Many Victorian renters are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're worried about your tenancy because of COVID-19, this resource can help. We have up-to-date information on what happens if you fall behind in rent, and where you can get financial and legal help.
See our COVID-19 resource
If you are a renter in Victoria, living in a private rental property and falling behind with your rent, our self-help tools can help you to take early, proactive steps to try and avoid eviction.
Rent arrears are the most common reason people get evicted from private rental properties and we know that it can be hard to work out what do when facing rental stress.
Our self-help tools assist you to identify where you are in the eviction process and provide suggestions and practical assistance on what steps you can take to try and stay in your rental property.
On 29 March 2020, the laws about residential tenancies in Victoria changed. We are currently working to update this resource. In the meantime, please see our COVID-19 page for Victorian renters.
The Dear Landlord letter writer will ask you to enter some simple information (names, contact details, how much rent you owe and how much you can pay towards the arrears in addition to your rent) and draft a letter on your behalf that you can print or send by email to your landlord or real estate agent.
Justice Connect
Ph: 03 8636 4408 / 1800 606 313 (free from landlines)
Tenants Victoria
Ph: 03 9416 2577
Victoria Legal Aid
Ph: 1300 792 387
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Ph: 03 9418 5999
Some community legal centres provide legal help with tenancy matters.
Find your local community legal centre on the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic) website.
Safe steps
24/7 family violence support service
Ph: 1800 015 188
1800RESPECT
Family violence counselling, information and referral service
Ph: 1800 737 732
National Debt Helpline
Talk to a financial counsellor.
Ph: 1800 007 007
Social workers
Social workers can provide one-on-one support when you’re going through a difficult time. Contact your local community service or local Council to find out what support services may be available to you.
Tenant advocates
Find your local Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program provider on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
For public and community housing tenants
Find your local Tenancy Plus support provider online.
Housing
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Support Line on 1800 825 955. If you call during the day you will be connected to your nearest homelessness entry service. If you call outside of business hours, you will be connected to an after-hours service.
More resources: