RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1997

Table of Provisions

PART 1--PRELIMINARY

Division 1--Introductory provisions

• 1 Purposes  
• 2 Commencement  
• 3 Definitions  
• 4 Act binds the Crown  

Division 2--Application of Act to tenancy agreements, rooming houses and site agreements

• 5 Application of Act to assignees and transferees  
• 7 Premises used primarily as a residence  
• 8 Premises connected to premises used for trade or business  
• 9 Principal place of residence  
• 10 Premises used for holidays  
• 11 Farming and grazing  
• 12 Contracts of employment  
• 13 Contracts of sale or mortgages  
• 14 Prescribed premises and prescribed agreements  
• 15 Certain provisions not to apply to tenancy agreements  
• 17 Room used by owner or owner's family or employees  
• 18 Self-contained apartments  
• 19 Minister may declare building to be a rooming house  
• 20 Hotels and motels  
• 21 Educational institutions  
• 22 Temporary crisis accommodation  
• 23 Health or residential services  
• 23A Application of Act to assignees and transferees  
• 23B Site agreements exceeding 5 years  
• 23C Part 4A site used under contract of employment  
• 23D Part 4A site used primarily as a residence  
• 23E Part 4A site used for holidays  
• 23F Prescribed Part 4A sites and prescribed site agreements  
• 23G Certain provisions not to apply to site agreements  

Division 3--Exemptions by Tribunal

• 24 Application for exemption  
• 25 Order of Tribunal  

PART 2--RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES--TENANCY AGREEMENTS

Division 1--General requirements for tenancy agreements

• 26 Tenancy agreements to be in standard form  
• 26A Offence to include prescribed prohibited term in tenancy agreement for fixed term of more than 5 years  
• 27 Invalid terms  
• 27A Additional term in fixed term tenancy agreement for more than 5 years  
• 28 Harsh and unconscionable terms  
• 29 Copy of agreement to be made available to tenant  
• 30 Tenants with children  

Division 2--Bonds

• 31 What is the maximum bond?  
• 32 Application to increase maximum amount of bond  
• 33 Tribunal may determine maximum bond  
• 34 Not more than 1 bond is payable in respect of continuous occupation  
• 34A Additional amount of bond proportionate with rent increase  
• 34B Tenant may apply to VCAT to vary additional amount of bond  
• 35 Condition report  
• 36 Condition report is evidence of state of repair  
• 37 Certain guarantees prohibited  
• 38 Maximum amount of certain guarantees  

Division 3--Rents

• 39 Accrual of rent  
• 40 Limit on rent in advance  
• 41 Rent in advance under weekly tenancy agreement  
• 42 Where and how is rent to be paid?  
• 43 Receipts for rent  
• 44 How much notice of rent increase is required?  
• 45 Tenant may complain to Director about excessive rent  
• 46 Application to Tribunal about excessive rent  
• 47 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 48 Tribunal can order refund of rent  
• 49 Tenant's goods not to be taken for rent  

Division 4--Other charges

• 50 Application and holding deposits  
• 51 Certain charges prohibited  
• 52 Tenant's liability for various utility charges  
• 53 Landlord's liability for various utility charges  
• 53AA Agreements relating to installation of solar energy system  
• 54 Landlord's liability for charges for supply to non‑complying appliances  
• 55 Reimbursement  
• 56 Landlord must not seek overpayment for utility charge  
• 57 Director of Housing may impose service charge  
• 58 Indemnity for taxes and rates  

Division 5--General duties of tenants and landlords

• 59 Tenant must not use premises for illegal purpose  
• 60 Tenant must not cause nuisance or interference  
• 61 Tenant must avoid damage to premises or common areas  
• 62 Tenant must give notice of damage  
• 63 Tenant must keep rented premises clean  
• 64 Tenant must not install fixtures etc. without consent  
• 65 Landlord's duty in relation to provision of premises  
• 66 Landlord must give tenant certain information  
• 67 Quiet enjoyment  
• 68 Landlord's duty to maintain premises  
• 69 Landlord must ensure rating compliance for replacement water appliances  
• 70 Locks  
• 70A Locks for rented premises the subject of an intervention order  
• 71 Application to Tribunal to change locks without consent  

Division 5B--Pets

• 71A Tenant may keep a pet at rented premises with consent or Tribunal order  
• 71B Tenant's request for consent to keep pet on rented premises  
• 71C Landlord must not unreasonably refuse consent to keep a pet on rented premises  
• 71D Application to refuse consent to keep a pet on rented premises or exclude a pet from rented premises  
• 71E Tribunal orders—pets  

