Sometimes you may be given a notice of rent increase, which you may not agree with. There are also cases of when a landlord changes or removes something on the premises that could reduce the property rental value. In these cases you can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment. Consumer Affairs Victoria offers a free property inspection service for tenants disputing rent increases and repairs.

In order to apply for such an assessment, you must send a copy of the notice of rent increase to Consumer Affairs Victoria with a letter asking for an inspection and you must apply within 30 days of receiving the increase notice.

Within 14 days, a CAV Tenancy Inspector will contact you for an appointment to inspect your home. The inspector will assess the rental value of the property and discuss the options of what is a fair rent.

If you decide to take matters further, the inspector will prepare an assessment report and you will need to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a hearing.

Further information can be obtained from the fact sheet Inspections for tenants