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Victoria

Residential tenancy law in Victoria

How renting works in Victoria under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, including the ban on no-fault evictions from 25 November 2025, minimum standards, RTBA bonds, repairs and applying to RDRV or VCAT.

Checked against official sources on 8 Nov 2026. General information, not legal advice. No lawyer or solicitor has reviewed this page.

Overview

Victoria calls tenants 'renters' and landlords 'rental providers', and the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) governs almost every part of the relationship between them. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) administers the Act, publishes the forms, and runs free rent assessments and repairs inspections. Bonds are held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). Disputes are decided by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and VCAT's free early resolution service, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), deals first with most bond, compensation, rent increase and repair disputes.

Victoria has changed its renting laws several times. Rent increases have been limited to once every 12 months for agreements that started on or after 19 June 2019, and the changes that started on 29 March 2021 introduced minimum rental standards and clearer rights about repairs and modifications. From 25 November 2025 no-fault evictions were banned, so a rental provider cannot give a notice to vacate without a valid reason, even at the end of a fixed-term agreement. A fixed term now rolls automatically into a periodic (month-to-month) agreement unless the parties sign a new fixed term or a valid notice to vacate is given. The same reforms raised the minimum notice for rent increases and for most no-fault notices to vacate from 60 days to 90 days. More changes followed in 2026: a standard rental application form from 31 March 2026, the option for renters to pay their bond straight to the RTBA from 9 September 2026, and from 13 October 2026 new notice and evidence rules for bond claims, a ban on rental providers and agents charging renters fees for applications or rent payments, and gas and electrical safety checks every 2 years for all rental properties.

This page explains what those rules mean in practice: how bonds are lodged and claimed, when rent can go up and how to challenge it, what you can do about repairs, which notices to vacate are valid and how long they must run, and how to get a dispute resolved. It is general information about Victorian law, not legal advice about your tenancy. Notices and applications in Victoria run on strict timeframes, so if you have received a notice to vacate, contact Tenants Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid or a community legal centre without delay.

Who this is for

  • You rent a home in Victoria under a residential rental agreement and want to understand your rights
  • You have been given a notice to vacate and want to know whether the reason and notice period are valid
  • Your rental provider has claimed part of your bond and you disagree with the amount
  • You have received a 90-day rent increase notice and think the new rent is too high
  • Urgent repairs are not being done and you are thinking about arranging them yourself
  • The property does not meet Victoria's minimum rental standards
  • You need to leave a fixed-term agreement early and want to avoid lease break costs
  • You live in a rooming house or caravan park and are unsure which part of the Act applies to you
LegislationShow
Courts and tribunalsShow
  • Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal - Residential Tenancies List

    Hears and decides renting disputes: bond claims, compensation, repairs, rent increases said to be excessive, notices to vacate, possession orders and warrants. It must hear an urgent repairs application within 2 business days and a non-urgent repairs application within 7 days.

  • Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)

    A free dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT, launched in June 2025. It helps renters and rental providers settle bond, compensation, excessive rent and repair disputes without a hearing. An application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT. RDRV does not deal with evictions or lease terminations, which go to VCAT. Phone 1300 01 7378, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4.30 pm.

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria

    Regulates renting in Victoria, publishes the forms, investigates breaches, and runs free rent assessments and repairs inspections. Phone 1300 55 81 81, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

  • Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)

    Holds Victorian residential bonds in trust. A rental provider who receives a bond must lodge it within 10 business days, and since 9 September 2026 a renter can choose to pay the bond directly to the RTBA. Bonds are repaid when everyone agrees, when a claim started by a renter is not contested within 14 days, or under a VCAT order.

  • Magistrates' Court of Victoria

    Records and enforces VCAT money orders of $100,000 or less at the request of the person owed the money, hears renting disputes that VCAT cannot hear because the parties live in different states, and deals with family violence intervention orders that can affect a tenancy.

ProcessShow

  1. 01Starting the rental agreement

    You sign the rental agreement and, if a bond is asked for, pay it either to the rental provider, who must lodge it with the RTBA within 10 business days, or directly to the RTBA if you told the rental provider in writing before they started the lodgement. The rental provider must give you a condition report before you move in, and you must return one signed copy within 5 business days of moving in. They must also give you a written statement of your rights and duties on or before the day you move in. The property must meet the minimum rental standards when it is advertised or offered for rent and before you move in.

    Typical timeframe: Before you move in

  2. 02During the agreement

    Rent is paid as agreed and the rental provider must keep the property in good repair and meeting the minimum standards. Entry needs proper notice and a reason the Act allows; for repairs, that means at least 24 hours' notice and entry only between 8 am and 6 pm, not on a public holiday. Requests for pets and modifications follow the Act's processes, and a rental provider who wants to refuse a pet must apply to VCAT within 14 days.

    Typical timeframe: Ongoing

  3. 03Raising an issue in writing

    Repairs, rent increases and breaches all start with written notice. For most duties, a breach of duty notice is the step that lets you apply to VCAT for a compliance or compensation order if it is not followed, and repeated breaches of the same duty can allow the agreement to be ended.

    Typical timeframe: 14 days for non-urgent repairs

  4. 04Early resolution through RDRV

    For bond, compensation, repair and excessive rent disputes, apply to RDRV. A resolution coordinator works with both sides, usually by phone or video, to reach agreement. Taking part is voluntary and you can ask for a VCAT hearing at any point. If a hearing is needed you do not have to apply again, but VCAT application fees may then apply.

    Typical timeframe: Varies; users told the ABC in November 2026 that they had waited eight weeks or more for a mediator to be assigned

  5. 05VCAT hearing

    If there is no agreement, a VCAT member hears the matter. Both sides give evidence and the member makes orders, which may include payment, repairs, rent being paid into CAV's Rent Special Account, a maximum rent, a compliance order, or termination and possession.

    Typical timeframe: Urgent repairs within 2 business days; other matters vary

  6. 06Possession orders and warrants

    A notice to vacate does not end the agreement by itself. If the renter does not leave, the rental provider must apply to VCAT for a possession order, which VCAT makes only if it is reasonable and proportionate, and then a warrant of possession. Only Victoria Police can carry out an eviction under a warrant. At the possession hearing a renter can ask VCAT to postpone the eviction for up to 30 days because of serious hardship, except where the notice was for some fault grounds such as serious damage or danger.

    Typical timeframe: A warrant is usually valid for 14 days once issued

  7. 07Ending the tenancy and the bond

    The renter gives notice of intention to vacate, moves out, and the parties try to agree on the bond. Since 13 October 2026 a rental provider who wants to claim any of the bond must give each renter supporting evidence at least 3 days before making the claim, and the evidence must not conflict with the condition report. If you cannot agree, the dispute goes to RDRV or VCAT, and the rental provider must provide evidence for each item claimed.

    Typical timeframe: 28 days' notice in most cases; 14 days for listed reasons

Parties

  • Renter

    The person named on the residential rental agreement. Co-renters who sign the same agreement are all responsible for paying the rent and taking care of the property.

  • Rental provider

    The owner of the property, formerly called the landlord, with duties to maintain the premises and follow the Act's notice rules.

  • Agent

    The estate agent managing the property for the rental provider, who often serves notices and can act for the rental provider at RDRV.

  • Rooming house operator

    The person running a rooming house, which is covered by a separate part of the Act with different notice periods and duties.

  • Site tenant or caravan park resident

    A resident under a site agreement or in a caravan park, covered by their own parts of the Act.

  • Social housing provider

    Homes Victoria or a registered community housing agency, which can give a 90-day notice to vacate if a renter no longer meets the eligibility criteria for social housing.

Time limits

These are general time limits described in prose. This page does not calculate a deadline for your matter.

