You might find yourself paying for repairs you’re not responsible for, or covering the costs of repairing damage that isn’t your fault. When this happens, you can ask to be compensated so you're not out of pocket.
If you suffered a financial loss you can apply for compensation.
You can make a compensation claim during the rental agreement or after it ends, as long as the loss happened within the past six years.
How we help
RDRV is a rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT. 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. We cannot give you legal advice.
Before you begin
Before you apply to RDRV, make sure you understand:
- Your rental rights and responsibilities (opens in a new tab)
- Mandatory rental minimum standards in Schedule 4 Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (opens in a new tab)
- Your options to resolve your dispute
- How to apply to RDRV and the information you need to provide in your application
- Where to go if you need legal advice
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.
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 outcome. If you cannot agree, we will help you get a decision at a hearing.
Need help with your compensation dispute dispute?
If you’re having trouble resolving your compensation dispute dispute, you can apply for help. Once we have assigned a resolution coordinator to your case, they will review the details, then contact you to discuss your options.
Tips for handling your compensation dispute
Practical steps each party can take to prevent an issue from escalating and to resolve it early.
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- Keep a record of any repair requests and follow up in writing
- If you've had extra costs due to a maintenance delay, keep receipts and photos
- If you need compensation, explain why and provide any supporting documents
- If you can’t reach an agreement with the rental provider, apply to RDRV
- If your issue is complex and needs to go to VCAT, we’ll help you through the process
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- Document any damage beyond fair wear and tear with photos and condition reports
- Keep records of unpaid rent, early lease breaks, and repair costs
- Try to resolve the disagreement with the renter before making a claim
- If you can’t reach an agreement, apply to RDRV for assistance
- If needed, we’ll help you escalate the dispute to VCAT
Additional information
This section gives you extra guidance that might help with your situation. It includes useful context, related rights and responsibilities, and other details that can support your decision making.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Need our help with a compensation dispute?
If you aren't ready to apply yet, but you have questions, call us. If you're ready to get started, complete your application on myRDRV and a resolution coordinator will be in touch.