The state government is urging renters to know and understand their rights – as part of an awareness campaign that went live across Victoria this week.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos launched the ‘Know the Funda-rentals’ campaign which highlights the important things Victorians needed to know about renting, and where they could go for advice and support.
The Funda-rentals campaign shares tips on the top issues facing renters, such as getting urgent repairs, properties not meeting minimum standards, rent increases, and renters not being clear on their rights before signing a rental agreement.
Most real estate agents and rental providers want to do the right thing and this campaign is also designed to help them understand and comply with their legal obligations.
More people are renting than ever before and in 2024, around two million Victorians were living in a rental property.
A renting taskforce was set up last year to put a spotlight on rental laws and crack down on offences, including rental bidding, false advertising, failing to lodge bonds and renting out properties that do not meet minimum standards.
The renting taskforce has issued more than 70 infringements worth more than $620,000 in fines since starting its operations last year.
People are encouraged to contact CAV if they have concerns about misleading advertising of a rental property, terminations of rental agreements or notices to vacate.
The campaign has started rolling out across multiple channels, including social media, digital banners and out of home advertisements around Victoria, including billboards and digital displays in universities.
“We know that more Victorians are renting than ever before, which is why it’s important that renters know the Funda-rentals,” Mr Staikos said.
“Victorians has the strongest rental protections in Australia, and we want to ensure renters know where to turn when they need advice.”
“Everyone deserves the right to feel at home in their rental property, and we are making this possible for all Victorians.
For more information on the campaign visit consumeraffairsvictoria.vic.gov.au/fundarentals.
