We help resolve rental disputes about bonds, rent increases, repairs and compensation. If your dispute isn’t about one of these, here's where to go for support.
Evictions, notices to vacate and possession orders
A notice to vacate is a formal statement from the rental provider (landlord) indicating they want the renter to leave the property.
If you are a renter and you are facing eviction
Rental providers must follow strict rules before evicting renters. If they don't follow the rules, it is an illegal eviction.
- Learn about eviction and possession rules at Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
- Find out what Tenants Victoria recommends you do if you have received a notice of eviction.
- If you believe your notice is not legally valid, you should contact Consumer Affairs for advice. You can also contact Victoria Legal Aid.
- You can apply to VCAT for a hearing to challenge a notice to vacate.
- If you need help to apply and prepare for the hearing, you should contact Tenants Victoria for support.
If you are a rental provider and you want to evict your renter
Rental providers can only give a notice to vacate for specific reasons.
- Learn when you can issue a notice to vacate from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- If your renter does not leave after being given a notice to vacate, you can apply for a possession order at VCAT.
Discrimination and unfair treatment
If you believe you've been treated unfairly due to race, age, disability, or another factor, contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Illegal fees and unlawful charges
Renters cannot be charged extra fees beyond what's legally required. If you think a rental provider or agent has acted unlawfully:
- Learn about your rental rights and the law at Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
- Tenants Victoria has information about what types of charges are unlawful.
- If you believe your rental provider has unlawfully charged you a fee, apply to VCAT for a hearing.
Breach of rental agreement
If someone in a rental property hasn't followed the terms of the lease (e.g. subletting without permission, not maintaining the property), you can seek legal guidance.
- Learn about breaches of rental agreements, and your rights around repairs, alterations, safety and pets at Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
- Find out what Tenants Victoria recommends renters do if a rental provider issues a claim.
- For real estate agents seeking information on dispute resolution processes, please visit REIV.
- If the rental provider has ignored your repair request, as outlined in the rental agreement, the renter can apply to RDRV for a hearing to address this issue.
Privacy and access issues
Rental providers must provide notice before entering a property. If your privacy has been breached due to unauthorised entry or excessive inspections:
- Learn about your rights and what a rental provider must do before entering a property at Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
- Find out what Tennants Victoria recommends you do if your rental provider tries to enter your home unlawfully.
- If a rental provider is unlawfully entering your rental property, you can apply to VCAT for a restraining order.
Neighbour disputes
If you're experiencing noise complaints, boundary disputes, or other issues with neighbours, you can attempt mediation with the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
Issues with social housing
If you live in social housing and have an issue with your property or its management, there are agencies that can help.
If you live in public housing (managed by Housing Victoria)
- Housing Victoria – has information about public housing for renters. Visit Housing Victoria.
- Victorian Ombudsman – Handles complaints about Housing Victoria. Visit the Victorian Ombudsman.
- Homes Victoria – Handles both public and social housing concerns. Visit Homes Victoria.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria – Provides advice and assistance regarding next steps. Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- If you believe there is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, you can make an RDRV application.
If you live in community housing (managed by a registered not-for-profit group)
- Housing Registrar – handles complaints about community housing agencies. Visit Housing Registrar
- Homes Victoria – Handles both public and social housing concerns. Visit Homes Victoria.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria – Provides advice about your rights and can help you take the next steps. Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- If you believe there is a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, you can make an RDRV application.
Property maintenance and minimum standards
- Rental properties must meet basic safety and maintenance standards. If a property hasn't been maintained or you think it doesn't meet minimum standards, here's what to do:
- Learn about minimum rental standards and your rights at Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
- If you believe the property you are renting does not meet minimum standards, you can apply to RDRV to help you reach an outcome that meets the requirements of Victorian rental laws.
Urgent safety concerns
If a rental property has serious safety risks, such as electrical hazards, structural issues, or unsafe living conditions:
- Consumer Affairs Victoria - Can investigate rental safety concerns. Visit CAV.
- Local councils may intervene if the issue affects building safety.
- Emergency services (000) – If there is an immediate danger.
- If you have safety concerns about urgent repairs that are needed in your home, apply to RDRV for a resolution.
How VCAT helps renters and rental providers
VCAT's rental tribunal handles a broad range of rental issues beyond the 4 dispute types managed by RDRV.
VCAT can assist with rental matters relating to:
- Evictions, notices to vacate and possession orders
- Lease breaches, including unauthorised subletting
- Privacy and property access disputes
- Illegal fees and extra charges
- Other types of legal disputes