Rent increases must follow Victorian rental laws, and both renters and rental providers have rights and responsibilities when it comes to changes in rent, specifically when the amount of the increase is considered to be excessive.

For renters, an increase may feel excessive, especially when it’s higher than expected. For rental providers, raising rent is sometimes necessary due to rising costs.

We understand that being unable to afford to pay the rent is challenging and stressful. However, not being able to afford the rent is not a valid legal reason to challenge a rent increase. If you are a renter who is experiencing financial challenges, you can contact Tenants Victoria, who offer financial hardship support.

 If there’s disagreement over an excessive rent increase, renters can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) to look into their rent increase.

 RDRV can also help renters by clarifying the process of challenging a rental increase and identifying the next steps for the renter. 

 

How rental increases work in Victoria

There are laws that govern rental increases in Victoria, including:

  • How often rent can be increased
  • The notice period required before an increase
  • Whether the increase is in line with market rates

A rent increase is only valid if the rental provider gives at least 60 days’ written notice, uses the appropriate form from Consumer Affairs Victoria, and includes all required details (such as the new rent amount and start date). It must be sent by post, in person, or by email. If any details are missing, the increase may be invalid.

If a renter believes an increase is excessive, they can challenge it. 

Learn about rent increases

How we help

If a renter thinks the amount of their rental increase might be excessive, the first thing you should do is get Consumer Affairs Victoria to review it.
After you’ve done that, and if CAV considers the increase to be excessive, we can help resolve your dispute. 


When you apply to RDRV, a Resolution Coordinator will: 

  • Check whether the excessive rent increase follows legal requirements. In Victoria, a rent increase is only valid if the rental provider gives at least 60 days’ written notice, uses the right CAV form and includes all required details. The form must be sent by post, delivered in person, or sent by email.

  • If a renter believes an increase is excessive, they can challenge it.

  • Contact the other party to understand their side and gather any evidence.

  • Work with both sides to reach an agreement that complies with the law.

How does RDRV work?

RDRV is a specialist rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT.

Using myRDRV, our online portal, can help you save time. We can work with you face-to-face or remotely, so you can choose to sort things out from anywhere that's convenient.

Here's how it works:

  1. Step1: Submit an application

    If you have a rental dispute, you can apply online through myRDRV, our online portal. You’ll need to provide your details and some basic information about what happened.

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  2. Step 2: Case review

    Once your application is submitted, an RDRV Resolution Coordinator will review the information and get in touch with you to discuss your options​.

    Illustration of a person reviewing a rental dispute cases or application

  3. Step 3: Resolution process

    RDRV communicates with both parties - renters and rental providers - to try and find a fair solution. We use mediation and negotiation techniques to help everyone involved come to an agreement that complies with rental laws​.

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What if we can’t agree?

Most disputes can be resolved by RDRV. If an agreement can’t be reached, the parties may need to go to a hearing.

If you need to go to a hearing, standard application fees will apply.

Your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will help you through the entire process. They’ll let the right people know what has happened with your application so far and that you have not reached an agreement. The Resolution Coordinator will help you to prepare a hearing and answer your questions.

How often can a rental provider raise the rent?

Rental providers can’t raise rent whenever they want, or for however much they want - there are certain laws and notice periods that must be followed: 

  • Notice period: Rent can only increase if the rental provider gives at least 60 days written notice. 
  • Frequency limits: Increases are limited to once every 12 months for most agreements. 
  • Fixed-term leases: If the lease specifies a rent increase, the terms in the agreement must be followed. 
  • Market rate considerations: The rent increase should reflect fair market conditions. For example, if market rent for 2 bedroom apartments in Richmond is between $380 - $420 each week, a rental increase to $400 each week may be considered fair and reasonable.

Need help with an excessive rent dispute? 

If you believe your rent increase might be higher than it should be, before applying to RDRV, you can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to request a review of this increase.

Apply to CAV Contact CAV

Tips for handling rent increases 

  • For renters:

    For renters:

    • Check your rental agreement to see if rent increases are allowed and how often
    • If you receive a rent increase notice, make sure it follows the required notice period
    • Compare your rent with similar properties in the area to see if the increase is reasonable.
    • If you believe the increase is unfair, talk to your rental provider
    • If they don’t agree, apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment
  • For rental providers:

    For rental providers:

    • Make sure rent increases comply with legal timeframes and notice periods
    • Keep records of rental market comparisons to justify any increase
    • Communicate clearly with renters and be prepared to discuss the increase
    • If a renter challenges the increase, be ready to provide supporting evidence 

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.