MyRentalCompass | What you need to know

Understand your rights and responsibilities

1. Your rights as renters

You have the right to live in a property that is clean, and meets minimum rental standards. This is measured with a condition report

● A condition report is a record of a property's condition when a rental agreement(lease) is signed

● Anything that is dirty, damaged or not working should be in the condition report, including everything inside and outside the property

● The landlord is responsible for preparing the condition report. They must sign it and give two copies to the renter(or one copy of sending electronically) before you move in.

● Condition report can be important in determining claims with the landlord(such as claiming all of your bond amount) so it is important to check the rent whne you get it and maintain your plan

You have the right to not be discriminated against when renting or applying to rent

In Victoria, it is against the law to stop somebody from renting a property because of certain personal characteristics.

These include:

● age

● carer status, family responsibilities, parental status

● disability

● employment

● gender identity, lawful sexual activity, sexual orientation (e.g. gay, lesbian, transgender, etc.)

● marital status

● physical features

● pregnancy, breastfeeding

● profession, trade or occupation, including being a sex worker

● race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity and ethnic origin)

● religious belief or activity

● sex

You have the right to live in a property that meets minimum rental standards to ensure a safe and adequate place to live

● A doors and windows that access the outside must have functioning locks

● Landlords must provide a general rubbish and recycling bin

● There must be a working toilet

● The bathroom must have a washbasin (sink) and a shower or bath, and be connected to hot and cold water.

● There must be a kitchen with a dedicated cooking and food preparation area, and a stovetop and sink in good working order, connected to hot and cold water.

● The property must be structurally sound and weatherproof.

● All rooms must be free from mould and damp.

● There must be a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order in the main living area.

If the property does not meet minimum standards, the renter can request that the rental provider make repairs or changes before signing the agreement or before they move in.

You have the right to be informed when the landlord intends to access the property

● Your landlord can enter the property at a date and time that you have both agreed on.

● This agreement must be made within 7 days before they enter.

● Unless agreed with you, the rental provider or agent can only enter between 8am and 6pm, and not on public holidays.

● If you have agreed, they can enter when you are not home.

● A general inspection may only be made after the first 3 months of the rental agreement. They can be done every 6 months at the most.

● You are not required to leave if the landlord is doing an inspection or showing the property the prospective buyers.

Reasons for entering your home:

● General inspection

● Repairs or other legal responsibilities

● Showing the property to renters, buyers or lenders

● Having the property valued

● Taking photos or videos to advertise the property

● Renter has not met their obligations

● Family violence proceedings in VCAT

Each of these has different days notice required. Read more at Consumer Affairs Victoria

2. Your responsibilities as renters

Something doesn't feel quite right?

If you think that your landlord or rental provider (like a real estate agency) is not fulfilling their requirements, or is violating your rights, there are several places you can contact for help:

Consumer Affairs Victoria

If you have questions about renting agreements, bonds, rent increases or repairs, if you are being evicted
1300 55 81 81
consumer.vic.gov.au

Victorian Civil and Tribunal Authority (VCAT)

To apply for a hearing about a renting dispute (e.g not providing repairs, excessive rental increases)
1300 55 81 81
vcat.vic.giv.au/renting

Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)

To look up your bond, transfer a bond or arrange a bond refund
1300 137 164
rentalbonds.vic.giv.au

Quick Watch: Condition reports

You have a responsibility to maintain the house to a reasonable standard

It is your job as tenant to maintain the property, and keep it up to a reasonable standard.

This includes:

● keeping the premises clean

● not causing any damage damage to the property

● if damage is caused, notifying the landlord or agent as soon as possible.

● obtain consent from the landlord before installing any fixtures, or making any alterations/ renovations, if these were not agreed up-front and included in your written lease.

● ensure the property is not used for any illegal purpose.

Quick Watch: Starting and ending a lease

You have several responsibilities to follow when ending your tenancy agreement

There are three main ways to end a tenancy:

1. All the parties can agree to end the tenancy.

2. Your landlord or agent gives you a valid 'Notice to Vacate'.

3. You give valid notice to your landlord or agent that you intend to vacate.

When ending your lease, make sure you:

● give adequate notice when planning to leave; the notice period will depend on your reason for leaving

● pay any outstanding rent

● clean the property

● consider taking photos after you move your furniture out to show the condition of the property

● take all your belongings with you

● keep the 'Condition Report' in case of a dispute

● try to agree with your landlord or agent on the return of the bond

Consumer Affairs Victoria

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, secure, and quiet environment that is managed in accordance with the law.

