What the law says
The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 sets out the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Victoria. If a landlord or their agent commits an offence under the Act, they can be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court by Consumer Affairs Victoria and if they are convicted they can be fined. However it’s up to you to make the complaint and ask Consumer Affairs to prosecute.
The time limit for prosecutions is either 12 months or 3 years (depending on the offence), starting from the date that the offence was committed. However we recommend that you take action immediately.