Rental providers have an obligation under the law to disclose certain things about the property, such as whether it complies with the minimum standards, before signing a rental agreement. Here is the official mandatory disclosure checklist rental providers must follow. It’s an offence if they don’t disclose anything on the list.
It is also an offence for an estate agent or rental provider to engage in false and misleading conduct.
Save a copy of the original advertisement for the rental, as this can be important if it turns out that something claimed in the ad isn’t true. For example, the ad says there is secured car parking and it turns out that there isn’t any parking. Having the rental advertisement as evidence may help your case if you decide to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
A renter who has been misled or deceived by the rental provider or agent into signing a rental agreement by their actions, or omissions, or a failure to disclose, can apply to VCAT for compensation if they’ve suffered a loss. In some cases VCAT may allow the renter to end the agreement without incurring any costs for breaking the lease.
You can also report offences to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
For more information, see our page Complaints about rental providers and agents.
Note: This information is a guide and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice.