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The Victorian government’s new Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) has gone live today (23 June 2025) and aims to resolve rental disputes without the need for a formal hearing.
The new system, announced last year as part of the state government’s slate of rental reforms, offers free consultation with dispute resolution experts that can be accessed via phone call, online, or by attending an RDRV location in person.
The service was introduced to free up time for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), with the RDRV primarily helping renters and rental providers to informally settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs and rent increases.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the system would provide Victorians with a “quick, fair and free” means of dealing with rental disputes.
“Everyone will now have a place to turn to solve common disputes without the hassle and stress of a formal VCAT hearing,” Allan said.
RDRV will be headquartered at King Street in the Melbourne CBD, with Victorians also able to access services at the four community locations at Oakleigh, Bundoora, Frankston and Bendigo.
The RDRV’s current team of 40 resolution experts will work to quickly resolve rental disputes without the need for a formal hearing, while an additional 10 staff members will join as intake officers to support phone enquiries at the RDRV call centre.
VCAT president, the Hon Justice Woodward, highlighted that RDRV resolution coordinators have already been trained to efficiently and effectively resolve each case.
“Each RDRV application will be case managed by a resolution coordinator, who will oversee the case and be the key contact for both parties, from start to finish,” Woodward said.
While the government expects more than 60 per cent of disputes to be resolved through RDRV, Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said that Consumer Affairs Victoria will still be accessible for information inquiries around rental disputes.
“This will be a new free, fast and fair service for resolving disputes over rent increases, damages, repairs and bonds,” Staikos concluded.
With the launch of the RDRV marking the latest of Victoria’s rental reforms, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria recently called on the government to take action that will restore equity and investment viability in the state’s rental market.
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