  • Notice of a rent increase

    At least 90 days' notice on the prescribed form (60 days before 25 November 2025), and no more than one increase in any 12-month period. To challenge it, ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment within 30 days of being given the notice, then apply to RDRV or VCAT within 30 days of receiving the report

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) ss 44, 45(2) and 46(2); Consumer Affairs Victoria, rent increases and challenging rent increases

  • Notice to vacate - no-fault reasons

    At least 90 days for sale, demolition, repairs or renovation, change of use, occupation by the rental provider or their family, acquisition for a public purpose, or a social housing renter no longer being eligible; 14 days where the agreement recorded that the home was the rental provider's own home and that they intend to move back at the end of the term

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) ss 91ZW to 91ZZE; Consumer Affairs Victoria, notice to vacate in rental properties

  • Notice to vacate - rent at least 14 days overdue

    At least 14 days. On the first four occasions in a 12-month period, the notice has no effect if you pay the overdue rent by the termination date

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) s 91ZM

  • Notice to vacate - serious damage, danger or unfit premises

    Immediate, where the renter or a visitor intentionally or recklessly causes serious damage or puts others in danger, or the premises are unfit for habitation or destroyed

    Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria, notice to vacate in rental properties

  • Renter's notice of intention to vacate

    28 days in most cases (and for a fixed term, not ending before the end date unless a listed reason applies), 14 days where a listed reason applies, and immediate where the property does not meet the minimum standards before you move in or becomes unfit for habitation

    Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria, renters giving notice of intention to vacate

  • Non-urgent repairs

    Must be carried out within 14 days of a written request; after that you can ask CAV for a repairs inspection or apply to RDRV or VCAT, and VCAT must hear the application within 7 days

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) ss 74 and 75; Consumer Affairs Victoria, repairs in rental properties

  • Urgent repairs arranged by the renter

    If the rental provider does not respond, you can arrange a repair costing up to $2,500, then give them written notice of the repair and its cost (Consumer Affairs Victoria says within 7 days of the repair). They must repay you within 7 days of receiving that notice; above $2,500, apply to RDRV or VCAT, which must hear an urgent repairs application within 2 business days

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) ss 72 and 73; Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (Vic) regs 32 and 34

  • Bond lodgement and bond claims

    A bond paid to the rental provider must be lodged with the RTBA within 10 business days; a renter paying the RTBA directly must pay within 2 days of the RTBA's request; a rental provider claiming any of the bond must give each renter supporting evidence at least 3 days before making the claim

    Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) ss 406 and 411(1A); Consumer Affairs Victoria, bond amounts and bond claims

Costs and helpShow

Renting disputes in Victoria are designed to be low cost. RDRV is free, and because an application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT you do not need to apply again if the matter goes to a hearing, although standard VCAT application fees may then apply. VCAT's fees are set by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Fees) Regulations 2026 and are updated on 1 July each year. Holders of a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or eligible Gold Card pay the concession rate, people in financial hardship can ask for a fee waiver, reduction or time to pay, and you pay no fees if Victoria Legal Aid, a community legal centre or a Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program provider represents you. Each party usually pays their own legal costs unless VCAT orders otherwise. In most renting cases you need VCAT's permission to be represented by a lawyer or other professional advocate, but people in a possession dispute have an automatic right to representation. Free help is available from Tenants Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid, community legal centres, Justice Connect for renters at risk of eviction, and Anika Legal for eviction, repair and bond problems.

Victoria Legal Aid

Free legal information online, Legal Help Chat, and the Legal Help line on 1300 792 387 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm). Duty lawyers may be able to help, and sometimes represent you, on the day of a tribunal hearing if you do not have your own lawyer; call Legal Help before your hearing date.

  • Tenants Victoria

    Specialist tenancy service with detailed topic guides for private and social renters, live web chat, and a phone line on (03) 9416 2577 (9.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and until 6.30 pm on Tuesdays).

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria - renting

    Official guidance and forms, free rent assessments and repairs inspections, and a phone line on 1300 55 81 81 (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday).

  • Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria

    Free early resolution for bond, compensation, excessive rent and repair disputes, provided by VCAT. Phone 1300 01 7378.

  • Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

    Directory to find a community legal centre near you; community legal centres give free legal help to people experiencing disadvantage.

  • Justice Connect - renting

    Free legal help, including representation at VCAT, for Victorian renters at risk of eviction or losing their home, plus free online tools such as Dear Landlord for renters behind in rent.

  • Anika Legal

    Free online legal support for Victorian renters on low or middle incomes with eviction notices, repairs or bond problems.

Where to get help

  • Tenants Victoria

    Free help for renters, with detailed guides on notices to vacate, repairs, bonds, rent increases and rooming houses. Phone (03) 9416 2577.

  • Consumer Affairs Victoria

    The regulator: forms, guidance, and free rent assessments and repairs inspections. Phone 1300 55 81 81.

  • Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria

    Free early resolution service provided by VCAT for bond, repairs, compensation and excessive rent disputes. Phone 1300 01 7378, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4.30 pm.

  • VCAT Residential Tenancies List

    Where possession, notice to vacate and other renting applications are heard, with guidance on dispute types, how to apply and fees.

  • Victoria Legal Aid

    Free legal information and the Legal Help line on 1300 792 387, including duty lawyers who may help renters on the day of a tribunal hearing.

  • Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria

    Find a local community legal centre for free legal help.

  • Justice Connect - renting

    Free legal help and representation for Victorian renters at risk of eviction, and the free Dear Landlord tool for renters behind in rent.

  • Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

    Statewide 24/7 family and domestic violence crisis support in Victoria, including safety planning and crisis accommodation. Phone 1800 015 188.

Practical guidanceShow

What changed for evictions on 25 November 2025?

Since 25 November 2025 a rental provider cannot give a notice to vacate just because a fixed term is ending; the sections that allowed this (91ZZD and 91ZZDA) were repealed. When a fixed term ends, the agreement automatically becomes periodic (month to month) unless you both sign a new fixed term or a valid notice to vacate has been given. The valid no-fault reasons are: the property is being sold; it is being demolished, or repaired or renovated, with all permits obtained and work that cannot be done while you live there; it will be used for a business or another non-residential purpose; the rental provider, a member of their immediate family (including parents and parents-in-law) or a dependant who normally lives with them will move in; or a government authority needs it for a public purpose. There are also fault-based grounds such as rent arrears, serious damage, danger or repeated breaches. The no-fault reasons need at least 90 days' notice. One exception is where your agreement said the home was the rental provider's own home before you moved in and that they intend to move back at the end of the term; that notice needs 14 days. Each of these reasons must come with specific evidence, for example a signed contract of sale or a sales authority with a licensed estate agent, a building permit, or a witnessed statutory declaration signed by the rental provider. If the required evidence is not supplied, the notice is invalid.

How does the Victorian bond system work?

The maximum bond is one month's rent, unless the weekly rent is more than $900 or VCAT has approved a higher bond for the property. If you pay the bond to the rental provider, they must lodge it with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority within 10 business days, and the RTBA must send you a receipt within 7 days of receiving it. Since 9 September 2026 you can choose to pay the bond straight to the RTBA instead: tell the rental provider in writing before they start the lodgement, then pay within 2 days of the RTBA's request. If you are eligible, you can also transfer (port) your existing bond to a new rental through the Portable Rental Bond Scheme instead of paying a new bond. A rental provider can ask for extra bond only in limited cases: in a long-term agreement of more than 5 years, with 120 days' written notice and no more than once every 5 years, or when you make certain changes to the property that the rental provider agrees to remove at the end. There is no extra bond on a periodic or ordinary fixed-term agreement, and no 'pet bond'. At the end of the tenancy the bond is repaid when everyone agrees or under a VCAT order. Since 13 October 2026 a rental provider who wants to claim any of the bond must give you supporting evidence, such as invoices, quotes or photographs, at least 3 days before making the claim, and that evidence must not conflict with the condition report. If you cannot agree, apply to RDRV. You can also start a bond claim yourself; the other parties then have 14 days to contest it. Complete the condition report carefully and photograph everything when you move in and when you leave.

