Introduction and helpful contacts

Download the Renters Guide in PDF format: Renters Guide (PDF, 577KB)

Rental providers (landlords) and agents must give renters this guide on or before the day they move in. You can read more about renting guides at Resources and guides overview.

Introduction

Victoria has some of the strongest rental protections in Australia, but renting can still be complicated. With one in three Victorians now renting, understanding your rental rights has never been more important.

The Renters Guide explains the rules and your rights at every stage of renting in Victoria, from applying for a property to moving out.

Whether you’re a first-time renter or have rented before, this guide provides you with the information you need to rent confidently.

Key terms

Rental provider: landlord.
Renter: tenant.
Agent: real estate agent.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997: This sets out the laws, rights and responsibilities of renters and rental providers in Victoria.
RDRV: Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria. A free dispute resolution service to help renters and rental providers resolve disputes.
VCAT: Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This tribunal resolves legal disputes and cases in Victoria, including renting issues.

Where to find more information

Our website has detailed resources on:

General renting information (for renters, rental providers and agents)
Information in other languages.
Easy English resources.

Stay updated

For the most current information, visit our Renting page.

Follow Consumer Affairs Victoria on Facebook and Instagram for regular renting information and updates.

Helpful contacts

Organisation	When to contact	Phone number	Website
Consumer Affairs Victoria	If you have questions about renting agreements, bonds, rent increases or repairs. If you are being evicted.	1300 55 81 81	consumer.vic.gov.au/contact
Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)	To look up your bond, transfer a bond or arrange a bond refund.	1300 137 164	rentalbonds.vic.gov.au
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)	If you have tried all other options to resolve a dispute about a rent increase, repair or bond.	1300 017 378	rdrv.vic.gov.au
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)	To apply for a hearing about a renting dispute.	1300 01 8228	vcat.vic.gov.au/renting
Tenants Victoria	If you need help from a support worker.	03 9416 2577	tenantsvic.org.au
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)	If you are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person and need legal help.	1800 064 865	vals.org.au
Housing Victoria (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing)	To apply for a bond loan. If you have nowhere to stay.	1800 825 955 (24 hours)	housing.vic.gov.au

Need help in your language?

Call TIS National interpreting service on 131 450.

Ask to be put through to Consumer Affairs Victoria.