The information on this page is for SDA residents and support people. If you are an SDA provider, go to Changes to the law: information for providers.
New rules make targeted updates to how SDA residency agreements are administered. The changes cover rent increase notices, SDA-specific notices and agreements, and the legal status of certain residency agreements. These began on 1 July 2026.
The changes relate only to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
What are the changes
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Change
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Details of change
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Limit on rent payment in advance
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SDA providers can only collect rent from you one month in advance (change from 30 days)
Learn more on paying rent in SDA.
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Reporting responsibilities for certain notices
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SDA providers must provide a copy of certain notices to Consumer Affairs Victoria and the National Disability Insurance Agency (if applicable).
SDA residents and their support person do not need to do anything.
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New Director approved notices
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There are 2 new notice forms that SDA providers must use:
SDA residents and their support person do not need to do anything.
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VCAT can make exceptional agreement orders
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There may be some circumstances where an SDA resident is already occupying an SDA dwelling before an SDA residency agreement is signed. In those circumstances, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can make an exceptional agreement order to resolve this.
Learn more about exceptional agreement orders.
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Validation of some SDA residency agreements
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The new Schedule 4 to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 deems certain SDA residency agreements to be valid and enforceable.
Learn more about the new Schedule 4 and validation of existing SDA agreements.
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Easy Read resources
You can download an Easy Read version of this information. Easy Read uses simple words and pictures to explain information clearly
PDF:
Find other Easy Read information on Resources for SDA residents.
Support
You may already have a support person, such as a daily independent living support provider, guardian, carer, advocate, family member or friend.
Your support person can help you understand these changes to the law and your rights under your SDA residency agreement.
They can also help you talk to your provider or get more information. You or your support person can call the SDA Support Line on 1300 40 43 19.
If you want help from a support person but do not have one, your provider must help you find one. The support person must be independent and cannot work for your provider.
More information