Support for renters
You can get help if you are having problems with your residential rental provider or real estate agent, like you are being treated unfairly or get a notice to vacate that was issued incorrectly or without the right reasons or notice period.
What to do if you get a notice to vacate
A notice to vacate is a legal notice. If you get one it means that the residential rental provider or real estate agent has begun legal action because you may have breached your residential rental agreement. For example, you could be behind in your rent.
Getting a notice to vacate doesn't always mean that you need to move out immediately.
For information, advice and what to do:
- Consumer Affairs Victoria has information on what to do if your residential rental provider gives notice to vacate
- Tenants Victoria also has advice on notices to vacate.
If you need to find a new place to live, see Finding a place to rent for tips and information.
If you are a low income earner, you may be eligible for support, see support for private renters.
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria can answer all your questions about renting – from before you sign the lease until after you move out.
Go to Consumer Affairs Victoria's renting section for a wide range of useful information on renting and tools like complaints forms.
The section includes:
- A guide to renting a home
It has everything you need to know about renting from before you sign a lease until after you leave. It includes information on being evicted, notices to vacate and solving tenancy problems. - Your renting rights – also available in other languages
- Family violence - information for renters and rental providers
- Support for vulnerable or disadvantaged renters – for assistance with private rental matters like eviction or rent arrears:
- Phone: 1300 558 181
Tenants Victoria
The Tenants Victoria gives free advice to people that rent residential accommodation in Victoria.
They also offer a renters advice line and email advice service. You can contact them through the Tenants Victoria contact page.
For more info on their services or advice about renting, visit the Tenants Victoria website.
Housing for the Aged Action Group
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) gives free and confidential advice to older people who live in rental accommodation.
HAAG offers older people:
- Information on housing options when they need to find better, more affordable and secure accommodation
- Advice and support if they are having difficulty paying rent, having problems with residential rental agreement or their housing is in poor condition.
For help or more information:
- Phone: 1300 765 178
- Visit the Housing for the Aged Action Group website.
Legal and dispute advice
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid provides free legal advice and services. Some services are available to everyone, while other services are only for eligible people.
For help or more information:
- Phone: 1300 792 387. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
- Visit the Victoria Legal Aid's website.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decides disputes between residential rental providers and renters.
If you and your residential rental provider have been unable to agree on issues like an excessive rent increase, urgent repairs or getting your bond back, you can apply to have VCAT hear the matter.
You can find out more on VCAT's residential tenancies disputes page.
To find out your rights and responsibilities: Visit the
Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
The centre provides a free service that helps people sort out their problems. It deals with many issues, including problems about fencing, trees, animals, noise, children and other neighbourhood disputes.
The disputing parties meet with two independent mediators. They discuss the issues, think about solutions and decide on an outcome that everyone agrees with.
For help or more information:
- Phone: 1300 372 888
- Contact form: Contact Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
- Visit the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria's website.
Justice Connect
Justice Connect provides legal advice and services for people who need help with legal problems or have questions about the law. They also offer advice for people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
For more information or advice about Justice Connect's Homeless Law service:
- Phone: 1800 606 313
- Apply for help from the Homeless Law Service online
- Visit the Justice Connect website.
Family relationship support
Family Relationships Online has information to help with family issues – from building better relationships to dispute resolution. You can find services that may be able to help you.
There is also a list of family relationship centres where you can get advice and information – use your postcode to find one near you.
You can also call the Family Relationship Advice Line:
- Phone: 1800 050 321 (free call)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
Closed on Australian public holidays.