RDRV helps renters and rental providers with disputes about bond, compensation, excessive rent, and repairs.

If you have a different issue, here’s where to find the right support.

On this page

Property maintenance and minimum standards

Rental properties must meet basic safety and maintenance standards. If a property hasn’t been maintained or doesn’t meet minimum standards, here’s what to do: 
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) – Provides information on rental standards and your rights. Visit CAV
If you believe the property you are renting does not meet minimum standards, you can apply to RDRV to reach an outcome that meets the requirements of Victorian rental laws.

Eviction and lease issues

If you are facing eviction or need help understanding your lease agreement: 

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria – Provides guidance on lease terms and eviction rules. Visit CAV.
  • VCAT – Reviews notices to vacate and lease disputes.
  • A notice to vacate is a formal statement from the rental provider indicating they want the renter to leave the property.

The rental provider can issue a notice to vacate in specific situations, including when the renter intentionally damages the property, the property becomes unsafe to live in, the renter owes at least 14 days of rent, the renter has not paid the bond, or the renter has not complies with a VCAT compliance order, among others. You can find out more about notices to vacate on the Consumer Affairs website.

Apply to VCAT

To learn more about what to do if you receive a Notice to Vacate, visit Tenants Victoria.

Legal Aid – Provides legal help for renters and rental providers. Visit Legal Aid.

Discrimination and unfair treatment

If you believe you've been treated unfairly due to race, age, disability, or another factor, contact:

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission – Investigates discrimination complaints. Visit VEOHRC.

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:

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria – Provides advice and enforces rental laws. Visit CAV.
  • VCAT – Reviews cases involving unlawful charges. Apply to VCAT.
  • Tenants Victoria – Has information about what types of charges are unlawful. Visit Tenants Victoria.

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:

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria - Provides guidance on breaches of rental agreements. Repairs, alterations, safety and pets - Consumer Affairs Victoria  Visit CAV.
  • Tenants Victoria – For renters to learn about their rights and what to do if a claim is raised by a rental provider. Visit Tenants Victoria.
  • Real Estate Institute of Victoria – For real estate agents seeking information on dispute resolution processes. Visit REIV.
  • If the rental provider has ignored a request for a repair to be made, as outlined in the rental agreement, the renter can apply to RDRV to have this addressed.

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:

Consumer Affairs Victoria – Provides guidance on entry rights and privacy laws.  Visit CAV.

Neighbour disputes

If you’re experiencing noise complaints, boundary disputes, or other issues with neighbours:

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria – Provides mediation services. Visit DSCV.

Issues with social or public housing

If you’re renting through social or public housing and need help with property or management issues:

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 can help

VCAT handles a wide range of rental issues beyond those covered by RDRV. 
VCAT can assist with:

  • Evictions and notices to vacate
  • Lease breaches, including unauthorised subletting
  • Privacy and access disputes
  • Illegal fees and extra charges
  • Other types of legal disputes 

Apply to VCAT