About RDRV

  • RDRV is an appropriate dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT that helps renters and rental providers resolve rental issues quickly. Our expert Resolution Coordinators can give you support and guidance to help reach a fair outcome. 

  • 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.

  • 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.  

  • Yes. RDRV is a specialist rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT to help resolve rental issues early, without going to a hearing.

  • If neither the renter or the rental provider can agree on a solution, or for more complex matters you may need 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 that 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. If the hearing is longer than a day, hearing fees are payable. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here. 

How to apply

  • No, but providing more details can help speed up the process. If you don’t have everything ready, you can still submit your application and provide more details later.

  • If you have forgotten the password for your myRDRV account, select ‘Forgot password’ on the login page. If you're still having trouble logging in, contact RDRV technical support at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au or call 1300 01 7378

  • If you're experiencing technical difficulties, contact RDRV technical support at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au or call 1300 01 7378.

  • No, in-person meetings are not required. Most cases are handled through phone or video calls, making it easier and more convenient for both parties.

  • Yes, if you prefer a face-to-face discussion, you can request an in-person resolution session. This may be available in certain locations, depending on the nature of your case and scheduling availability.

For renters

  • 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.

    Apply Now

  • 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.

For rental providers

  • RDRV is a dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT to help rental providers and renters resolve disputes before they escalate to a hearing. Our resolution coordinators assist with common issues such as bond and compensation claims, rent increases, and repair disputes.

  • We can save you time and money by working through your rental issues online and over the phone, without needing to go to a hearing. We can advise you on what to do and work with renters to find solutions to any issues. Because we’re a VCAT service, we can ensure all decisions are legally binding.
    If you and your renter are unable to come to an agreement, or if a formal order is required, a hearing may be necessary. If that happens, an RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process. 

  • You can apply online via the myRDRV portal here or call us for assistance. An RDRV application is an application to VCAT. Once we receive and assess your application, a resolution coordinator will contact you to discuss your case and guide you through the next steps. 

    Apply Now

  • 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 will incur a fee.

  • RDRV can help resolve disputes related to bond claims, compensation for damages, rent increases and maintenance responsibilities. We do not assist with issues outside these areas.

Bond disputes

  • If a renter disagrees with a bond claim, they have the right to challenge it. The rental provider must provide evidence for any claims, and RDRV can assist in reviewing the details, discussing it with both parties and helping to reach a fair outcome.

  • Yes. If a rental provider refuses to return a bond without a valid reason, we can step in to clarify the issue, request evidence and work with both parties to reach a legally binding outcome.

  • If an agreement isn’t reached, we will provide guidance on next steps, including how to escalate the matter to a hearing if necessary.

  • If there is dispute regarding repayment of a bond held by the RTBA at the end of a rental agreement, you may apply to RDRV for determination. RDRV will seek a resolution of the dispute with the parties. If early resolution cannot be reached, the matter may be determined by a Member at hearing.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we will do everything we can to help you find a solution to your bond dispute. 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 ensure that everything you have provided goes to the right person. 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.

Compensation disputes

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

Repair disputes

  • If repairs are not completed within the required timeframe, renters can apply to RDRV for assistance. For urgent issues, renters can arrange repairs themselves (up to $2,500) and request reimbursement.

  • Renters are responsible for any damage they (or their guests) cause, but not for normal wear and tear. If there is a dispute over responsibility for paying the costs of repairs, RDRV can help review the issue.

  • If no agreement is reached, RDRV will outline the next steps, including how to take the matter to a hearing if needed.

  • All disputes about rental repairs in Victoria must be submitted through RDRV first. This is a requirement under new legislation as part of the Victorian Government’s 2024-2034 Housing Statement.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we’ll do everything we can to help you find a solution to your repair dispute. 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 will may have to pay an application fee. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here. 

Excessive rent disputes

  • Generally, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for most agreements. If you’re unsure, call CAV on 1300 55 8181 and we’ll check if the increase is legal.

  • Renters have the right to challenge an excessive rent increase. If you think your rent has gone up too much, you can apply to CAV for a review.

  • CAV is responsible for assessing a proposed rent increase in Victoria. Should the matter remain unresolved after a CAV assessment. a dispute must be submitted through RDRV instead of directly to VCAT. This is a requirement under new legislation as part of the Victorian Government's 2024-2034 Housing Statement. 

  • If you think your rent increase is too high, you can speak with your rental provider to try to reach an agreement on a different amount. If you cannot reach an agreement, apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment. You can then apply to RDRV to go through a case review and resolution process.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we’ll do everything we can to help you find a solution to your rent increase dispute. 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.