

We recommend you check to see if you need to pre-book a time slot before attending an inspection, so you do not get turned away.īe aware that the agent or rental provider will be looking at the people who come through the door so you should try to make a good impression in case you decide to apply for the property.

This may even be required for ‘open inspections’, where you may be inspecting the property at the same time as others. Many will expect you to pre-book a time slot with them. Most agents or rental providers set times for when a rental property can be inspected. You can report offences to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), which can issue an infringement notice on the rental provider or agent if they failed to follow the law. It is also an offence for a rental provider, or their agent, to make false or misleading representations about the rent.

See the Resources section at the bottom of this page for links to the laws. Note that on this page sections in brackets, such as, refer to sections in Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act 1997. If a rental provider or agent is advertising or otherwise offering a property for rent the rent needs to be a fixed amount. This offence applies to properties for rent from 29 March 2021, when new rental laws were introduced. It is against the law and an offence for a rental provider (landlord), or their agent, to hold rental auctions and to encourage or invite renters to offer to pay more rent than the amount the property is advertised for. Properties advertised for rent Rental auctions banned RentAssist interest-free bond loans from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.The Victorian Government’s Housing Establishment Fund, which assists eligible clients of the Transitional Housing Management and Homelessness Support program agencies for overnight or private rental accommodation, and for relocation and establishing housing.Rent Assistance, a regular extra payment if you get certain payments from Centrelink and pay rent.If possible, your rent should not be more than 25% of the total income.Ĭheck if you are eligible for financial assistance such as: The rental providers’ insurance will not cover your personal belongings if something happens at the property. Putting the bills in your name, such as gas, electricity, phone and internetĪlso set up a budget for ongoing costs like rent, bills, travel costs from your new home to work, school or university, and ideally home contents or renters’ contents insurance to make sure your belongings are protected.Set a budget before you start looking for a place to rent.
