We can help you resolve rental disputes quickly and fairly, before they escalate to a formal hearing
Sometimes when you’re renting, problems come up: maybe your bond refund is taking some time, a repair hasn’t been done, or your rent has gone up more than it should. Or maybe you’ve been left out of pocket because your rental provider didn’t keep up their end of the deal.
Sorting these things out isn’t always easy.
That’s where RDRV comes in. We are a convenient service that helps renters (tenants) and rental providers (landlords) to resolve disputes, so that common problems don't escalate into a conflict or a time-consuming and possibly expensive, hearing.
We can give you information, seek a resolution from the other party, and guide you through the process so you can get a fair outcome.
Submit a dispute application online to get started.
What we help with
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Bond
We can help the parties to reach a fair and reasonable solution to any bond dispute, ensuring the outcome reflects the requirements of Victoria’s rental laws. Our staff will work with all parties to understand the problem and reach an agreement that works for everyone.
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Compensation
We can help both parties agree to a fair outcome when there are claims for rental compensation due to damage, unpaid bills and other costs or losses. Our first step will be to work with you to review the details and ensure it’s a legal matter we can assist with.
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Excessive Rent
Rental providers must follow certain rules if they want to increase the rent. If a renter wants to challenge the level of rent that is paid, and Consumer Affairs Victoria has completed a rent assessment, RDRV can help work with all parties to determine what increase is fair.
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Repairs
Taking care of a rental property is a shared responsibility. If you have a dispute over who does what, we can help you identify who must do the repairs, which types of repairs are considered urgent, and how to manage maintenance concerns.
The RDRV process
We are an early resolution service provided by VCAT to help Victorians settle rental disputes. Our team will work with you online and over the phone, so you don’t need to take time out of your day to go to a hearing.
Apply
If your dispute is about bond, compensation, excessive rent or repairs, apply for help via myRDRV.
Case review
Once we have assigned a resolution coordinator to your case, they will review the details, then contact you to discuss your options.
Resolution
We work with both parties to help you negotiate a fair agreement based on Victorian rental laws. If you cannot agree, we will help you get a decision at a hearing.
The whole process was transparent, very responsive, and I was always kept up to date.
– Bond and compensation applicant
Lisa's story
Need help with a rental dispute?
Make an online application for RDRV to help resolve your dispute, and we’ll get back to you. You can also call us if you have questions. We are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 4.30 pm (Closed public holidays).
Frequently asked questions
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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. -
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.
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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.
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RDRV can assist with disputes about bond, compensation, repairs, and unreasonable rental increases. We do not assist with issues outside these areas.