Local organisation Beyond Housing has welcomed the state government's rental protection laws, which took effect on 25 November.

The laws aim to make renting safer and fairer, through the following key reforms:

* a ban on rental bidding, making it illegal for agents to accept higher amounts than what is advertised;

* all rental properties must meet minimum standards before advertised or when an offer to let is made;

* smoke alarms must be correctly installed and tested every 12 months in all rental properties;

* a ban on no-fault evictions, meaning no Victorian renter can be kicked out of their home for no reason;

* an increase on notice periods for rental increases and certain notices to vacate, from 60 days to 90 days, giving people more time to find a new home if they receive a notice to vacate; and

* real estate agents will need to ensure they protect information renters provide in their applications, adhering to requirements around the use, destruction, de-identification and disclosure of information.

Further reforms will be introduced next year, including a new standard rental application form to be used by rental providers, which will make it quicker and easier for renters to apply for a property.

Businesses will also be banned from charging renters' fees for rental applications and rent payments, and the new Portable Bonds Rental Scheme will remove the unnecessary cost of a double bond.

Beyond Housing chief executive officer Celia Adams said the organisation had long advocated for renter protections, and welcomed the state government's changes.

"They reflect a commitment from government to make renting safer, fairer, and more secure," she said.

"Housing is a human right, and these changes bring us closer to a fairer rental system.

"Stronger protections mean renters can feel secure and safe in their homes without the stress that housing insecurity causes.

"For regional Victorians, where housing stress is acute, these reforms provide much needed stability.

"They help ensure that families, older people, and those on low incomes can keep a roof over their heads and stay connected to their communities."

Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said more Victorians than ever before were renting, and these changes would give renters greater security and stability.