Tenants Victoria provides guidance to people seeking rentals. Tenants Victoria been working with grassroots community groups recently to conduct interactive online information sessions for renters whose first language is not English. There is an invitation to conduct discussion groups locally.
Multicultural chats
We’ve been working with grassroots community groups recently to conduct interactive online information sessions for renters whose first language is not English. The small-group chats feature a tenancy expert and are guided by Tenants Victoria’s multilingual community engagement workers, Ramya Assaad (left) and Aguer Athian, to ensure the discussions are accessible to all participants.
Please inquire if you would like to convene a small-group session for your multicultural community via training@tenantsvic.org.au.
Keep warm in winter
What to do if your heater breaks down
Now we are in the colder months it is a good time to check if your heater is working properly.
If your heater becomes faulty, or ceases to work, you don’t have to rug up and bear it.
Rental providers (landlords) must ensure a fixed heater is installed in rented homes in Victoria. Anything they provide in your home must be maintained and repaired if necessary.
So, repairing and maintaining the heater in your house is the rental provider’s duty, not yours.
A failure or breakdown of heating is an urgent repair under Victoria’s rental laws.
Urgent repairs need to be done as soon as possible.
The first step is to call the rental provider or real estate agent as soon you notice the problem to report the repairs needed. Then, even if it sounds like the problem will be fixed with just a call, confirm the repairs that are needed in writing. The law requires this, and it will also give you proof of when you reported the problem in case you need to take further action later.
If the rental provider or agent does not get the heater fixed urgently you can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT). It will hear your application within 2 business days.
For more detailed information, including all the steps for arranging for urgent repairs, see our page Repairs and maintenance.
Also see our pages on these topics:
- Minimum standards, for the minimum heating standards for rental properties
- Safety requirements, for routine gas and electrical safety checks that need to be done
Note: This information is a guide and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice.
