Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is a Victorian Government initiative that provides information and assistance to renters and rental providers, helping them to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently
RDRV was established in 2025 as part of the response to the Housing Statement released in 2024 . The statement identified the need for a better way to manage common rental issues than in previous years. This new approach can help to save time, money and stress for more Victorians when it comes to their rental agreements.
How does RDRV work?
RDRV is a specialist rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT.
Using myRDRV, our online portal, can help you save time. We can work with you face-to-face or remotely, so you can choose to sort things out from anywhere that's convenient.
Here's how it works:
Step1: Submit an application
If you have a rental dispute, you can apply online through myRDRV, our online portal. You’ll need to provide your details and some basic information about what happened.
Step 2: Case review
Once your application is submitted, a resolution coordinator will review the information and get in touch with you to discuss your options.
Step 3: Resolution process
We communicate with both parties - renters and rental providers - to try and find a fair solution. We use mediation and negotiation techniques to help everyone involved reach an agreement that complies with rental laws.
What if you and the other party can’t agree?
Although most disputes are resolved within the RDRV early resolution process, sometimes an agreement can’t be reached. If you cannot agree, we can help you get a decision at a hearing.
If you need to go to a hearing, standard VCAT application fees will apply.
Your resolution coordinator will help you through the entire process. They’ll let the right people know what has happened with your application so far and that you have not reached an agreement. They will also help you to prepare your case for the hearing.
Who can use RDRV?
Anyone renting or managing a rental property in Victoria can use RDRV.
That includes:
- Renters (tenants) – if you have a rental issue and need help resolving it, RDRV can step in.
- Rental providers (landlords) – if you’re renting out your property and need support with tenancy disputes, RDRV can help work through issues fairly.
- Real estate agents – property managers representing a landlord can also use RDRV to resolve rental disputes.
What we can help with
-
Bond
We are here to help both parties agree to a fair outcome when it comes to claims for compensation due to damage, unpaid bills and other costs. We will work with you to review the details, make sure it’s a legal matter we can help with and reach a fair outcome -
Compensation
We are here to help both parties agree to a fair outcome when it comes to claims for compensation due to damage, unpaid bills and other costs. We will work with you to review the details, make sure it’s a legal matter we can help with -
Excessive rent
Rental providers need to follow certain rules when making changes to the level of rent that is paid. If a renter questions this increase, RDRV can help the parties determine what increase is fair. -
Repairs
Taking care of a rental property is a shared responsibility. We can identify who must do the repairs, what is an urgent repair and how to manage maintenance concerns. -
Other issues
If you have a different issue, here’s where to find the right support.
How is RDRV different to the usual VCAT process?
When it comes to disagreements between renters and rental providers, RDRV is here to help manage disputes about bonds, compensation, rent increases and repairs. These are common issues that can usually be resolved quickly and fairly without a formal hearing.
There are some issues we can't help with, such as disputes about evictions, lease terminations and other complex matters. To address these, you will need to make an application through VCAT.
- A faster resolution – any disputes are sorted within days or week (subject to the needs of the case)
- Free expert help – a dedicated resolution coordinator for your case who understands the law and helps both sides reach a fair outcome
- Fair outcomes - because we are a service provided by VCAT
- Ongoing support – if your dispute is more complex of if you can’t reach an agreement, we can help guide you through the usual VCAT process
Need someone to help you through a rental problem?
Make an online application for RDRV to review your dispute, and we’ll get back to you. Alternatively, you can contact us with any questions.