If you’re renting, or care about someone who is, you’ve probably noticed how hard it has become to keep a secure and affordable roof over your head. Older people are renting for longer – often well into retirement – and the system hasn’t caught up.
Rents are rising. Affordable housing is scarce. For many older Victorians, this means cutting down costs on other critical needs and the risk of forced relocation or lose of their home.
In response, the Victorian Government has introduced a range of new supports and reforms. Some are helpful. Some don’t go far enough. This briefing outlines supports available, changes being made, and what COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria are advocating for.
What has changed in tenancy law?
There are now stronger legal protections for Victorian renters, including:
- No more “no reason” evictions: Landlords must give a valid reason to end a lease.
- Rent bidding is banned: Landlords and agents can’t ask you to offer more than the advertised rent.
- Minimum standards for rentals: Properties must be safe, clean, and liveable.
- Right to make modifications: You can install grab rails or safety aids with your landlord’s approval.
However, we know not all landlords follow the rules, and some renters are unequipped to speak up. That’s why advocacy and support services matter.
A new, free service for rental disputes
If you have a dispute with your landlord about rent, repairs, your bond, or compensation there’s now a free service to help resolve it without going to VCAT called Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).
You can choose to access the service online using myRDRV, though face-to-face or phone support is also possible.
Most disputes can be resolved by RDRV. If an agreement can’t be reached, the parties may
need to go to a hearing. If you need to go to a hearing, standard application fees will apply. Your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will help you through the entire process.
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria
1300 01 73 78
rdrv.vic.gov.au
Services that assist with rent and bond payments
If you’re struggling to pay rent or facing possible eviction, help — including financial counselling, legal advice and tenancy advocacy — is available, free of cost, through the Rental Stress Support Package (RSSP) program is delivered by services including Tenants Victoria, Justice Connect, Anglicare, and Launch Housing. Further information can be found by getting in touch with these services.
The RentAssist Bond Loan program is an interest-free government loan that covers your rental bond when moving into a new property. It reduces the upfront financial burden of renting.
Eligibility for the RSSP is determined by organisations administering the program, with a focus on those in need of rental assistance, especially those who may not qualify for other tenancy programs.
RentAssist Bond Loan
housing.vic.gov.au/apply-rentassist-bond-loan
Finally, those that receive a Centrelink payment and rent privately may qualify for extra fortnightly help to cover rent through the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program. Centrelink can assist you in determining whether you are eligible for this program.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
136 240 (Centerlink)
housing.vic.gov.au/commonwealth-rent-assistance
Services that address homelessness
The Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) is intended to prevent or end homelessness and housing crisis by rapidly rehousing people capable of sustaining private rental after initial support, supporting at risk households to sustain affordable and appropriate housing in the private rental market, and assisting people who currently live in crisis, transitional or social housing to become independent in the private rental market.
To be eligible for PRAP, households must be either financially disadvantaged or victims of family violence.
A household is experiencing financial disadvantage if:
- They have no income; or
- Their main source of income is a Centrelink benefit; or
- Their income is insufficient to sustain their personal financial commitments, and they have defaulted in the payment of rent, utility bills or other personal debts.
PRAP offers a variety of support services, such as:
- Financial assistance: This can include help with rent in advance, bond payments, or other costs associated with establishing a tenancy.
- Private rental brokerage: This involves building relationships with real estate agents and other stakeholders to create opportunities for clients and advocate for their needs.
- Tenancy support: This may include assistance with budgeting, understanding rental agreements, and communicating with landlords.
- PRAP Plus: This is a more intensive, outreach-based support program for individuals who need longer-term assistance to maintain their tenancies.
Contact a local homelessness service provider or community agency that delivers PRAP services in your area. You can find a list of providers here.
To speak with a housing and support worker, if you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or escaping family violence, call 1800 825 955, a 24-hour, state-wide, toll-free number.
What we are advocating for
Recent service changes and offering are a positive start, though not an end-all solution.
We are pushing for the following:
- Services you can access: Not everyone is digitally connected or able to navigate
these systems. We want supports that are clear, simple, and available offline. - A dedicated housing strategy for older Victorians: Too many rental policies ignore the reality of ageing: fixed incomes, health changes, mobility needs, and digital exclusion.
- Ongoing funding for services that support older renters: Groups like Housing for the Aged Action Group need stable funding to keep helping older people stay housed.
What you can do
- If you’re renting: Know your rights and reach out early to services if you need help.
- If you’re not renting: Share this with friends or neighbours who are. If you’re facing mortgage or rates stress, contact the National Debt Helpline.
National Debt Hotline
1800 007 007
ndh.org.au
- If you see a problem: Let us know. Your lived experience helps shape our campaigns.
- If you want to help: Speak up. Contact your local MP. Tell your council. Share your story. Older voices matter.