Dispute types and section numbers

Common residential tenancies disputes you can bring to VCAT.

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Applying about a residential tenancy dispute

On your application form, there is a section called 'Claim details'. In this section, you need to tell us:

  • what you are claiming and why
  • what the other party has done wrong
  • what section of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 your claim relates to
  • what you want us to do.

You may have to provide supporting documents as part of your application.

If 'Claim details' are not provided, we may dismiss your application or your hearing may be delayed. Make sure you tell us the correct section of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 when completing your 'Claim details'.

The tables on this page can help you identify the correct section number. We have provided a table for the following premises: residential (house, unit, apartment), rooming house, caravan park, residential park (Part 4A).

For specialist disability accomodation (SDA) dwellings, you can find common residential tenancy disputes you can bring to VCAT in our dedicate guide.

Application guide for SDA disputes

Residential (house, unit, or apartment)

  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(1)  
    Vary or declare invalid a term of a rental agreement28Copy of rental agreement 

    Prepare and enter into a written rental agreement

    This application allows a renter to request a written rental agreement. It is not to request a new or additional fixed term agreement.

    29BCopy of expired fixed term agreement 
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report35ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges53B  
    Change locks without consent71(1)  
    Consent to assign or sub-let the rented premises is not required82Copy of rental agreement 

    Refund of any fees paid to obtain consent to sub-let

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    84(2)Copy of written consent and evidence of payment 

    Limit when the rental provider or agent may enter the premises

    This application allows a renter to request entry to the premises by a rental provider or agent to be specified or limited during the sale of the premises. It is not to request a limit at any other time.

    89(2)  
    Restrain or prohibit entry to the premises after a breach of entry requirements91(1)  
    Creation of new rental agreement91S  
    End a fixed term rental agreement due to hardship 91UCopy of fixed term rental agreement 

    Challenge the validity of a notice to vacate

    This application allows a renter to challenge the validity of 90 day notices only.

    91ZZSCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days after notice to vacate is given

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Compensation for cost of urgent repairs

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209AAB(1)  
    Require rental provider to store goods for more than 14 days395Copy of notice 

    Compensation for loss of goods or documents

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    396  
    Return of goods or documents wrongfully retained397  
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    General dispute452(1)Copy of rental agreement 
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of rental agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(1)  
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report35ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges53B  
    Refuse consent to keep a pet on the rented premises71D(1)Copy of pet requestApplication must be made within 14 days of the date the rental provider was given pet request
    Exclude a pet from the rented premises71D(2)  

    Compensation or compliance order following service of a repair notice

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    78(3)  
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacate for rent arrears91ZMCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made after the termination date in the notice 
    Terminate rental agreement following death of the sole renter91N(4)  
    Declare premises abandoned91ZGCopy of rental agreement 
    Declare premises abandoned and payment of bond91ZG, 419ABond receipt 
    Compliance or compensation209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacate (not for rent arrears)Refer to the section number in the notice to vacateCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made after the notice is given and no later than 30 days after the termination date 

    Possession - after receiving a notice of intention to vacate

    This application allows a rental provider to apply for possession if a renter has failed to vacate.

    322(2), 91Z(1)Copy of notice of intention to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date, but no earlier than 7 days after receiving the notice of intention to vacate
    Possession - premises occupied without consent344  
    Terminate agreement due to serious violence or endangerment of safety374Copy of notice to leaveApplication must be made within 2 business days after suspension
    Amend or remove a listing on the Rental Non-compliance register439TCopy of listing on the Rental Non-compliance register 
    General dispute452(1)Copy of rental agreement 
    Relet premises within 6 months of giving a notice to vacate452, 91ZZH

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of rental agreement

     
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of rental agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Possession - mortgagee325(1), 91ZZK

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of court order showing entitlement to possession and to exercise power of sale

    Application must be made after the termination date in the notice to vacate and within 30 days of that date

Rooming house

  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(2)  
    Vary or declare invalid a term of a rooming house agreement94ACopy of residency agreement 
    Prepare and enter into a written, fixed term rooming house agreement94AFCopy of expired fixed term residency agreement 
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report97ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the residency right has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges120AAB  
    Declare a house rule unreasonable128  
    Restrain or prohibit entry to room after a breach of entry requirements142  

    Challenge the validity of a notice to vacate

    This application allows a renter to challenge a section 142ZJ or 142ZK notice only.

    142ZXCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days after notice to vacate is given

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Compensation for cost of urgent repairs

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209AAB(2)  
    Require rooming house operator to store goods for more than 14 days395Copy of notice 

    Compensation for loss of goods or documents

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    396  
    Return of goods or documents wrongfully retained397  
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    General dispute452(2)Copy of residency agreement 
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of residency agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(2)  
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report97ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges120AAB  
    Declare room abandoned142ZCopy of residency agreement 
    Declare room abandoned and payment of bond142Z, 419ABond receipt 

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacateRefer to the section number in the notice to vacateCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made after the notice is given and no later than 30 days after the termination date 
    Possession - after receiving a notice of intention to vacate323(b), 142WCopy of notice of intention to vacate Application must be made within 30 days of the termination date, but no earlier than 7 days after receiving the notice of intention to vacate 
    Terminate agreement due to serious violence or endangerment of safety374Copy of notice to leaveApplication must be made within 2 business days after suspension
    Amend or remove a listing on the Rental Non-compliance register439TCopy of listing on the Rental Non-compliance register 
    General dispute452(2)Copy of residency agreement 
    Relet room within 6 months of giving a notice to vacate452, 142ZL

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of residency agreement

     
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of residency agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Possession - mortgagee325(2), 142ZP

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of court order showing entitlement to possession and to exercise power of sale

    Application must be made after the termination date in the notice to vacate and within 30 days of that date