What are Victoria's minimum rental standards?

Rental properties must meet minimum standards, which Consumer Affairs Victoria groups into 15 categories: bathrooms, electrical safety (a modern switchboard with circuit breakers and safety switches), heating, kitchens, laundries, lighting, locks (deadlocks on external entry doors), freedom from mould and damp caused by the building structure, structural soundness and weatherproofing, toilets, ventilation, vermin-proof rubbish and recycling bins, window latches, window coverings in bedrooms and living areas, and, since 1 December 2025, anchors that secure the cords on internal blinds and curtains. Every property needs a fixed heater in good working order in the main living area, and for agreements entered into from 29 March 2023 it must be an energy-efficient type. Since 25 November 2025 a property must meet the standards when it is advertised or offered for rent, not only by the time you move in, and from 13 October 2026 rental providers must keep records showing this. If you find the property does not meet the standards before you move in, you can end the agreement immediately by written notice. After you move in, a failure to meet a standard counts as an urgent repair. New energy efficiency standards for heating, cooling, hot water, showerheads, ceiling insulation and draughtproofing will be phased in from 1 March 2027.

How do repairs work and when can you arrange your own?

Urgent repairs include a burst water service, a blocked or broken toilet system, a serious roof leak, a gas leak, a dangerous electrical fault, flooding or serious flood damage, serious storm or fire damage, failure of the gas, electricity or water supply, an essential service or appliance for hot water, water, cooking, heating or laundering not working, a cooling appliance provided by the rental provider not working, the property not meeting the minimum standards, a safety device such as a smoke alarm or pool fence not working, a fault that wastes a lot of water, a serious problem with a lift or staircase, and any fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure, including mould or damp caused by the building structure. Tell the rental provider or agent straight away, using the emergency number you were given, and confirm it in writing. If they do not respond, you can arrange the repair yourself if it costs $2,500 or less, then give them written notice of the repair and its cost (Consumer Affairs Victoria says to do this within 7 days of the repair); they must pay you back within 7 days of receiving it. If the repair would cost more than $2,500, you cannot afford it, or the rental provider will not repay you, apply to RDRV or VCAT. Non-urgent repairs must be done within 14 days of your dated written request. If they are not, you can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a free repairs inspection and report, or apply to RDRV or VCAT. Keep paying rent while you wait: instead of withholding it, you can apply to have your rent paid into CAV's Rent Special Account until the issue is sorted out.

Can you challenge a rent increase in Victoria?

In most cases rent can be increased only once every 12 months, and only with at least 90 days' notice on the prescribed form. The notice can provide for one increase only, and must state the amount of the increase, how it was calculated, and that you can ask the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria to investigate within 30 days. During a fixed term, rent can go up only if the agreement says so and sets out the amount or how it will be worked out. If you think the increase is too high, ask CAV for a free rent assessment within 30 days of being given the notice. A case officer will contact you and an inspector may visit, and CAV then sends a report to you and the rental provider. If the report says the increase is too high and the rental provider will not lower it, you can apply to RDRV, which is also an application to VCAT, within 30 days of receiving the report. VCAT can set a maximum rent, usually for 12 months for a private rental. Since 31 March 2026 CAV and VCAT, including RDRV, can consider additional factors. The factors they look at include rents for comparable properties nearby, how the increase compares with the Consumer Price Index for Melbourne, and the number, amount and timing of increases in the previous 24 months. Keep evidence of comparable rents, the condition of the property and any outstanding repairs, because unresolved defects support an argument that the proposed rent is too high.

How do you leave a fixed-term agreement early?

