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 service provided by VCAT. We helps renters (tenants) and rental providers (landlords) to resolve disputes, so that common problems don't need to escalate into a conflict or a time-consuming hearing. 

We can help you talk to the other party and guide you through the process to resolve your dispute. If you can't reach an agreement we can arrange for a hearing, so a member can decide the outcome for both parties.

What we help with 

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How we handle your case

Your resolution coordinator will handle your case from the time you apply until it is resolved. They will review your information and contact all parties so they can understand both sides, and help you reach a fair outcome. Many cases are resolved through facilitated discussion or mediation, without the need for a VCAT hearing.

  1. Apply

    If your dispute is about bond, compensation, excessive rent or repairs, apply for help via myRDRV.

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  2. Case review

    Once we have assigned a resolution coordinator to your case, they will review the details, then contact you to discuss your options.

    Illustration of a person reviewing a rental dispute cases or application

  3. Resolution

    We work with both parties to help you negotiate a fair outcome. If you cannot agree, we will help you get a decision at a hearing.

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Learn more about RDRV

The whole process was transparent, very responsive, and I was always kept up to date.

– Bond and compensation applicant

 Lisa's story

Get our help to resolve a rental dispute

Apply online via myRDRV or visit us at one of our locations across Victoria to complete your application in person. You can also call us if you have questions. We are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 4.30 pm (Closed public holidays). 

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Rental resources and guides

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.

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  • 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.