Risks Renters Face With Rooming & Boarding Houses in Victoria

Rooming and boarding houses in Victoria offer affordable accommodation options but come with unique risks. Whether you are staying in Melbourne's bustling suburbs or a quiet regional area, it's crucial to understand these risks and how the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 provides protection for renters.

Understanding the Different Types of Accommodations

In Victoria, rooming houses are properties where one or more rooms are available for rent, usually sharing common areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Boarding houses, although similar, often include meals as part of the lodging agreement. Each type of accommodation is subject to distinct rights and responsibilities under the law.

Common Risks in Rooming & Boarding Houses

Renters in these settings may encounter several challenges, including:

• Lease Insecurity: Many rooming house agreements are less formal and may not have the safeguards of standard residential leases. This can lead to sudden evictions or rent increases.
• Poor Living Conditions: Shared facilities are often inadequate or poorly maintained, posing health and safety risks.
• Privacy Concerns: With shared amenities, privacy can be a significant issue, exacerbated by high tenant turnover.

Your Rights as a Renter

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 sets out the rights and obligations of rooming house operators and renters. This law helps protect renters, ensuring they receive notice of rent changes and privacy standards are met.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for assistance.

What to Do If You Face Issues

If you encounter problems, such as unlawful eviction or unsatisfactory living conditions, there are steps you can take:

1. Document the issue by taking photographs and keeping records of communications.
2. Contact your landlord or rooming house operator to address the issue directly.
3. If unresolved, you can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for resolution.

Relevant Forms and How They Help

The following forms can assist renters and are available from Consumer Affairs Victoria:

• Form V1 - Application for Compliance Order: Used when a rooming house operator fails to meet responsibilities. For example, if repairs are not addressed, submit this form to request tribunal intervention.
• Form V105 - Notice of Rent Increase: Must be issued to inform tenants of any rent rise. Ensure any such notice complies with legal timelines.

1. Can I be evicted without notice in a rooming house? No, the landlord must provide proper notice as per the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
2. What can I do if my landlord doesn’t make repairs? Raise the issue with them first; if unresolved, you may apply to VCAT using the appropriate form.
3. Are my rental agreements in rooming houses legal? Ensure your agreement complies with Victorian laws, providing details of rent, services included, and notice periods.

1. How to handle a rent increase in Victoria review your notice under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, check eligibility on Consumer Affairs Victoria, negotiate or dispute as necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer Affairs Victoria: For advice and information on tenancy rights.
• Tenants Victoria: Offers support and legal advice for renters.
• Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT): For dispute resolutions.

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1. (1) Residential Tenancies Act 1997: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/residential-tenancies-act-1997
2. (2) VCAT: https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/

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