About RDRV

  • RDRV is an appropriate dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT. 

    We help renters and rental providers resolve rental issues without needing to go to a hearing. 

    Our resolution coordinators are trained mediators who can help both parties discuss the issues. If an agreement cant be reached, we can arrange for a hearing, so a member can decide the outcome.

    An application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT, so you don't need to apply again if you need a hearing.

  • We can help with disagreements about bonds, compensation, rent increases and repairs. If your issue falls outside these topics, click here to see who can help.  

  • Anyone renting or managing a rental property in Victoria can use RDRV. This includes renters, rental providers, real estate agents, rooming house residents and operators, caravan park residents and owners and site tenants and owners.

  • Yes. If the rental property is in Victoria and both parties agree to take part, you can still use RDRV's early resolution service.

    Early resolution can help you reach an agreement quickly and informally, even if the parties live in different states.

    However, where parties live can affect whether VCAT can make a binding order or hear the case. This is called jurisdiction.

    If VCAT does not have jurisdiction:

    • You can still use our early resolution service.
    • We cannot make binding orders.
    • We cannot arrange a VCAT hearing.

    Before you apply to RDRV, think about:

    • Whether the other party is likely to participate
    • Whether you’d need to enforce the outcome later.

     

     

  • If the renter and rental provider cannot agree on a solution your dispute will continue to a hearing. Your resolution coordinator will refer your dispute to a different team, and they will help both parties prepare their case, and get ready for the hearing.  

     

  • Because an application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT, you don't have to apply again, or provide the same information twice. 

    You will need to give evidence and present your side to a member at the hearing.  

    If you have to go to a hearing, you may have to pay an application fee. If the hearing is longer than a day, hearing fees are payable. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here. 

  • If you want to engage in early resolution and interstate jurisdiction applies to your case, there are some limitations but it will usually only impact you in two circumstances:

    Even though VCAT cannot provide an order or hear a case with interstate jurisdiction, there are alternative pathways you can take.

    If jurisdiction applies, and you want the agreement to be enforceable

    If VCAT does not have legal authority to issue a binding order, we can arrange a referral to the Magistrates' Court so they can issue an order.

    • Our referral will include the details of your agreement.
    • Once we make the referral, your VCAT case will be struck out.
    • You will then need to follow any steps required by the Magistrates' Court to make an order that reflects your agreement. 

    If you need a hearing because you couldn't reach an agreement.

    If VCAT does not have legal authority to hear your case, the hearing pathway will be through the Magistrates' Court. You will need to apply directly to them.

    If enforcement is important, going straight to the Magistrates’ Court may be the best option.

  • VCAT's jurisdiction rules can affect what happens after early resolution.

    VCAT does not have jurisdiction when: 

    • all parties are individuals (not companies), and
    • the parties' primary residential addresses are in different Australian states.

    VCAT usually has jurisdiction when:

    • all parties’ primary residential addresses are in the same Australian state
    • any party is a company
    • if Homes Victoria is a party.

    VCAT may have jurisdiction when:

    • any party’s primary residential address is in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, or any other Australian territory.
    • any party lives overseas.

    If you reach an agreement and need it to be enforceable

    If VCAT does not have jurisdiction to make a binding order, we can refer you to the Magistrates' Court.

    Our referral will:

    • include the details of your agreement
    • result in your VCAT case being struck out.

    You will then need to follow any steps required by the Magistrates' Court to have an order made.

    If you need a hearing

    If you cannot reach an agreement and VCAT does not have jurisdiction, you must apply directly to the Magistrates' Court.

     

    Contact us about jurisdiction

    For more information about VCAT jurisdiction:

    If having an enforceable outcome is important to you, applying directly to the Magistrates' Court may be the best option.

How to apply

  • No, but providing more details can help speed up the process. If you don’t have everything ready, you can still submit your application and provide more details later.

