Self-help tools and resources for Victorian renters
We’ve seen first-hand the importance of supporting Victorian renters to negotiate rent reduction agreements with their landlords and avoid eviction, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the announcement of a temporary ‘eviction moratorium’.
That’s why we’ve relaunched Dear Landlord – a self-help tool that can identify what actions you need to take, guide you through the process, and provide the necessary resources and information to help you stay in your home.
Dear Landlord
Dear Landlord can help you to take early, proactive steps if you’ve been affected by COVID–19 and you are struggling to pay rent. Simply answer a few questions and Dear Landlord will help determine the best way forward, whether that’s helping you draft a rent reduction letter to your landlord, contacting Consumer Affairs Victoria to help negotiate a rent reduction, getting tips for mediation, appearing at VCAT, or ending a lease.
Dear Landlord can help you if:
- You are renting a residential property in Victoria
- Your property is owned by a private landlord (you may rent the property directly from the landlord or through a real estate agent)
- You have been affected by COVID-19
- You have a rent related problem
Understanding your rights during COVID-19
Resources for VCAT
More links and resources
Where to get legal help
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.
Where to find family violence support
Safe steps
24/7 family violence support service
Ph: 1800 015 188
1800RESPECT
Family violence counselling, information and referral service
Ph: 1800 737 732
Where to find financial help
National Debt Helpline
Talk to a financial counsellor.
Ph: 1800 007 007
More resources for housing and social services
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:
- VCAT
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
Contact to retrieve goods left behind by tenants - Ask Izzy
Online tool that helps you find local help services.
Telstra mobile users can access Ask Izzy even if they don’t have credit.