Repairs, rent increases and getting your bond back

Last checked: 31 October 2026

The short answer

Your rental provider must do urgent repairs straight away and other repairs within 14 days of your written request. Rent can usually go up only once every 12 months, with at least 90 days notice on the right form. At the end of your lease your bond goes back to you unless the rental provider can show a valid claim. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is a free service that helps sort out repair, rent and bond disputes.

Key dates and time limits

• Non urgent repairs: done within 14 days of your written request.
• Urgent repairs you paid for (up to $2,500): the rental provider must pay you back within 7 days of getting your written notice.
• Rent increase: at least 90 days written notice.
• To challenge a rent increase: ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment within 30 days of the notice.
• After the rent assessment report: apply to RDRV within 30 days.
• Bond: if you start the claim alone, the other side has 14 days to dispute it.

Step by step

1. 1

   Ask for repairs in writing

   Email or write to your rental provider or agent and keep a copy. Urgent repairs include a burst water service, a gas leak, a dangerous electrical fault, no hot water, no heating, or a broken toilet. Urgent repairs must be done right away. Other repairs must be done within 14 days.

2. 2

   If urgent repairs are not done

   If you told the rental provider and they did not act quickly, you can arrange the repair yourself if it costs $2,500 or less. Keep the receipts and send them with a written request for repayment. They must pay you back within 7 days. If they do not, apply to RDRV.

3. 3

   If other repairs are not done

   Ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a free repairs inspection, or apply to RDRV. Keep paying your rent. You can ask RDRV to have your rent paid into the Rent Special Account until the dispute is sorted out.

4. 4

   Check a rent increase notice

   It must be on the Notice of proposed rent increase form, give at least 90 days notice, and say how much and how it was worked out. Rent can only go up during a fixed term if your lease says so. Words like 'CPI' alone are not enough.

5. 5

   Challenge a high rent increase

   Within 30 days of the notice, use the Request for rental assessment form on the Consumer Affairs Victoria site. It is free. If the report supports you and the rental provider will not lower the rent, apply to RDRV within 30 days of the report.

6. 6

   Get your bond back

   Claim through RTBA Online when your lease ends. Before claiming any of your bond, the rental provider must tell you at least 3 business days ahead and give you evidence such as photos or quotes. They cannot claim for fair wear and tear.

7. 7

   Dispute a bond claim

   If you do not agree, do not accept the claim. Apply to RDRV, which is free and part of VCAT. If RDRV cannot settle it, it helps you take the case to a VCAT hearing.

Who can help

Forms and the law