Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) – is coming!

VCAT is establishing Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), a new and free VCAT service that will assist renters and rental providers (landlords) to resolve disputes regarding bond and/or compensation cases, rent increases and repairs. 

RDRV is a better way to resolve residential tenancy disputes with less time, cost and without a hearing. It comes into effect in late June 2025.

New ways of working
Resolution coordinators will oversee each case and be the key contact for both the renter and rental provider (landlord), from start to finish. They will focus on alternative dispute resolution approaches, including facilitated discussions and mediations, rather than automatically progressing a case to a hearing.

The resolution coordinator might provide information or bring together the renter and rental provider to talk through the issues, especially if there has been a break down in trust or communication. They are independent and can successfully liaise between the parties to enable everyone to understand ways to resolve their dispute more quickly.

If the parties are not able to resolve their dispute, the resolution coordinator will help with case management to make sure parties can quickly get to a hearing. 
We’ve been piloting this new way of working for bond and/or compensation applications and, since May 2024, have already managed more than 5,000 cases, resolving 70% of them without a hearing, often within a few days. 
 

Channels
Renters and rental providers will be able to access RDRV via:

• a new standalone website that will include a new portal to submit applications, upload documents and manage cases. 
• a dedicated 1300 phone number and by approaching trained counter staff at VCAT’s metropolitan and community-based venues.

Support for RDRV users
We are working to ensure that individuals and organisations involved in residential tenancy disputes have the information they need to understand and access RDRV. This includes property managers/real estate agents, who may submit applications on behalf of their clients, landlords making direct applications, individual tenants and rental advocacy and support organisations who support or representing tenants.

Information for real estate agents/property managers – setting up a portal account
RDRV will be supported by a new portal to submit applications, upload documents and manage the case.
Property managers should set up a portal account, which will then be used for any new bond and/or compensation applications.

• Read Information for property managers 
• Refer to Quick Reference Guide to help set up a portal account 

If you are having problems setting up your portal account, get in touch with our team at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au.
 

Coming soon
Further resources will be launched soon to help renters, tenant advocates and rental providers understand and prepare for RDRV.