Caravan park

  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(2)  
    Vary or declare invalid a term of a caravan or park agreement144A(1)Copy of agreement 
    Prepare and enter into a written caravan or site agreement144BCopy of expired fixed term caravan or site agreement 
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report148ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges180B  
    Declare a caravan park rule unreasonable187Copy of park rules 
    Restrain or prohibit entry to caravan or site after a breach of entry requirements206  
    Challenge the validity of s 206AZ notice to vacate206AZMCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days after notice to vacate is given

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Compensation for cost of urgent repairs

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209AAB(3)  
    Require owner to store goods for more than 14 days395Copy of notice 

    Compensation for loss of goods or documents

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    396  
    Return of goods or documents wrongfully retained397  
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    General dispute452(3)Copy of agreement 
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(2)  
    Vary or declare invalid a term of a caravan or park agreement144A(2)Copy of agreement 
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report148ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges180B  
    Declare caravan or site abandoned206APCopy of agreement 
    Declare caravan or site abandoned and payment of bond206AP, 419ABond receiptIf the application is about bond, it must be made within 14 days of the end of the agreement

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacateRefer to the section number in the notice to vacateCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date.
    Possession - after receiving a notice of intention to vacate324(3), 206AK(2)Copy of notice of intention to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date, but no earlier than 7 days after receiving the notice of intention to vacate
    Possession - premises occupied without consent344  
    Amend or remove a listing on the Rental Non-compliance register439TCopy of listing on the Rental Non-compliance register 
    General dispute452(3)Copy of agreement 
    Relet caravan within 6 months of giving a notice to vacate452, 206AZC(4)

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of agreement

     
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(2)  
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report148ACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges180B  
    Declare caravan or site abandoned and payment of bond206AP, 419ABond receiptIf the application is about bond, it must be made within 14 days of the end of the agreement

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Determine compensation for residents due to closure of caravan park

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    215A(1)  
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacateRefer to the section number in the notice to vacateCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date.
    Possession - after receiving a notice of intention to vacate324(3), 206AK(1)Copy of notice of intention to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date, but no earlier than 7 days after receiving the notice of intention to vacate
    Possession - premises occupied without consent344  

    Terminate agreement due to serious violence or endangerment of safety

    This application is to terminate the agreement on a managed premises.

    374Copy of notice to leaveApplication must be made within 2 business days after suspension
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    Amend or remove a listing on the Rental Non-compliance register439TCopy of listing on the Rental Non-compliance register 
    General dispute452(3)Copy of agreement 
    Relet caravan within 6 months of giving a notice to vacate452, 206AZC(3)

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of agreement

     
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Possession - mortgagee325(3), 206AZG

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of court order showing entitlement to possession and to exercise power of sale

    Application must be made after the termination date in the notice to vacate and within 30 days of that date
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Possession - mortgagee325(3), 206AZF

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of court order showing entitlement to possession and to exercise power of sale

    Application must be made after the termination date in the notice to vacate and within 30 days of that date

Residential park (Part 4A)

  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(3)  
    Vary or declare invalid a term of a site agreement206GCopy of site agreement 
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report206OACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Declare a Part 4A park rule to be unreasonable206ZZACopy of park rules 
    Consent to assign or sub-let the rented premises is not required206ZZFCopy of site agreement 

    Refund of any fees paid to obtain consent to sub-let

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    206ZZG(3)Copy of written consent and evidence of payment 
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges206ZVC  
    Restrain or prohibit entry to dwelling or site after a breach of entry requirements206ZZO  
    End a fixed term site agreement due to hardship 207L  

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Compensation for cost of urgent repairs

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209AAB(3)  
    Require owner to store goods for more than 14 days395Copy of notice 

    Compensation for loss of goods or documents

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    396  
    Return of goods or documents wrongfully retained397  
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    General dispute452(3A)Copy of site agreement 
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of site agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Exemption from a provision of the Residential Tenancies Act24(3)  
    Amend an inaccurate or incomplete condition report206OACopy of condition reportApplication must be made within 30 days after the rental agreement has started
    Determine liability for excessive utilities usage charges206ZVC  
    End a fixed term site agreement due to hardship 207L  
    Declare Part 4A site abandoned207VCopy of site agreement 
    Declare Part 4A site abandoned and payment of bond207V, 419ABond receipt 

    Compliance or compensation

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    209Copy of breach of duty noticeApplication must be made after the time for compliance that is detailed in the breach of duty notice

    Determine compensation for residents due to closure of Part 4A park

    Depending on your application, we may refer your case to RDRV.

    215A(2)  
    Possession - after giving a notice to vacateRefer to the section number in the notice to vacateCopy of notice to vacateApplication must be made after the notice is given and no later than 30 days after the termination date 
    Possession - after receiving a notice of intention to vacate324A(2), 207QCopy of notice of intention to vacateApplication must be made within 30 days of the termination date, but no earlier than 7 days after receiving the notice of intention to vacate
    Possession - premises occupied without consent344  
    Terminate agreement due to serious violence or endangerment of safety374Copy of notice to leaveApplication must be made within 2 business days after suspension
    Amend or remove a listing on a residential tenancy database439LCopy of written notice given (if any) 
    Amend or remove a listing on the Rental Non-compliance register439TCopy of listing on the Rental Non-compliance register 
    General dispute452(3A)Copy of site agreement 
    Restrain or require action by a party to the rental agreement452, 472(1)(a)-(db)Copy of site agreement 
  • TypeSectionDocuments requiredTime limit for applying
    Possession - mortgagee325(4), 207ZI

    Copy of notice to vacate

    Copy of court order showing entitlement to possession and to exercise power of sale

    Application must be made after the termination date in the notice to vacate and within 30 days of that date