Division 6--Repairs and maintenance

• 72 Urgent repairs  
• 73 Application to Tribunal for urgent repairs  
• 74 Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent repairs  
• 75 Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs  
• 76 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 77 Payment of rent into Rent Special Account  
• 78 Landlord may give tenant repair notice  
• 79 Landlord may do repairs and tenant liable for costs  
• 80 Declaration under Housing Act 1983 that house unfit for habitation  

Division 7--Assignment and sub-letting

• 81 Assignment and sub-letting by a tenant  
• 82 Tenant may apply to Tribunal  
• 83 Director of Housing may withhold consent in certain circumstances  
• 84 Landlord cannot ask for fee for giving consent  

Division 8--Rights of entry

• 85 Entry of rented premises  
• 86 Grounds for entry of rented premises  
• 87 Manner of entry  
• 88 What must be in a notice of entry?  
• 89 Tenant has duty to permit entry  
• 90 What if damage is caused during entry?  
• 91 What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?  
• 91A Offence relating to entering rented premises  

PART 3--ROOMING HOUSES--RESIDENCY RIGHTS AND DUTIES

Division 1--Residency rights

• 92 Residency right  
• 92A Exclusive occupancy right  
• 92B Shared room right  
• 92C Notice to resident of residency right  
• 93 Rights cannot be assigned  
• 94 Power to enter tenancy agreements or other agreements  
• 94A Harsh and unconscionable terms  

Division 1A--Shared room rights

• 94B Consent required for increase in room capacity  
• 94C Notice of increase in room capacity  
• 94D Consent of resident to increased room capacity  

Division 2--Bonds

• 95 Payment of bond  
• 96 What is the maximum bond?  
• 97 Condition report  
• 98 Condition report is evidence of state of repair  

Division 3--Rent

• 99 Limit on rent in advance  
• 100 Receipts for rent  
• 101 How much notice of rent increase is required?  
• 102 Resident may complain to Director about excessive rent  
• 102A Director may investigate rent without application by resident  
• 103 Application to Tribunal about excessive rent  
• 104 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 105 Payment of increased rent pending Tribunal decision  
• 106 Rent must be reduced if services are reduced  
• 106A Rent must be reduced if room capacity increased  
• 107 Resident's goods not to be taken for rent  

Division 4--Other charges

• 108 Separately metered rooms  
• 109 Schedule of services provided to be given to resident  
• 109A Director of Housing may impose service charge on resident  

Division 5--General duties of residents and rooming house owners

• 110 Resident's use of room  
• 111 Resident must not use room for illegal purposes  
• 112 Resident's duty to pay rent  
• 113 Quiet enjoyment—resident's duty  
• 114 Resident must keep room in clean condition  
• 115 Resident must not install fixtures without consent  
• 116 Resident must notify owner of and compensate for damage  
• 117 Resident must not keep pet without consent  
• 118 Resident must give key to owner  
• 119 Resident must observe house rules  
• 120 Rooming house owner must keep room and house in good repair  
• 120A Rooming house owner must comply with rooming house standards  
• 121 Rooming house owner must provide access  
• 122 Quiet enjoyment—rooming house owner's duty  
• 123 Security  
• 124 Display of statement of rights and house rules  
• 125 Owner to give additional information  
• 126 House rules  
• 127 Duties relating to house rules  
• 128 What if house rules are thought to be unreasonable?  

Division 6--Repairs

• 129 Urgent repairs  
• 130 Application to Tribunal for urgent repairs  
• 131 Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent repairs  
• 131A Director may investigate rooming house without application by resident  
• 132 Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs  
• 133 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 134 Payment of rent into Rent Special Account  
• 135 Repair provisions not applicable to certain damage  

Division 7--Rights of entry

• 136 Access to room  
• 137 Grounds for entry of a room  
• 138 Manner of entry  
• 139 What must be in a notice of entry?  
• 140 Resident has duty to permit entry  
• 141 What if damage is caused during entry?  
• 142 What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?  
• 142A Offence relating to entering room occupied by resident  

Division 8--Standards

• 142B Standards for rooming houses etc.  
• 142BA Records of gas and electrical safety checks  
• 142C Regulations for rooming houses  