  • If you have forgotten the password for your myRDRV account, select ‘Forgot password’ on the login page. If you're still having trouble logging in, contact RDRV technical support at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au or call 1300 01 7378

  • If you're experiencing technical difficulties, contact RDRV technical support at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au or call 1300 01 7378.

  • No, in-person meetings are not required. Most cases are handled through phone or video calls, making it easier and more convenient for both parties.

  • Yes, if you prefer a face-to-face discussion, you can request an in-person resolution session. This may be available in certain locations, depending on the nature of your case and scheduling availability.

For renters

  • RDRV is a specialist rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT. It is free to use for all Victorians. Our resolution coordinators help renters and rental providers resolve issues before they go to a hearing. We can help with common problems like bond and compensation disputes, rent increases and repairs. 
    If a dispute ends up having to go to a hearing, an RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process.

  • Yes. We can resolve most rental disputes before they need to go to a hearing.  
     
    For more complex cases, or if we are unable to help you and your rental provider come to an agreement, you may need to go to a hearing. If this happens, your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process and provide everything our have given us to the right people.

  • You can apply online via the myRDRV portal here or call us for assistance. An RDRV application is an application to VCAT with specialist assistance.
    Once your application is received and assessed, a resolution coordinator will contact you to discuss your case and guide you through the next steps.

    Apply Now

  • It depends on your case, but we aim to resolve disputes as quickly as possible. Most cases are settled before they need a hearing, which means faster solutions for renters and rental providers.

  • RDRV is a support service available to all Victorian renters and rental providers. If your dispute is too complex to be solved over the phone, it may need to be escalated to a hearing, which may incur a fee.

  • RDRV can assist with disputes about bond, compensation, repairs, and unreasonable rental increases. We do not assist with issues outside these areas.

For rental providers

  • RDRV is a dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT to help rental providers and renters resolve disputes before they escalate to a hearing. Our resolution coordinators assist with common issues such as bond and compensation claims, rent increases, and repair disputes.

  • We can save you time and money by working through your rental issues online and over the phone, without needing to go to a hearing. We can advise you on what to do and work with renters to find solutions to any issues. Because we’re a VCAT service, we can ensure all decisions are legally binding.
    If you and your renter are unable to come to an agreement, or if a formal order is required, a hearing may be necessary. If that happens, an RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process. 

  • You can apply online via the myRDRV portal here or call us for assistance. An RDRV application is an application to VCAT. Once we receive and assess your application, a resolution coordinator will contact you to discuss your case and guide you through the next steps. 

    Apply Now

  • RDRV is a support service available to all Victorian renters and rental providers. If your dispute is too complex to be solved over the phone, it may need to be escalated to a hearing, which will incur a fee.

  • RDRV can help resolve disputes related to bond claims, compensation for damages, rent increases and maintenance responsibilities. We do not assist with issues outside these areas.

Bond disputes

  • If a renter disagrees with a bond claim, they have the right to challenge it. The rental provider must provide evidence for any claims, and RDRV can assist in reviewing the details, discussing it with both parties and helping to reach a fair outcome.

  • Yes. If a rental provider refuses to return a bond without a valid reason, we can step in to clarify the issue, request evidence and work with both parties to reach a legally binding outcome.

  • If an agreement isn’t reached, we will provide guidance on next steps, including how to escalate the matter to a hearing if necessary.

  • If there is dispute regarding repayment of a bond held by the RTBA at the end of a rental agreement, you may apply to RDRV for determination. RDRV will seek a resolution of the dispute with the parties. If early resolution cannot be reached, the matter may be determined by a Member at hearing.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we will do everything we can to help you find a solution to your bond dispute. However, in some more complex cases, a dispute may end up having to go to a hearing. If this happens, your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process and ensure that everything you have provided goes to the right person. This will make the process faster, so you don’t have to provide the same information twice. You will need to give evidence and present your story to a Member at the hearing.
    If you have to go to a hearing, you may have to pay an application fee. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here.

Compensation disputes

  • We assist with financial losses caused by issues during a rental agreement.  

