News and updates

The Commissioner
The Commissioner
- Meet the Commissioner
  Meet the Commissioner
  
  Learn about the Commissioner's experience in the housing sector.
- Strategic plan
  Strategic plan
  
  Sets out the Commissioner's vision, mission and approach.
- Engaging with stakeholders
  Engaging with stakeholders
  
  The Commissioner and her team consult widely with renters, advocates, and other stakeholders across the rental sector to identify and act on systemic issues.
The rental sector
The rental sector
- News and updates
  News and updates
  
  Get the latest updates including media articles, consultation opportunities, opinion pieces and other news.
- Key issues
  Key issues
  
  Lists the key issues raised with the Commissioner during consultations.
- Renting laws in Victoria
  Renting laws in Victoria
  
  Defines the main legislation and regulations for the rental sector in Victoria.
- Where to get help
  Where to get help
  
  The Commissioner cannot provide renting advice for individuals. Select below the dropdown item best suits your renting problem or situation.
- Changes to renting laws
  Changes to renting laws
  
  Explains changes to renting laws and terminology, due to the passing of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018.
- Research
  Research
  
  See the latest research about the rental sector in Victoria and Australia.
- New video guide for renters going to VCAT welcomed
  New video guide for renters going to VCAT welcomed
  
  The Commissioner for Residential Tenancies, Dr. Heather Holst, welcomes Tenants Victoria's new video, 'Going to VCAT'.
Rental reform
Rental reform
- Strengthening renters' rights
  Strengthening renters' rights
  
  As Commissioner I expose market practices and regulatory gaps that erode the rights of renters and progress opportunities to strengthen renters’ rights.
- Renters understand their rights
  Renters understand their rights
  
  As Commissioner I pursue opportunities to increase renters' knowledge and understanding of their rights.
- Renters exercising their rights
  Renters exercising their rights
  
  As Commissioner I support improved dispute resolution processes and pursue opportunities to better enable renters to exercise their rights.
- The Aboriginal Private Rental Access Project
  The Aboriginal Private Rental Access Project
  
  The Aboriginal Private Rental Access Project (APRAP) seeks to address systemic problems and other access barriers Aboriginal people encounter in accessing private rental. The Project report and recommendations were delivered in August 2022.
- Residential Parks Project
  Residential Parks Project
  
  The Commissioner is currently gathering information about conditions in residential parks in Victoria to better inform any future reforms or regulatory changes by Victorian Government.
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Get the latest updates including media articles, consultation opportunities, opinion pieces and other news.

New ANU research shows the impact of COVID-19 on renters.

July 13th, 2020

Researchers at the Centre for Social Research & Methods at the ANU has shown the impact of COVID-19 on tenants’ ability to pay their rent.

Submission to Victorian Parliament Inquiry into Homelessness

February 10th, 2020

The Commissioner's submission primarily focuses on the role of the private rental sector in contributing to homelessness or the risk of homelessness.

Commissioner's 2020 summary

December 20th, 2019

The Commissioner for Residential Tenancies 2020 update.

Residential Tenancies Information and Education Community of Practice

October 25th, 2019

The Commissioner's Community of Practice is developing collaborative opportunities to better inform renters about their rights and the Victorian rental law changes

The Commissioner

The rental sector

Rental reform

New ANU research shows the impact of COVID-19 on renters.

Submission to Victorian Parliament Inquiry into Homelessness

Commissioner's 2020 summary

Residential Tenancies Information and Education Community of Practice