Victorian renters using improved right to repairs
Media release: New data shows repairs the biggest renting issue in 84% of electorates
17 August 2026
Repairs are the most widespread issue renters across Victoria are seeking to address with their landlord, new data released by Tenants Victoria has revealed.
Tenants Victoria has launched its platform for the 2026 state election, calling on all parties to lock in renters’ rights and commit to preserving existing protections in the next term of parliament.
New analysis across the state’s electorates shows that requests for help to fix property are the largest category of tenant issues in more than 4 in 5 (84%) of the state’s 88 electorates.
Repairs significantly outnumber other issues and make up around a quarter of all enquiries, compared to about a fifth for notices to vacate and roughly one in 10 for compensation claims.
The issue spreads across the state, showing up in similar rates in inner metro seats like Kew (32%) and Sandringham (32%), outer suburban seats like Bayswater (31%) and Narre Warren (31%) North, and regional seats including South-West Coast (36%) and Bendigo West (33%), all of which have one in three enquiries relating to repairs.
| Electorate | Repairs | Notices to vacate | Compensation claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eltham | 55 (40.7%) | 21 (15.6%) | 17 (12.6%) |
| South-West Coast | 61 (35.9%) | 18 (10.6%) | 20 (11.8%) |
| Niddrie | 77 (33.3%) | 46 (19.9%) | 34 (14.7%) |
| Bendigo West | 56 (32.7%) | 25 (14.6%) | 31 (18.1%) |
| Sandringham | 95 (32.4%) | 47 (16.0%) | 40 (13.7%) |
| Wendouree | 145 (32.1%) | 48 (10.6%) | 88 (19.5%) |
| Kew | 121 (32.0%) | 67 (17.7%) | 41 (10.8%) |
| Bayswater | 196 (31.4%) | 115 (18.4%) | 69 (11.0%) |
| Eureka | 43 (30.9%) | 20 (14.4%) | 9 (6.5%) |
| Narre Warren North | 36 (30.5%) | 19 (16.1%) | 18 (15.3%) |
The top 10 electoral divisions in Victoria where repairs represent the highest proportion of renter legal service issues, compared with other major renter issues. Source: Tenants Victoria electorate data
Tenants Victoria says the findings show why all parties should commit to locking in renters’ rights this election, so the protections that tenants already rely on aren’t removed or watered down.
‘Renters make up a third of Victorian voters, and this data shows that they’re using their legislated rights all across the state,’ CEO of Tenants Victoria Jennifer Beveridge said.
‘Renters have only recently gained protections like minimum standards, and the worst thing any political party could do now is let these protections slide backwards.
‘Rights like minimum property standards, protections against no reason evictions, and longer notice periods when you do have to vacate, are all making a difference to Victorian renters right now.’
Tenants Victoria is calling on all political parties to lock in renters’ rights, ensure that no renter should miss out on basic protections, drive compliance with rental minimum standards and help landlords understand their role, and give renters the confidence to challenge unfair rent increases.
‘These measures will mean that the one in three people who rent can experience dignity, living in safe and secure homes,’ Ms Beveridge said.
Media inquiries: matt@hortonadvisory.com.au
We’re calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to stronger protections for the 2 million Victorians who rent their homes.