    • Renters can claim compensation for any loss arising from a rental provider not complying with their obligations under the rental agreement
    • Rental providers may seek compensation for unpaid rent, property damage, or early lease termination. Similarly, rental providers may claim for any loss arising from a renter not complying with their obligations under the rental agreement

  • It depends on the situation, but useful evidence includes emails, receipts, invoices, condition reports and photos. RDRV can review your claim and discuss it with the other party.

  • If you and the other party can’t come to an agreement, RDRV will outline your options, including how to take the matter to a hearing if needed.

  • All disputes about rental compensation in Victoria must be submitted through RDRV. This is a requirement under new legislation as part of the Victorian Government’s 2024-2034 Housing Statement.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we’ll do everything we can to help you get fairly compensated for your rental issue. However, in some more complex cases, a dispute may end up having to go to a hearing. If this happens, your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process and provide everything you have given us to the right people. This will make the process faster, so you don’t have to provide the same information twice. You will need to give evidence and present your story to a Member at the hearing.
    If you have to go to a hearing, you may have to pay an application fee. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here. 

Repair disputes

  • If repairs are not completed within the required timeframe, renters can apply to RDRV for assistance. For urgent issues, renters can arrange repairs themselves (up to $2,500) and request reimbursement.

  • Renters are responsible for any damage they (or their guests) cause, but not for normal wear and tear. If there is a dispute over responsibility for paying the costs of repairs, RDRV can help review the issue.

  • If no agreement is reached, RDRV will outline the next steps, including how to take the matter to a hearing if needed.

  • All disputes about rental repairs in Victoria must be submitted through RDRV first. This is a requirement under new legislation as part of the Victorian Government’s 2024-2034 Housing Statement.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we’ll do everything we can to help you find a solution to your repair dispute. However, in some more complex cases, a dispute may end up having to go to a hearing. If this happens, your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process and provide everything you have given us to the right people. This will make the process faster, so you don’t have to provide the same information twice. You will need to give evidence and present your story to a Member at the hearing.

    If you have to go to a hearing, you will may have to pay an application fee. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here. 

Excessive rent disputes

  • Generally, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for most rental agreement types. If you’re unsure, call Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) on 1300 55 8181 and they'll check if the increase is legal.

  • Renters have the right to challenge an excessive rent increase. If you think your rent has gone up too much, you can apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) for a review. They will confirm whether the proposed rent is within market value for similar rentals in your area. 

    If CAV's rent assessment says that the increase is too high, and your rental provider won’t agree to lower the rent, you can apply to us. We can facilitate a discussion between you and your rental provider. If both parties cannot agree, we will refer your case for a VCAT hearing so a member can make a decision.

    Under the law, affordability is not a legally valid reason to challenge a rent increase. Tenants Victoria offers free financial counselling and support if you are experiencing financial difficulty.  

  • In Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is responsible for assessing whether your rent is too high. You can ask them for a rent assessment report. It is a free service. We will ask you for a copy of CAV's report if you submit an application to RDRV for help. 

  • If you think your rent increase is too high, you can speak with your rental provider to try to reach an agreement on a different amount. If you cannot reach an agreement, apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment. You can then apply to RDRV to go through a case review and resolution process.

  • You must apply to RDRV because the law now requires excessive rent disputes to be managed through RDRV before they can progress to a VCAT hearing. This requirement was introduced under new legislation as part of the Victorian Government's 2024-2034 Housing Statement. 

    RDRV is an early resolution and case management service provided by VCAT. 

    An application to RDRV is an application to VCAT.

  • You do not need to submit another application. An application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT. 

    After you apply to RDRV, we’ll do everything we can to help both parties agree to a fair outcome using facilitation and mediation techniques. However, in some more complex cases, a dispute may end up having to go to a hearing for a decision. 

    If your case needs to go to a hearing, you will need to give evidence and present your story to a member. You may have to pay a VCAT application fee. Your resolution coordinator will help you to prepare the case for the hearing, and will stay with your case until the matter is resolved.