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How we help

  • Bond

    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 

    Compensation 

    We are here to help both parties agree to a fair outcome when it comes to claims for compensation due to damage, unpaid bills and other costs. We will work with you to review the details, make sure it’s a legal matter we can help with.

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  • Excessive rent

    Excessive rent

    Rental providers need to follow certain rules when making changes to the level of rent that is paid. If a renter questions this increase, RDRV can help the parties determine what increase is fair.

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  • Repairs

    Repairs

    Taking care of a rental property is a shared responsibility. We can identify who must do the repairs, what is an urgent repair and how to manage any concerns.

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Have a different rental issue? Get help here

Rental resources and guides

Other helpful resources

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.