A word from our CEO

On behalf of renters, we look forward to working with Daniel Andrews and his team after their victory. The weekend's state election confirms continuity but also presents real opportunity to seed new policy ideas. The Premier has declared that 'we are a thoughtful state, we are the centre of critical thinking, we are the centre of all the big ideas in our nations'.

We hope the 60th Parliament, as it takes shape, will help improve the position of Victorian renters, who are a growing demographic in the electorate – and continue to face many challenges amid the housing affordability and supply crisis.

Jennifer Beveridge 
CEO, Tenants Victoria

Hot topic: privacy and entry

Here's an interesting question from a renter. They got enough notice from the real estate agent for a routine inspection of their rented home, but the day before were informed that the landlord was coming with the agent. Is this allowed?

A: Yes, it is. It’s the landlord that has the right of entry – the agent is entering on their behalf. Meeting the landlord might be a positive of course, but we understand if there’s concern that they might view the rental only as their property, and not as the renter’s home.

New government should build on record

Congratulations to the Andrews Government on securing a third term in office. As the peak body for renters and running a legal service exclusively focused on supporting renters, we look forward to working with incoming ministers on key challenges affecting our state’s nearly 2 million renters. 

Spiralling rents remain a real cost-of-living pressure point for people on low to middle incomes. ANZ economists this week forecast that rents will continue to climb while the pool of available properties remains small by historic standards. Another source, the Rental Affordability Index released by our sector colleagues at National Shelter, paints a troubling picture, including for renters looking for homes in regional Victoria. 

Premier Daniel Andrews and his government built a record in supporting renters with the implementation of over 130 welcome reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and targeted financial supports for renters in the early phase of the pandemic. Building on these foundations, there is more scope for reform, including a ‘fairness formula’ to regulate future rent increases in the capricious private rental market.

Here at Tenants Victoria, we’ve identified 3 top priorities for the State Government to help renters in its new term.

Our focus on western suburbs

Join us and learn about your rights as a renter!

Tenants Victoria invites you to a helpful online forum on 7 December for renters who live in the Wyndham local government area. Our expert lawyer will chat about these topics and more:

• Tips to protect your bond when you move in
• What to do if the landlord claims for compensation
• Ways to get your bond back

We will also answer questions about the renting issues that affect you.
The online forum is on Wednesday 7 December 2022, 7pm to 8pm. Please register to attend here.

Tenants Victoria's forum is proudly supported by Wyndham City.

Event: 'Generation rent'

We're excited to have been invited to be part of the line up at the annual MPavilion series of public events held at the Queen Victoria Gardens, opposite the National Gallery of Victoria. Come along to our interactive 'open mic session' on March 11 next year. The event will be hosted by our Director of Community Engagement, Farah Farouque, who will be joined by journalist Jim Malo, who not only writes about renting but has lived in 12 rented homes to date.

Our event focuses on the stories of Melbourne renters – 'Generation Rent'. We will probe the past and future of renting in Melbourne, including how we forge meaningful connections with our neighbours and navigate the complexities of the renting lifestyle amid affordability challenges.

Read more about the event on MPavilion's event page. 

Do rent reforms tighten the rental market?

Researchers for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute report that, compared to renters in other countries, Australians have little legal security against rent rises and evictions. When state governments suggest stronger protection for renters, landlords and agents claim it will cause more exits from the sector overall, increasing pressure on tight rental markets.

Read the report.