Renter Rights in Melbourne: What Students Need to Know ?

Most students sign their first lease in a rush. There's a room you like, a deadline from the agent, a flatmate waiting, and a stack of forms that all look the same. It's no surprise that a lot of renters don't find out what their rights are until something goes wrong.

The good news is that Victoria has renter protections that apply to eligible student renters, too. This guide covers the rights that matter most, in plain language, and points you to official places to check the details.

This is general information, not legal advice. Victorian rental laws change, so check Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria for your situation.

First, know what kind of agreement you have

Your rights depend partly on how you're renting:

• A standard rental agreement with a landlord or agent (called a "rental provider" in the law). This is the most common type and the one most of the protections below apply to.

• A share house arrangement. If you're on the lease, your rights are similar. If you're subletting from someone who's on the lease, or paying a head tenant, your rights can differ, so get the arrangement in writing and ask for advice.

• A rooming house. Rooming houses have their own rules and a separate set of guides.

• Student accommodation or a homestay. Rules can differ again. See our guide to student accommodation, share houses and homestays for how they compare.

If you're not sure which one you have, ask Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria before you pay anything.

1. Rent increases: once a year, with 90 days' notice

Rent can generally only go up once every 12 months. Since 25 November 2025, rental providers must give renters at least 90 days' written notice of a proposed increase, up from 60 days, and they must use the official Consumer Affairs Victoria form.

The notice has to say how much the increase is and how it was calculated, and it can only cover one increase. There's no fixed cap on the amount, but you aren't stuck with an increase you think is unreasonable:

• You can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rent assessment within 30 days of receiving the notice.

• From 31 March 2026, Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT (including Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria) can consider additional factors when deciding whether a proposed increase is excessive.

• You can also accept the increase, or give notice that you intend to leave.

If you receive a notice on the wrong form, or with less notice than required, don't just pay. Check with Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria.

2. Rental bidding is banned

Agents and rental providers can't ask for or accept an offer to pay more rent than the advertised amount, or to pay more than one month's rent in advance. If an agent suggests that you "offer more" to win a room, that's not allowed, and you can report it to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Student tip: Keep a screenshot of the original rental listing and save messages about the advertised rent. Written records can help if there's a disagreement.

3. Your bond is protected

In Victoria, the bond is generally held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), not by the landlord. It's capped at one month's rent in most cases, with some exceptions, such as higher-rent properties.

Some things to know:

• If a rental provider holds your bond, it must be lodged with the RTBA. Keep the receipt and bond number.

• Since 13 October 2026, rental providers must tell the renter in advance if they plan to claim some of the bond, and must provide evidence to support the claim.

• Fair wear and tear isn't a valid reason to keep your bond.

Our guides explain the details: how rental bonds work and how to get yours back, and how to complete a condition report so you're protected from day one.

4. The condition report is your evidence

Before you move in, you should be given a condition report. You then have five business days to check it, add your notes and photos, and return it. If you weren't given one, you can fill in the official template yourself.

It's important because it records what the property looked like when you arrived. Photograph existing scratches, stains, broken fittings and cleanliness issues, and keep copies of your report and photos.

See our move-in condition report checklist for how to do it properly.

5. Repairs and safety

Rental providers must keep the property in good repair and meet minimum standards, such as having a fixed heater in good working order in the main living area. Properties also have to meet minimum standards before they can be advertised for rent.

If something breaks:

• Put it in writing. Use the official Consumer Affairs Victoria repair request forms, and keep copies.

• Urgent repairs include things that threaten safety or cause serious damage, like gas leaks, dangerous electrical faults, burst pipes or a broken toilet. Report them straight away, and follow the guidance on what you can do if there's no response.

• Non-urgent repairs: if the rental provider doesn't act after notice, you can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria to inspect, and then apply to VCAT if needed.

Don't stop paying rent because repairs are late. There are proper processes, and withholding rent can put you at risk.

6. Notices to vacate need a valid reason

A rental provider can't just tell you to leave. They need a lawful reason and must give a notice in the correct form, with the required notice period. Certain notices to vacate require 90 days' notice as well, though shorter periods still apply in some cases, such as when a renter is at fault.

If you receive a notice, don't ignore it and don't assume you have to leave on the spot. Check the details with Consumer Affairs Victoria or Tenants Victoria to understand your options and deadlines.

7. Pets and changes to the property

Renters in Victoria have more flexibility around pets than they used to. In general, a rental provider can't unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet and would need to apply to VCAT if they want to say no.

Always ask in writing and check the current rules, especially for apartments and student housing, which may have building rules or other requirements.

8. Privacy and entry

Your landlord or agent can't just walk in. Entry generally needs notice, and there are rules about how often routine inspections can happen and at what times. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria's guidance on entry so you know what to expect. In a genuine emergency, notice isn't required.

Remember: Keep a record of inspection notices and ask your agent to clarify anything that doesn't seem to follow the required process.

Extra tips for international students

• Never pay before you've verified the listing. Scams often target new arrivals. Read our guide to Melbourne rental scams.

• Keep everything in writing. Save your lease, receipts, bond number and messages.

• Ask for the Renters Guide. Rental providers must give you a copy of Consumer Affairs Victoria's guide at the start of your tenancy.

• Use your university. Many universities have student accommodation or legal services that can help you read a lease.

• Study Melbourne offers information and support for international students about living in Victoria.

• Language help. Consumer Affairs Victoria provides translated information and an interpreter service.

Where to get free help

• Consumer Affairs Victoria: official guides, forms, rent assessments and repair inspections.

• Tenants Victoria: advice and advocacy for renters.

• Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV): free dispute resolution for eligible rental disputes.

• VCAT: the tribunal that makes decisions if a dispute can't be settled.

• Residential Tenancies Bond Authority: bond lodgement and claims.

• Your university or student union: often offers student support and may provide legal or housing advice.

Quick answers

How often can my rent go up?

Generally, once every 12 months, with at least 90 days' written notice on the official form.

Can an agent ask me to offer more rent?

No. Rental bidding is banned, and so is asking for more than one month's rent in advance.

Who holds my bond?

In most cases, the RTBA. Keep your receipt and bond number.

What if my landlord won't do repairs?

Put the request in writing. If urgent or non-urgent repairs aren't done, use Consumer Affairs Victoria's processes. You may be able to request an inspection and apply to VCAT if needed.

Do these rights apply to international students?

Yes, if you have a rental agreement covered by Victorian law. Your type of agreement matters, so check which one you have.

Who do I call for free advice?

Tenants Victoria or Consumer Affairs Victoria, or your university's student services.