Renting and disasters (Vic)

What is this resource?

This resource is designed to support community workers and volunteers connect people in disaster affected communities with legal help. It will help you identify when someone you’re helping is facing a tenancy legal problem and where to refer them for appropriate legal support. We refer to community members you are helping as your ‘client’ throughout this resource. 

This resource provides:

• links to legal information resources that you can provide to your client
• information on how to make a referral for legal help.

Disasters can create or make worse legal problems related to tenancy

Disasters such as floods and bushfires can leave renters with a home that needs repairs or is even uninhabitable. If your client is facing a problem related to their tenancy after a disaster, it might be a legal problem.

Tenants Victoria has created a resource that explains renter rights when a disaster hits. It includes information on:

• repairs or cleanup
• receiving a notice to vacate if the home is unfit to live in
• a renter wanting to leave after a disaster
• alternative accommodation
• compensation
• rent
• rental bonds

Read the resource for more information: Disasters – Tenants Victoria.

Disaster Legal Help Victoria also has information available for tenants impacted by disasters. Visit their website for more information: Tenancy | Disaster Legal Help Victoria.

Refer your client for free legal help

Tenants Victoria

Tenants Victoria is a specialist community legal centre that promotes and protects the rights of tenants in Victoria. They provide advice and information about tenancy laws.

Call their general advice line on (03) 9416 2577, Monday to Friday, 9.3am to 1.30 pm (closed public holidays.

Social housing tenants can call 1800 068 860, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (closed public holidays).

Visit their website for more information: Home – Tenants Victoria.

Disaster Legal Help Victoria

Disaster Legal Help Victoria (DLHV) is a joint initiative of the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Justice Connect, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, and the Victorian Bar. DLHV brings together the skills and resources of the legal profession, including government and private legal entities, to help mitigate and respond to complex and widespread legal needs that arise in disasters.

For legal information and referrals, call Disaster Legal Help Victoria on 1800 113 432 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). You can also contact your closest community legal centre to get advice from a local lawyer.

Visit Disaster Legal Help Victoria’s website for more information on how they can help.

Justice Connect

Justice Connect can provide free legal advice and ongoing representation in certain matters to eligible individuals, small business owners and primary producers affected by disasters like floods, bushfires, cyclones and other extreme weather events. We may be able to match your client with free legal assistance to help with disputes or to assist them better understand their legal rights and obligations.

Refer someone to Justice Connect: https://justiceconnect.org.au/refer/