Housing Issues
Homelessness or at risk of homelessness
If you are experiencing homelessness, or are at risk of losing your housing, support is available.
Call Opening Doors: 1800 825 955 (free call, 24/7)
Opening Doors is Victoria’s statewide entry point to homelessness services. You will be connected to a local housing and support service based on your location. If you call outside business hours, your call will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.
Renting and tenancy issues
If you are renting, there are laws in Victoria that protect your rights and outline the responsibilities of rental providers.
Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
The Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) is the Victorian Government authority that holds and manages rental bonds. When you pay a bond at the start of a tenancy, it should be lodged with the RTBA and kept securely until the tenancy ends.
The RTBA now provides an online system that allows renters and rental providers to manage bonds electronically. Renters can check whether their bond has been lodged, update their details and apply for the return of their bond online.
The RTBA also supports Victoria’s Portable Bond Scheme, which allows eligible renters to transfer their bond from one rental property to another instead of having to pay a new bond upfront while waiting for their previous bond to be refunded. This can make moving house more affordable and reduce financial pressure for renters.
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is a free service that helps renters and rental providers resolve disputes without having to go straight to a formal hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
RDRV can assist with a range of rental issues, including bond disputes, rent increases, repairs, compensation claims and other tenancy-related disagreements. The service uses mediation and dispute resolution processes to help both parties reach an agreement.
RDRV also provides support to make the process more accessible, including interpreter services and other accessibility supports for people who need assistance.
It’s important to remember that RDRV is a mediation service. Its role is to help parties negotiate and find a mutually acceptable solution. If an agreement cannot be reached, RDRV can assist with transferring the matter to VCAT for a formal decision.
Before starting the mediation process, renters may wish to contact Tenants Victoria for independent advice about their rights and options. This can help you understand your position and prepare for the dispute resolution process
For more information and support:
Tenants Victoria – free advice and reliable information for renters
https://tenantsvic.org.au/
Consumer Affairs Victoria (Renting) – official information on renting laws, rights and responsibilities
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting
If you’re struggling to keep your housing
Housing stress can often be linked to financial difficulty, safety concerns or health issues. Support is available to help you stay housed or find alternative options.
You may also find it helpful to explore:
Family violence support – if your safety at home is a concern, confidential support is available 24 hours a day. Call Safe Steps (1800 015 188) or visit https://www.safesteps.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
Mental health support – if housing stress is affecting your wellbeing, you can access free and confidential support. Call Lifeline (13 11 14) or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au
You may also find it helpful to explore our Difficulty making ends meet page which contains information about help with bills, debt and financial stress
Take the next step
A Community Information and Support service may be available in your area. These services can help you understand your options and connect with support services for your situation.
Use the Find services near you tool on this page to see what support is available where you live.
Find services near you
Use our Member Agencies directory to locate support in your area. You’ll be able to filter by service type and location to quickly find the help you need.
Search our Member Agencies
I can't pay my rent, what do I do?
Contact your agent or rental provider as soon as possible and explain your situation. Offer a payment plan – don’t offer more than you can afford – put it in writing and keep a copy (you can use this as evidence, if needed). If you need help to do this go to Justice Connect’s Dear Landlord website – it is a free, self-guided tool that can help you stay in your home. Whether it’s helping you write a letter to your rental provider or giving you legal information and helpful tips, Dear Landlord can point you in the right direction.
If you need help working out a realistic payment plan you can talk to a financial counsellor by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or contact one of our local services for assistance and advice, click here to find your local centre
- You can be given a Notice to Vacate for rent that is 14 days overdue. If you receive an eviction notice you do not have to move out, there are options that can help:
- If you pay the overdue rent owed within the 14-day notice period, the notice to vacate has no effect. You can do this 4 times within a 12-month period without effect.
- Contact your agent or rental provider explain your situation and offer a payment plan.
- You may be able to seek out financial support for the arrears, call Opening Doors on 1800 825 955 for help.
- If your payment plan is rejected or you are unable to make any payments, you will be given a Notice of Hearing from VCAT – it’s very important that you attend the hearing to explain your situation. For help to prepare for your hearing contact either Tenants Victoria or TAAP in your area.
Advice & Support Contacts
Tenants Victoria’s Renter Advice Line – (03) 9416 2577
Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 2.00 pm (approximate waiting time is over 30 minutes). Calls are answered by lawyers, advocates and intake workers with specialist knowledge of Victorian rental laws.
Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program (TAAP)
Available to residential tenants who are financially disadvantaged or experiencing family violence. TAAP services provide information and referrals, negotiation with Agents or Rental Providers and assistance in preparing for and attending hearings at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Bayside Peninsula/Southern Melbourne – Peninsula Community Legal Centre: (03) 9783 3600
Brimbank Melton – Uniting Lentara: (03) 9351 3600
Hume Moreland – Uniting Lentara: (03) 9351 360
Inner Eastern Melbourne – Uniting Harrison: (03) 9051 3000
North Eastern Melbourne – Uniting Kildonan: 1800 002 992
Outer Eastern Melbourne – Uniting Wesley: (03) 8870 4020
Western Melbourne – WEstjustice: 9749 7720
Goulburn – Beyond Housing: 5833 1000
Inner Gippsland – Quantum Support Services: 5120 2000
- VCAT must consider a range of factors when making a decision of possession including hardship.
- If you have been given a Notice to Vacate for 2 weeks rent arrears (rent owing) you can seek out financial support; call Opening Doors on 1800 825 955, to find the local agency doing this near you.
Public Housing Tenancy Support
If you live in public housing and would like some support contact the Social Housing Advocacy and Support Program (Tenancy Plus), Click HERE for a list of services. Tenancy Plus provides tenants with tailored support to help maintain your tenancy in situations where there is a breakdown or a risk of break down to your housing.
Where to next?
If you have any questions about CISVic and the work we do, please get in touch. Alternatively, you can continue to explore our website for the resources you need.