Understand your rights and responsibilities

1. Your rights as renters

You have the right to live in a property that is clean, and meets minimum rental standards. This is measured with a condition report

Condition reports

● A condition report is a record of a property's condition when a rental agreement(lease) is signed

● Anything that is dirty, damaged or not working should be in the condition report, including everything inside and outside the property

● The landlord is responsible for preparing the condition report. They must sign it and give two copies to the renter(or one copy of sending electronically) before you move in.

● Condition report can be important in determining claims with the landlord(such as claiming all of your bond amount) so it is important to check the rent whne you get it and maintain your plan

You have the right to not be discriminated against when renting or applying to rent

Unlawful discrimination

In Victoria, it is against the law to stop somebody from renting a property because of certain personal characteristics.

These include:

● age

● carer status, family responsibilities, parental status

● disability

● employment

● gender identity, lawful sexual activity, sexual orientation (e.g. gay, lesbian, transgender, etc.)

● marital status

● physical features

● pregnancy, breastfeeding

● profession, trade or occupation, including being a sex worker

● race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity and ethnic origin)

● religious belief or activity

● sex

You have the right to live in a property that meets minimum rental standards to ensure a safe and adequate place to live

Minimum rental standards

● A doors and windows that access the outside must have functioning locks

● Landlords must provide a general rubbish and recycling bin

● There must be a working toilet

● The bathroom must have a washbasin (sink) and a shower or bath, and be connected to hot and cold water.

● There must be a kitchen with a dedicated cooking and food preparation area, and a stovetop and sink in good working order, connected to hot and cold water.

● The property must be structurally sound and weatherproof.

● All rooms must be free from mould and damp.

● There must be a fixed heater (not portable) in good working order in the main living area.

If the property does not meet minimum standards, the renter can request that the rental provider make repairs or changes before signing the agreement or before they move in.

Inspection

● Your landlord can enter the property at a date and time that you have both agreed on.

● This agreement must be made within 7 days before they enter.

● Unless agreed with you, the rental provider or agent can only enter between 8am and 6pm, and not on public holidays.

● If you have agreed, they can enter when you are not home.

● A general inspection may only be made after the first 3 months of the rental agreement. They can be done every 6 months at the most.

● You are not required to leave if the landlord is doing an inspection or showing the property the prospective buyers.

Reasons for entering your home:

● General inspection

● Repairs or other legal responsibilities

● Showing the property to renters, buyers or lenders

● Having the property valued

● Taking photos or videos to advertise the property

● Renter has not met their obligations

● Family violence proceedings in VCAT

Each of these has different days notice required. Read more at Consumer Affairs Victoria

2. Your responsibilities as renters

Something doesn't feel quite right?

If you think that your landlord or rental provider (like a real estate agency) is not fulfilling their requirements, or is violating your rights, there are several places you can contact for help:

Consumer Affairs Victoria

If you have questions about renting agreements, bonds, rent increases or repairs, if you are being evicted1300 55 81 81 consumer.vic.gov.au

Victorian Civil and Tribunal Authority (VCAT)

To apply for a hearing about a renting dispute (e.g not providing repairs, excessive rental increases)1300 55 81 81 vcat.vic.giv.au/renting

Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)

To look up your bond, transfer a bond or arrange a bond refund1300 137 164 rentalbonds.vic.giv.au

You have a responsibility to maintain the house to a reasonable standard

Maintenance

It is your job as tenant to maintain the property, and keep it up to a reasonable standard.

This includes:

● keeping the premises clean

● not causing any damage damage to the property

● if damage is caused, notifying the landlord or agent as soon as possible.

● obtain consent from the landlord before installing any fixtures, or making any alterations/ renovations, if these were not agreed up-front and included in your written lease.

● ensure the property is not used for any illegal purpose.

You have several responsibilities to follow when ending your tenancy agreement

End of your lease

There are three main ways to end a tenancy:

1. All the parties can agree to end the tenancy.

2. Your landlord or agent gives you a valid 'Notice to Vacate'.

3. You give valid notice to your landlord or agent that you intend to vacate.

When ending your lease, make sure you:

● give adequate notice when planning to leave; the notice period will depend on your reason for leaving

● pay any outstanding rent

● clean the property

If you have questions about renting agreements, bonds, rent increases or repairs, if you are being evicted
1300 55 81 81
consumer.vic.gov.au

To apply for a hearing about a renting dispute (e.g not providing repairs, excessive rental increases)
1300 55 81 81
vcat.vic.giv.au/renting

To look up your bond, transfer a bond or arrange a bond refund
1300 137 164
rentalbonds.vic.giv.au