Your tenant rights | Youth Central

Leases

Renting usually involves a legal agreement between the property owner (the landlord) and the renter (the tenant). This agreement aims to protect the interests of both parties.

A lease, or residential tenancy agreement, is the written legal agreement between the tenant and the landlord. A real estate agent usually represents the landlord.

When you sign a lease you are bound its terms. A lease includes things like how long you can rent the property, how much rent you pay and whether pets are allowed. The terms aren't just for the landlord – they also make sure that you know and understand the exact conditions of your tenancy.

It's important to read the lease carefully before you sign it and make sure that you understand, and agree with, all of its terms. Never sign a blank form, and make sure the lease is filled in correctly before you sign. Find out more about renting and leases on our Signing a lease page.

If you're not sure about what your lease means, or you feel uneasy about signing it, you should contact Tenants Victoria for information and help.

Rights and responsibilities

In Victoria, the main law that outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants, estate agents and landlords is the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

When you sign a lease, make sure the landlord or real estate agent gives you a booklet called Renting – a Statement of Rights and Duties: a guide for landlords and tenants. This outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and the rights and duties of your landlord.

Property damage and maintenance

In most cases you'll be responsible for any damage done to the property during the time of the lease, and your landlord has certain responsibilities to maintain the property, such as repairing a leaky roof or broken heater.

Some things are not so clear-cut so it helps to get as much information as possible. Tenants Victoria provides information covering everything from sub-letting to repairs to breaking a lease.

Discrimination

If you believe you have been refused accommodation or treated unfairly by your landlord or real estate agent because of your age, race, religion, sex, marital status, impairment, sexual preference, political beliefs, or because you have children, this could be discrimination.

The law protects you against these kinds of discrimination. Find out more and what you can about it on our Discrimination and harassment page.

Getting help

When resolving a problem, talk things out with your landlord or estate agent and reach an agreement about what action will be taken. Preferably, this agreement will be in writing and signed by you and the landlord or agent.

If you want to exercise your rights under the law, you usually need to give written notice outlining the issue, what you want done and when you want it done by. There are a number of standard forms that you can use to give notice on different issues. Contact Tenants Victoria for help.

Links

Tenants Victoria
Tenants Victoria offers free and confidential advice, help and advocacy for tenants and residents in private rental, public housing, caravan parks and rooming houses. They operate during business hours from Monday to Friday. 
Tenants Help Line: 03 9416 2577
Email advice service

RentRight App
This free app has heaps of advice for renters, including email templates for requests like repairs to the property that can help smooth communication between renters and landlords or property managers.

Commissioner for Residential Tenancies
The Commissioner for Residential Tenancies informs and advises the Victorian Government on current and emerging issues in the rental market, and recommends changes to renting laws, programs and services to inform and support renters. The Commissioner doesn't get involved in resolving disputes, providing legal advice, representing renters at court or tribunal hearings or dealing with complaints about government services. The Commissioner's website has more information about getting help with your rental issue. You can also share your rental story with the Commissioner, who will raise awareness and advocate for change on your behalf.

Comment on this page