Division 9--Rooming House Register

• 142D Unregistered rooming house  
• 142E Establishment of Rooming House Register  
• 142F Information to be included in Rooming House Register  
• 142G Compilation of information for inclusion in Rooming House Register  
• 142H Form of Rooming House Register  
• 142I Rooming House Register—Access and amendment  
• 142J Inspection of Rooming House Register  
• 142K Restriction on access to personal information  
• 142KA Restriction on access to address of rooming house  
• 142L Rights of review  

PART 4--CARAVAN PARKS AND MOVABLE DWELLINGS--RESIDENCY RIGHTS AND DUTIES

Division 1AA--Application of Part

• 143AA Application of Part to caravan parks and movable dwellings  

Division 1--Residency rights

• 143 Residency right  
• 144 Agreements  
• 144A Harsh and unconscionable terms  
• 145 Caravan park owner to notify prospective resident of rights  

Division 2--Bonds

• 146 Payment of bond  
• 147 What is the maximum bond?  
• 148 Condition report  
• 149 Condition report is evidence of state of repair  

Division 3--Rents and hiring charges

• 150 Limit on rent or hiring charge in advance  
• 151 Receipts for rent or hiring charge  
• 152 How much notice is required of rent or hiring charge increase?  
• 153 Resident may complain to Director about excessive rent or hiring charge  
• 154 Application to Tribunal about excessive rent or hiring charge  
• 155 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 156 Payment of increased rent or hiring charge pending Tribunal decision  
• 157 Additional rent  
• 158 Additional hiring charge  
• 159 Rent must be reduced if services are reduced  
• 160 Resident's goods not to be taken for rent or hiring charges  

Division 4--Other charges

• 161 Fee for supply of key  
• 162 Resident's liability for electricity, gas and water charges  
• 163 Caravan park owner's liability for electricity, gas and water charges  
• 164 Owner's responsibility for charges for supply to non-complying appliances  
• 165 Reimbursement  
• 166 Owner must not seek overpayment for utility charges  

Division 5--General duties of residents, caravan park owners and caravan owners

• 167 Resident's use of site  
• 168 Resident must not use site for illegal purposes  
• 169 Resident's duty to pay rent and hiring charge  
• 170 Quiet enjoyment—resident's duty  
• 171 Resident must keep site clean  
• 172 Resident must not erect structures  
• 173 Resident must notify owner of and compensate for damage  
• 174 Number of persons residing on site  
• 175 Resident must observe caravan park rules  
• 176 Caravan park owner must provide access  
• 177 Quiet enjoyment—caravan park owner's duty  
• 178 Caravan park owner must keep park etc. clean  
• 179 Duty of caravan park owner to maintain communal areas  
• 180 Maintenance and repair of caravans  
• 181 Owner must ensure water efficient appliances installed  
• 182 Statement of rights and copy of park rules  
• 183 Statement of scale of certain charges, fees and commissions  
• 184 Owner to give additional information  
• 185 Caravan park rules  
• 186 Duties relating to caravan park rules  
• 187 What if the caravan park rules are thought to be unreasonable?  

Division 6--Repairs

• 188 Urgent repairs to caravans  
• 189 Application to Tribunal for urgent repairs  
• 190 Application to Director to investigate need for non-urgent repairs  
• 191 Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs  
• 192 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 193 Payment of hiring charge into Rent Special Account  
• 194 Repair provisions not applicable to certain damage  

Division 7--Transfer of rights and sale of caravans and movable dwellings

• 195 Transfer of residency right  
• 196 What if the caravan park owner unreasonably withholds consent to transfer?  
• 197 Owner must not charge fee for transfer of resident's rights  
• 198 Sale of caravan  

Division 8--Rights of entry

• 199 Entry of caravan by caravan park owner  
• 200 Entry of caravan by caravan owner  
• 201 Grounds for entry of caravan or site  
• 202 Manner of entry  
• 203 What must be in a notice of entry?  
• 204 Resident has duty to permit entry  
• 205 What if damage is caused during entry?  
• 206 What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?  
• 206A Offence relating to entering a site or caravan occupied by a resident  

PART 4A--SITE AGREEMENTS AND SITE–TENANT OWNED DWELLINGS

Division 1--General requirements for site agreements

• 206B Rights of site tenants  
• 206C Part 4A dwelling not a fixture  
• 206D Crown land  
• 206E Site agreements to be in writing  
• 206F Terms of site agreement  
• 206G Harsh and unconscionable terms  
• 206H Minimum terms for site agreements in new parks  
• 206I Site agreement consideration period  
• 206J Cooling off period  
• 206JA Cooling off period—Part 4A dwelling purchase agreement  

