Frequently asked questions

Read the VU Housing Guide for information about housing options, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and housing support services available for students.

Consumer Affairs Victoria

Consumer Affairs Victoria is the governing body responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act. Consumer Affairs Victoria can provide tenants with information, advice and a dispute resolution service. 

The Consumer Affairs Victoria website has an excellent range of information and publications about renting and tenancy issues: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting 

To contact Consumer Affairs Victoria, please check the contact details on their website: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us 

Tenants Victoria

Tenants Victoria provides free and confidential information and advice to educate you as a tenant about your rights and how to improve your conditions. To contact the dedicated team of lawyers and support staff at Tenants Victoria, please check the contact details on their website: https://tenantsvic.org.au/contact-us/

VU Student Welfare

Student Welfare can assist VU students with understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Victoria and advise you on housing supports and homelessness services if you are in crisis.

Students may be eligible for rent assistance, relief schemes, bond loans and other financial help:

• Rent Assistance – Students receiving a Commonwealth Support benefit or pension and living away from home and paying rent may be eligible for Rent Assistance – contact Centrelink for more information.
• Utility Relief Grant Scheme – Australian resident students having difficulty paying a large utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity) can apply to the Victorian Government for a one-off utility relief payment.
• Bond Loan Scheme – Australian resident students on low income may be eligible for a Bond Loan from the Victorian Government for a rental property or as a resident in a rooming house.

VU students who need advice about budgeting or are having difficulties paying  rent, utility or other expenses, can seek advice and support from Student Welfare.