The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 is the main legislation that regulates residential tenancies in Victoria. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of renters and residents, rental providers, owners of rented premises, rooming houses, caravan parks and residential parks.

The Residential Tenancies Act has a number of Regulations that are attached to it that further define rights and responsibilities. These Regulations include:

  • Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021
  • Residential Tenancies Amendment Regulations 2021
  • Residential Tenancies (Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018) Transitional Regulations 2021
  • Residential Tenancies (Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Registration and Standards) Regulations 2020
  • Residential Tenancies (Rooming House Standards) Regulations 2021
  • Residential Tenancies (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Regulations 2019
  • COVID 19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Transitional Regulations 2021

Together, all of the above are often referred to as the “tenancy law” in Victoria.

In addition to the main legislation there is also some other legislation that directly relates to rooming houses, the Rooming House Operators Act 2016

There are also many other laws that indirectly relate to residential tenancies in Victoria including:

  • Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012
  • Estate Agents Act 1980
  • Owners Corporations Act 2006
  • Building Act 1993
  • Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998

For more information on renting laws in Victoria, visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website (External link).