This is about Victorian law. Each state and territory has its own law on this, and the steps and services are different. If you live outside Victoria, see Help in other states.
What you need to know
Renting
Victoria's rental laws changed a lot in 2025 and 2026. A rental provider now needs a valid reason to end your lease, and rent increases need 90 days notice.
We help renters understand their rights, write to their rental provider, and get ready for RDRV or VCAT.
- Since 25 November 2025, a rental provider cannot end your lease without a valid reason, even at the end of a fixed term.
- Only VCAT can order you to leave, and only police can evict you, with a warrant of possession.
- To challenge most 90 day notices at VCAT before the end date, apply within 30 days.
- Urgent repairs must be done right away. Other repairs must be done within 14 days of a written request.
- Rent can usually go up only once every 12 months, with at least 90 days notice.
- Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria is free and handles bond, repair, compensation and excessive rent disputes.
Fines
Unpaid fines in Victoria grow as costs are added at each stage. In the end the sheriff can act against you.
There are ways out, including payment plans, reviews, the Family Violence Scheme and the Work and Development Permit scheme. We help you choose the right one and apply.
- You can ask Fines Victoria for more time or a payment plan.
- You can ask for a review if you had special circumstances, such as mental illness, addiction, homelessness or family violence.
- The Family Violence Scheme can withdraw fines linked to family violence. If you are in danger, call 000.
- The Work and Development Permit scheme lets eligible people reduce fines through counselling, treatment, courses or unpaid work.
- After a sheriff's 7 Day Notice, you have 7 days to pay or apply for an enforcement review.
- Free financial counselling is available from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
How we can help
Renting
- Advice on whether a notice to vacate is valid.
- Help writing repair requests and letters to your rental provider or agent.
- Help preparing an RDRV or VCAT application.
- Help preparing for a VCAT hearing about a notice or possession order.
- Advice on rent increases and asking for a rent assessment.
- Advice on bond claims and disputes.
- Representation at VCAT where we have capacity.
Fines
- Advice on your options for unpaid fines.
- Help applying for a review, including on special circumstances grounds.
- Help with Family Violence Scheme applications.
- Help with payment plan and extension requests.
- Advice on whether to take a fine to court, and help preparing for the hearing.
- Referrals to Work and Development Permit sponsors and financial counsellors.
Guides
- I got a notice to vacate. What are my rights?Since 25 November 2025, a rental provider in Victoria must give a reason the law allows to end your lease, even when a fixed term ends.
- Repairs, rent increases and getting your bond backYour rental provider must do urgent repairs straight away and other repairs within 14 days of your written request.
- I cannot pay my fineIf you cannot pay a fine in Victoria, you have options.
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Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write the guides on this page. They are general information, not legal advice about your situation.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria New changes to the rental laws
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Notice to vacate in rental properties
- Tenants Victoria Private rental
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Urgentrepairs
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Rent increases
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Free support now available for rental
- Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria Home page
- Victoria Legal Aid Unpaid fines and fines victoria
- Fines Victoria Request a review
- Fines Victoria Request a payment extension
- Fines Victoria Family Violence Scheme
- Fines Victoria Wdp
- National Debt Helpline Home page
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Faulty product
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Guarantees that apply automatically
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Door to door sales
- Consumer Affairs Victoria Resolve your problem
- VCAT Goods and services