We offer financial counselling
Supporting renters through financial hardship
In the current housing crisis, many renters are under stress as they juggle the challenges of the cost of living. To help renters navigate these challenges, Tenants Victoria offers a financial counselling service.
Our service is free, confidential, and designed to provide renters with practical advice on managing debt and building financial stability.
Find out more about financial counselling on our page Financial hardship.
Comprehensive assistance for renters
Our knowledgeable financial counsellors evaluate each renter’s financial needs and offer free, tailored guidance along with referrals to further assistance as required.
Our service is designed to help renters who are in a variety of situations, including:
- Rent arrears on current or past rental properties
- Utility debts (electricity, gas, water) on current or former rentals
- Credit debts, including loans, credit cards, and consumer leases
- Budgeting and debt management advice
- Information on credit ratings and bankruptcy options
For renters in public housing, we also offer assistance with rental rebate assessments and guidance on managing rent increases.
However, we are not funded to pay for rent arrears or other financial assistance.
“Every renter’s situation is unique, and that’s why our financial counselling service offers tailored assistance. Whether it’s addressing rent arrears, managing debt, or finding ways to save, we are here to listen and provide the support that best meets each renter’s needs,” said Jacinta Morris, Tenants Victoria Financial Counsellor.
Financial counselling eligibility
All Victorian renters are eligible for our financial counselling service. You may also be eligible for more intensive, ongoing financial counselling if you’re experiencing rental stress, which means you’re having difficulty meeting your rental costs. This may include:
- Spending more than 30% of your income (before tax) on rent
- Getting behind in rent payments
- Being unable to pay bills or debts when they’re due
- Receiving a notice to vacate
- Experiencing, or being at risk of experiencing, family violence
Connect with a counsellor
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial hardship as a renter in Victoria, reach out to Tenants Victoria’s financial counselling service:
- By phone on 03 9411 1444, 9am to 5pm weekdays
- By email to financialcounselling@tenantsvic.org.au