Skip to main content

During your tenancy

Learn about your rights at home, what the landlord (rental provider) must pay for, and how to deal with rent increases and problems paying rent.

Repairs and maintenance

Find out what the law counts as an ‘urgent’ repair and what you can do to get the landlord (rental provider) to fix things in your rented home.

Learn more

Minimum standards

Landlords (rental providers) have a duty to make sure properties meet basic minimum standards. These standards apply to rental agreements (leases) that started from 29 March 2021.

Learn more

Safety requirements

Renters and landlords (rental providers) each have specific safety-related responsibilities under Victoria’s rental laws. Find out who has to do what when it comes to safety.

Learn more

Rent increases

If the landlord (rental provider) wants to increase your rent, there are rules about how they tell you this and how often it can be raised. You have the right to challenge rent increases.

Learn more

Overdue rent

If you cannot pay your rent on time, there are things you can do and services you can contact to help the situation. Make sure you take steps before 14 days are up.

Learn more
Overdue rent image

Privacy and entry

You have the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of your home, which means reasonable peace, comfort and privacy. The landlord (rental provider) must follow the rules about privacy and entry to your home.

Learn more
House

Rental home is being sold

If the landlord (rental provider) wants to sell your rental home, there are rules they must follow, including about entry to your home for inspections. Find out your rights when your home is up for sale.

Learn more

Pets and your tenancy

Landlords (rental providers) cannot unreasonably refuse pets. If they want to refuse, they must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Any ‘no pet’ clause in a rental agreement (lease) signed after 2 March 2020 is not valid.

Learn more

Utility charges

Services to your home such as electricity, gas, oil, water and sewerage are called ‘utility’ services. Find out what you have to pay for and what the landlord (rental provider) has to pay for.

Learn more
tap water

Modifications

You can make certain changes or modifications to your rental home. While some changes don’t need the landlord’s (rental provider’s) consent, others do require their consent.

Learn more
Renter hanging picture frame against a dark green background

Rental apps

You have the legal right to pay your rent without additional charges. Find out what to do if you feel pressured to sign up to a rental payment app that you are unsure about or has additional charges.

Learn more