Victoria Rooming House Laws: Know Your Rights

For renters in Victoria, living in rooming or boarding houses can be an affordable housing option. However, it's crucial to know your rights to ensure your living conditions are up to legal standards. In Victoria, these rights and obligations are clearly defined under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997¹.

Common Rooming House Violations

Understanding when your landlord might be violating the law is the first step in protecting yourself. Here are several common issues faced by boarders in Victoria:

• Lack of Proper Accommodation Standards: Rooming houses must meet minimum standards for safety, facility maintenance, and privacy.
• Unauthorized Rent Increases: Landlords must follow specific protocols for increasing rent, including providing written notice.
• Failure to Provide a Written Agreement: All renters must receive a written rental agreement outlining terms and conditions.
• Unlawful Evictions: There are strict processes that must be followed if a landlord wishes to evict a tenant.

Recognizing Unlawful Evictions

Evictions in rooming houses cannot occur without a valid reason, such as unpaid rent or damage to the property. Even in these cases, the landlord must serve a correct notice and seek an order from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to lawfully evict you.

Action Steps If Your Rights Are Violated

If you suspect your landlord is committing violations, here are steps to take:

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of events, interactions, and communications regarding the issue.
2. Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria: They offer guidance and support for renters in understanding their rights and resolving disputes (visit Consumer Affairs Victoria).
3. Apply to VCAT if Necessary: If issues are not resolved, applying to VCAT for a hearing can help enforce your rights.

Forms You'll Need

If you decide to take action, the following forms might be necessary:

• Form VCAT1 - Application by a tenant: This form is used to apply to the tribunal, available on the VCAT resources page.²

Know the Law

Rooming house regulations are detailed in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you assert your rights confidently.

1. What are the basic rights of rooming house residents in Victoria?

   Residents are entitled to habitable living conditions, reasonable terms for paying rent, and protection against unlawful eviction.

2. How can I challenge an unlawful rent increase?

   If you believe the increase is unjustified, contact Consumer Affairs or consider applying to VCAT for adjudication.

3. What should I do if I am facing eviction?

   Review your eviction notice to ensure it’s valid, contact Consumer Affairs for guidance, and consider applying to VCAT if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you encounter issues with your landlord, several organizations can help:

• Consumer Affairs Victoria - Offers information and mediation services.
• Tenants Victoria - Provides legal advice and advocacy for tenants.
• VCAT - Administrative tribunal to resolve tenancy disputes.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act 1997, Victoria. Available at https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/residential-tenancies-act-1997/148
2. VCAT Forms. Available at https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/resources/forms?search=&page=1

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