Division 2--Bonds

• 206K What is the maximum bond?  
• 206L Application to increase maximum amount of bond  
• 206M Tribunal may determine maximum bond  
• 206N Not more than one bond is payable in respect of continuous occupation  
• 206O Condition report  
• 206P Condition report is evidence of state of repair  
• 206Q Certain guarantees prohibited  
• 206R Maximum amount of certain guarantees  

Division 3--Rents and other charges

• 206S Rent, fees and charges under site agreements  
• 206T Limit on rent in advance  
• 206U Receipts for rent  
• 206V How much notice is required of rent increase?  
• 206W Site tenant may complain to Director about excessive rent  
• 206X Application to Tribunal about excessive rent  
• 206Y What can the Tribunal order?  
• 206Z Payment of increased rent pending Tribunal decision  
• 206ZA Additional charge  
• 206ZB Rent must be reduced if services are reduced  
• 206ZC Site tenant's goods not to be taken for rent  

Division 4--Other charges

• 206ZD Fee for supply of key  
• 206ZE Site tenant's liability for electricity, gas and water charges  
• 206ZF Site owner's liability for electricity, gas and water charges  
• 206ZG Reimbursement  
• 206ZH Site owner must not seek overpayment for utility charges  

Division 5--General duties of site tenants

• 206ZI Site tenant's use of site  
• 206ZJ Site tenant must not use site for illegal purpose  
• 206ZK Site tenant's duty to pay rent  
• 206ZL Quiet enjoyment—site tenant's duty  
• 206ZM Site tenant must keep site clean  
• 206ZN Site tenant must not erect structures  
• 206ZO Site tenant must notify site owner of and compensate for damage  
• 206ZP Number of persons residing on Part 4A site  
• 206ZQ Site tenant must observe Part 4A park rules  

Division 6--General duties of site owners

• 206ZR Site owner must give tenant certain information  
• 206ZS Part 4A site plans  
• 206ZT Site owner must provide access  
• 206ZU Quiet enjoyment—site owner's duty  
• 206ZV Site owner must keep Part 4A park clean  
• 206ZW Duty of site owner to maintain communal areas  
• 206ZX Site owner to give additional information  

Division 7--Part 4A park rules

• 206ZY Site owner may make Part 4A park rules  
• 206ZZ Amendment of Part 4A park rules  
• 206ZZA What if the Part 4A park rules are thought to be unreasonable?  

Division 8--Site tenants' committees

• 206ZZB Participation in site tenants' committee  
• 206ZZC Site owner's duties to site tenants' committees  

Division 9--Assignment and sub-letting

• 206ZZD Assignment by a site tenant  
• 206ZZE Sub-letting by a site tenant  
• 206ZZF Site tenant may apply to Tribunal  
• 206ZZG Site owner cannot ask for fee for giving consent  
• 206ZZH Sale of Part 4A dwelling  

Division 10--Rights of entry

• 206ZZI Entry of Part 4A site and Part 4A dwelling by site owner  
• 206ZZJ Grounds for entry of Part 4A site  
• 206ZZK Manner of entry  
• 206ZZL What must be in a notice of entry?  
• 206ZZM Site tenant has duty to permit entry  
• 206ZZN What if damage is caused during entry?  
• 206ZZO What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?  
• 206ZZP Offence relating to entering a site occupied by a site tenant  

PART 5--COMPENSATION AND COMPLIANCE

• 207 Definitions  
• 208 Breach of duty notice  
• 209 Application for compensation or compliance order for breach of duty  
• 209AA Application for compensation or compliance order for breach of prescribed term in standard form tenancy agreement  
• 209A Tribunal must hear application urgently  
• 210 Application to Tribunal for compensation order on other grounds  
• 210A Application to Tribunal by resident for compensation  
• 210B Application to Tribunal by site tenant or site owner for compensation  
• 211 Matters which may be considered by Tribunal  
• 212 Orders of Tribunal  
• 213 Compensation for unpaid rent  
• 213AA Compensation for unpaid rent under site agreement  
• 213A Application for payment of rent arrears or hiring charge arrears from bond  
• 213B Application to Tribunal for loss or damage  
• 214 Can a person recover compensation under this Part as well as from a bond?  
• 214A Compensation for loss of rent under terminated site agreement  
• 215 What powers does a court have to award compensation?  
• 215A Compensation in relation to closure of caravan park or Part 4A park  
• 215B Tribunal may make park closure compensation order  