Victoria lists reasons that let you leave before a fixed term ends without paying lease break costs. They include the property not meeting minimum standards before you move in, which allows immediate notice; a long-term agreement that was verbal or not on the right form, which needs 28 days; and a group of reasons needing 14 days, including the rental provider refusing a disability-related modification, needing to move for special or personal care, moving into social housing, needing temporary crisis accommodation, or being given a notice of intention to sell where the sale was not disclosed before you signed. The care, social housing and crisis accommodation reasons need documentary evidence. If the rental provider has given you a notice to vacate for a no-fault reason such as sale, renovation, demolition or the owner moving in, you can leave on 14 days' notice, although VCAT can decide whether some lease break costs are appropriate. If none of these reasons applies, you can still leave, but you may have to cover the rental provider's reasonable costs: rent until the property is re-let, reasonable advertising costs and a share of any re-letting fee. You do not pay a penalty, and you stop paying rent once a new renter moves in; the rental provider must do what they can to re-let the property quickly. VCAT must also consider whether continuing the agreement would have caused you severe hardship. A cap on lease break compensation is due to start on 1 June 2027.

What is RDRV and how does it work?

Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria was launched by VCAT in June 2025 as part of the response to Victoria's Housing Statement. It deals with bond, compensation, excessive rent and repair disputes, but not evictions or lease terminations, which go straight to VCAT. A resolution coordinator, who is a trained mediator, reviews your application and works with both sides, usually by phone or video. RDRV says many disputes are sorted within days to a week once a facilitated discussion happens, but users told the ABC in November 2026 that they had waited eight weeks or more for a mediator to be assigned. Because an application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT, you do not need to apply again if a hearing is needed, although VCAT application fees may then apply. A November 2025 report by Anika Legal, a free legal service for Victorian renters, found that 94 per cent of the renters it surveyed had been asked to make a settlement offer at RDRV before seeing any evidence. Go in prepared: the rental provider must provide evidence for each item of a bond claim, taking part in RDRV is voluntary, you do not have to make an offer, and you can ask for a VCAT hearing at any point.

Checklist

  • Your residential rental agreement
  • The condition report you were given before moving in, completed and returned
  • Move-in and move-out photographs and video, dated
  • The RTBA bond receipt and any bond claim evidence the rental provider sent you
  • Rent ledger or bank statements
  • Written repair requests, breach of duty notices and all replies
  • Any notice to vacate, rent increase notice or notice requesting additional bond
  • Evidence attached to a notice to vacate, such as a contract of sale, building permit or statutory declaration
  • Quotes, invoices and receipts for urgent repairs you arranged
  • Evidence of comparable rents in the area and any CAV rent assessment report if you are challenging an increase
  • Your RDRV or VCAT application and any orders already made

Common questions

Can my rental provider end my lease just because the fixed term is finishing?

No. Since 25 November 2025 Victoria has banned no-fault evictions, including at the end of a fixed-term agreement. When the fixed term ends the agreement automatically becomes periodic unless you both agree to a new fixed term or the rental provider has given a valid notice to vacate for a reason set out in the Act, supported by the required evidence. A notice that does not give a valid reason, or lacks the required evidence, is invalid. Even a valid notice does not end the agreement by itself: only VCAT can make a possession order, and only the police can carry out an eviction.

How much notice do I get for a rent increase in Victoria?

At least 90 days, up from 60 days before 25 November 2025. Rent can only be increased once in any 12-month period, and the notice must be on the prescribed form, provide for one increase, and state the amount and how it was calculated. If you think the increase is too high, ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a free rent assessment within 30 days of getting the notice, then apply to RDRV within 30 days of receiving the report if you are still unhappy.

What is the maximum bond in Victoria?

One month's rent, unless the weekly rent is more than $900 or VCAT has approved a higher bond. If you pay the rental provider, they must lodge the bond with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority within 10 business days, and the RTBA will send you a receipt. Since 9 September 2026 you can choose to pay the RTBA directly by telling the rental provider in writing before they start the lodgement. Extra bond can only be asked for in limited cases, such as long-term agreements of more than 5 years, and never as a 'pet bond'.

Can I arrange urgent repairs myself and be paid back?

