Rent increases in tenancies
If the tenancy is a fixed-term agreement, the landlord or agent cannot increase the rent before the end date, unless the lease states otherwise.
In any case, the landlord or agent must not increase the rent more than once in any six-month period.
The landlord or agent must give the tenant at least 60 days’ notice of any rent increase, using the Notice of rent increase to tenant/s of rented premises (PDF, 636KB).
Why rent increases
Rental increases are driven by market forces which in turn are influenced by the supply and demand of particular properties and areas.
A landlord cannot increase the rent because you have asked for repairs or maintenance to the property.
Rent increases in rooming houses, caravan parks and under site agreements
If the owner wants to increase the rent, and the resident or site tenant has not asked for additional services, they must be given at least 60 days’ notice.
A rooming house owner must give notice using the Notice of rent increase to resident/s of rooming house (PDF, 631KB).
A caravan park owner must give notice using the Notice of rent/hiring charge increase to resident/s of caravan park (PDF, 636KB).
A site owner must give notice using the Notice of rent increase to site tenant (Form 18A) (PDF, 770KB).
The notice must inform the resident or site tenant of their rights and the actions they can take if they think the rent increase is too high. The notice can include only one rent increase and an owner can increase the rent only once in any six-month period.
What a tenant or resident can do if they believe the rent is too high
You can request a rent assessment from Consumer Affairs Victoria if the landlord or owner has:
- given notice of an increase that you think is excessive (after considering market rent), or reduced or withdrawn services, facilities or other items that you were previously getting as part of your rental agreement.
If you are living in a rooming house, you may ALSO ask for a rent assessment if the owner:
- increases the number of people in your room and does not reduce the rent reduces the rent but you still think it is too high.
You must request a rent assessment in writing within 30 days of receiving a notice advising of a rent increase.
Download the Request for repairs inspection or rent assessment (PDF, 64KB).
You have 30 days from receiving the rent assessment report to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a hearing. VCAT may set a maximum rent, which then stays in force, usually for 12 months for tenancies, and six months for rooming houses, caravan parks and under site agreements.
Last updated: 21/05/2012