Renting in Victoria Residential Tenancies Act 1997 consumer

Renting in Victoria Residential Tenancies Act 1997 consumer. vic. gov. au

Consumer Affairs Victoria is the state’s consumer affairs regulator, helping create a competitive and fair marketplace for businesses and consumers. • Renting, buying and selling property • Shopping, refunds, guarantees • Scams, door to door and phone sales • Owners corporations • Retirement village living consumer. vic. gov. au

Rooming houses - definition One or more bedrooms in a: Being rented to: • • house apartment unit hostel 4 or more residents • sharing facilities • may share bedrooms

Rooming houses must be… • Registered • Safe • Clean • Minimum standards Hotline: 1300 365 814

The bond • All bonds must be lodged at the: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) • Bond transfer – use the form Also check with DHS

Condition report Must be given to tenant when a bond is taken • Tenant has 3 days • Write down all problems • Take photos

Urgent repairs Landlord must fix urgent repairs immediately If no response or not done, tenant can: • organise repairs up to $1800 o keep receipts o landlord has 14 days to reimburse • or ring CAV for help Examples (see renting guide for all urgent repairs): - blocked toilet (health risk) - no hot water (loss of amenity) - electric wires are exposed (unsafe) - external door lock does not work (unsafe)

Non-urgent repairs Use Notice to Landlord form Landlord has 14 days to fix if not done: report to CAV If the tenant causes the damage report it to the landlord. The tenant will have to pay for the repair. Tenants are not responsible for fair wear and tear.

How we can help • Tenancy inspectors o non urgent repairs o rent increase assessments • Dispute resolution • Information sessions Regional Offices: Morwell, Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Mildura, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Broadmeadows, Dandenong.

More information consumer. vic. gov. au 1300 55 81 81 Victorian Consumer & Business Centre 113 Exhibition St, Melbourne and regional centres