Yes, if the rental provider or agent does not respond to your request for an urgent repair. You can arrange the repair with a suitably qualified person if it costs $2,500 or less, then give the rental provider written notice of the repair and its cost (Consumer Affairs Victoria says to do this within 7 days of the repair); they must pay you back within 7 days of receiving it. For repairs costing more than $2,500, or if you are not repaid, apply to RDRV or VCAT. Keep the invoice and photographs, and keep paying rent while you wait.

How long does the rental provider have to fix non-urgent repairs?

Fourteen days from your written request. If the repair has not been done in that time, you can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a free repairs inspection and report, or apply to RDRV or VCAT for an order; VCAT must hear a non-urgent repairs application within 7 days. You can also give a breach of duty notice. If the rental provider breaches the same duty a third time after you have given breach of duty notices for the two earlier breaches, you can end the agreement with 14 days' notice.

Do I have to go to VCAT, or can I use RDRV instead?

For bond, compensation, repair and excessive rent disputes, start with Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria. It is free, and an application to RDRV is also an application to VCAT, so you do not need to apply twice if a hearing is required, although VCAT application fees may then apply. Evictions and lease terminations go to VCAT directly. Go in prepared: in a bond dispute the rental provider must provide evidence for each item claimed, and you do not have to make a settlement offer if you think the claim is unjustified.

Can my rental provider refuse to let me keep a pet?

Not on their own. In Victoria you ask for consent using the approved pet request form, one for each pet. If the rental provider wants to refuse, they must apply to VCAT within 14 days of getting your request; if they do not, they are taken to have consented. You cannot keep the pet while VCAT decides. VCAT considers matters such as the type of pet, the type of property, its fixtures and fittings, and any relevant laws such as council rules.

What are Victoria's minimum rental standards?

Standards set by the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 covering bathrooms, electrical safety, heating, kitchens, laundries, lighting, locks, mould and damp, structural soundness, toilets, ventilation, vermin-proof bins, windows, window coverings and, since 1 December 2025, anchors for blind and curtain cords. Since 25 November 2025 a property must meet them when it is advertised or offered for rent. If it does not meet them and you have not yet moved in, you can end the agreement immediately; after you move in, a failure to meet a standard is an urgent repair.

Sources

  1. Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  2. Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), authorised version 115, as at 13 October 2026 (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  3. Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (Vic) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  4. Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (Vic), authorised version 009, from 30 June 2026 (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  5. Residential Tenancies (Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Registration and Standards) Regulations 2024 (Vic) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  6. Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Act 2025 (Vic) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  7. Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  8. Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
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  12. Rent increases - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  13. Challenging rent increases or high rent - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  14. Bond amounts and payments - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  15. Bond claims and refunds - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  16. Repairs in rental properties - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  17. Rental properties - minimum standards - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  18. Pets in rental properties - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  19. Leaving a rental property early or without notice (breaking the lease) - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  20. Evictions and possession orders - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  21. Resolving renting disputes - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  22. Co-renting (renting with other people) - Consumer Affairs Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  23. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria: home and frequently asked questions (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  24. About Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  25. Contact RDRV (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  26. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is here - VCAT (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  27. About residential tenancies disputes - VCAT (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  28. Fees at VCAT (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  29. Legal and professional representation - VCAT (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  30. Enforce a VCAT order - VCAT (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  31. Recording of VCAT monetary order - Magistrates' Court of Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  32. Unrepresented: Improving VCAT and RDRV for self-represented renters - Anika Legal, November 2025 (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  33. Unrepresented (report summary) - Anika Legal, 18 November 2025 (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  34. Months-long waits for Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria mediation - ABC News, 5 November 2026 (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  35. Going to RDRV - Tenants Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  36. Contact us - Tenants Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  37. Other support for home and property - Victoria Legal Aid (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  38. Contact us - Victoria Legal Aid (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  39. Renting - Justice Connect (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  40. Anika Legal (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  41. Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
  42. Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (accessed 8 Nov 2026)
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Renting Laws in Victoria: Renters' Rights Explained
Renting Laws in Victoria: Renters' Rights Explained - newlaw.ai