You might be able to get compensation from the rental provider (landlord) if they breach the laws on renting or the terms of your rental agreement (lease). This page provides information on some common examples where renters may be able to get compensation.
Renters may use formal notices sometimes to notify their rental provider (landlord) about matters such as moving out and should use them to protect their rights.
Many bond and compensation applications by rental providers (landlords) to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) are about cleanliness or damage. The information on this page can help you prepare for a VCAT hearing if the rental provider has made a claim against you.
Services to your home such as electricity, gas, oil, water and sewerage are called ‘utility’ services. This page explains your responsibilities for connecting and disconnecting these services. It also explains which costs are your responsibility, and those costs that the rental provider (landlord) is responsible for.
If you think the rental provider (landlord) or real estate agent has acted illegally or unprofessionally, you should consider making an official complaint.
This page has information on what to do when you want to end your rental agreement (lease). It includes information on requirements for giving notice if you want to move out when your fixed term agreement ends as well as notices you can give and steps you can take if you want to end your agreement early.
Know your rights when you move into a rooming house. For example, the rooming house must meet official minimum standards, and the operator cannot charge more than 14 days’ rent in advance and must not discriminate against you.
You have the legal right to ask the rental provider (landlord) or agent for repairs. If you have trouble getting them to act, there are steps you can take to get repairs done.
Rental providers (landlords) and renters have duties under the law they must follow. Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has guidelines for some of these duties.
International students, who frequently live in rooming houses or share houses, often don’t know their rights as renters or what support is out there for help with food, health, legal advice and other matters. Find out more on this page.