes and quality.
Option 3: Remove Window Coverings
This rarely works for granny flats in Melbourne. Tenants need privacy and light control. Properties without adequate window coverings struggle to attract quality tenants.
Cost Implications for Existing Granny Flats
If you own an existing granny flat with corded blinds, budget for compliance upgrades before December 2025.
Typical costs for granny flats in Melbourne:
- Safety device installation: $300-800 for a standard 2-bedroom granny flat
- Cordless blind replacement: $1,500-3,500 depending on quality
- Motorised blind installation: $3,000-6,000 for premium automation
These figures assume professional installation meeting safety standards. DIY installations risk non-compliance if not done correctly.
The granny flat building cost for compliance might seem significant. But penalties for non-compliance cost more. Plus, quality window treatments improve tenant satisfaction.
Building New Granny Flats: Getting It Right First Time
If you’re building a new granny flat for investment, include compliant window treatments from the start. At Innovista, we build all granny flats in Melbourne with compliant window furnishings as standard.
Our Signature and Luxe packages include:
- Cordless or motorised window treatments
- Quality fabrics and mechanisms
- Professional installation meeting safety standards
- Coverage for all windows as standard
Building compliance into the initial granny flat cost in Melbourne avoids retrofit expenses later. Many budget builders quote lower granny flat building costs but use cheap corded blinds. You’ll face upgrade costs immediately if renting post-December 2025.
Beyond Compliance: Quality Window Treatments Matter
Meeting minimum standards keeps you legal. But quality window treatments deliver additional benefits for granny flats in Melbourne.
Better tenant attraction: Modern, safe window treatments appeal to quality tenants. They demonstrate you care about safety.
Energy efficiency: Quality blinds improve insulation and reduce heating costs for tenants.
Longevity: Premium cordless mechanisms last longer than cheap corded versions.
Aesthetic appeal: Well-chosen window treatments enhance presentation and justify slightly higher rental rates.
The granny flat cost in Melbourne for quality window treatments pays back through better tenant retention.
Timeline for Compliance
Mark 1 December 2025 in your calendar. This is the compliance deadline for all rental granny flats in Melbourne.
Action timeline:
- Now to November 2025: Assess your current window treatments
- By October 2025: Obtain quotes for compliance work
- By mid-November 2025: Complete installation and testing
Don’t leave compliance to the last minute. Trades get busy as deadlines approach. For new builds, specify compliant window treatments in your contract. Confirm they’re included in the quoted granny flat building cost before signing.
Documentation and Proof of Compliance
Keep records proving your granny flat meets window covering standards:
- Invoices for safety device installation or blind replacement
- Product specifications showing cordless operation
- Photos of installed window treatments
- Compliance certificates from installers
This documentation protects you if compliance questions arise.
Stay Compliant and Competitive
The December 2025 window covering standards for granny flats in Melbourne aren’t negotiable. Meeting them protects both your tenants and your investment.
At Innovista, our Signature package at $208,000 and Luxe package at $240,000 include compliant window treatments as standard. We build to current and upcoming standards so your granny flat stays rental-ready. Contact Innovista today to discuss building a compliant granny flat that meets all safety requirements from day one.