PART 6--TERMINATION

Division 1--Termination of residential tenancies

• 216 Termination of tenancy agreement  
• 217 Termination by agreement  
• 218 Termination by consent  
• 219 Termination after notice to vacate  
• 220 Termination by abandonment  
• 221 Termination where premises are sub-let  
• 222 Termination where landlord not owner of premises  
• 223 Termination by mortgagee  
• 224 Termination by merger  
• 225 Termination by disclaimer  
• 226 Termination by tenant before possession  
• 227 Termination by landlord before possession  
• 228 Termination after death of sole tenant  
• 228A Tenancy agreement—cancellation of licence or failure to renew licence  
• 229 Offence to obtain possession etc. of premises  
• 230 Creation of periodic tenancy  
• 231 New tenancy created where head tenancy terminated  
• 232 Application to Tribunal for creation of tenancy agreement  
• 233 Order of Tribunal  
• 233A Application for termination or new tenancy agreement because of family violence or personal violence  
• 233B Tribunal orders  
• 233C Tribunal may determine parties' liability under terminated tenancy agreement  
• 233D Cross-examination in a proceeding for termination or new tenancy agreement  
• 234 Reduction of fixed term tenancy agreement  
• 234A Application for termination of tenancy agreement because of coercion or deception of SDA resident  
• 234B Tribunal orders  
• 235 Notice of intention to vacate  
• 236 Notice to have no effect in certain circumstances  
• 237 Reduced period of notice of intention to vacate in certain circumstances  
• 237A Tenancy agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years does not comply with standard form  
• 238 Premises destroyed or unfit for habitation  
• 239 Failure of landlord to comply with Tribunal order  
• 240 Successive breaches by landlord  
• 241 Order of Tribunal that premises are abandoned  
• 242 Abandoned premises and rent in advance  
• 243 Damage  
• 244 Danger  
• 245 Condition of premises  
• 246 Non-payment of rent  
• 247 Failure to pay bond  
• 248 Failure to comply with Tribunal order  
• 249 Successive breaches by tenant  
• 250 Use of premises for illegal purpose  
• 250A Drug-related conduct in public housing  
• 250B Prescribed indictable offences in public housing  
• 251 Permitting child to reside in premises  
• 252 False statement to housing authority  
• 253 Assignment or sub-letting without consent  
• 254 Landlord's principal place of residence (fixed term tenancy)  
• 255 Repairs  
• 256 Demolition  
• 257 Premises to be used for business  
• 258 Premises to be occupied by landlord or landlord's family  
• 259 Premises to be sold  
• 260 Premises required for public purposes  
• 261 End of fixed term tenancy  
• 262 Tenant no longer meets eligibility criteria  
• 262AA Notice to vacate when pet kept without consent  
• 262A Tenant in transitional housing refuses alternative accommodation  
• 263 Notice to vacate for no specified reason  
• 264 Prohibition on letting premises after notice  
• 265 Effect of excessive rent order on notice to vacate  
• 266 Notice to have no effect in certain circumstances  
• 267 Notice by owner  
• 268 Notice by mortgagee  
• 268A Notice to vacate given by Tribunal order under Rooming House Operators Act 2016  
• 268B Notice to vacate—refusal of licence under Rooming House Operators Act 2016  

Division 2--Termination of residency rights in rooming houses

• 269 Termination after notice  
• 270 Termination by Tribunal  
• 271 Termination by abandonment  
• 272 Termination if room or rooming house destroyed  
• 272A Residency rights—cancellation of licence or failure to renew licence  
• 273 Offences relating to interference with rights  
• 274 Notice of intention to vacate room  
• 275 Rent payable on termination without notice  
• 276 Rent payable if room vacated early  
• 277 Order of abandonment  
• 278 Damage  
• 279 Danger  
• 280 Disruption  
• 281 Non-payment of rent  
• 282 Failure of resident to comply with Tribunal order  
• 283 Successive breaches by resident  
• 284 Use of room for illegal purpose  
• 285 Sale of rooming house  
• 286 Repairs or demolition  
• 287 Prohibition on renting after notice  
• 287A Resident in transitional housing refuses alternative accommodation  
• 288 Notice for no specified reason  
• 289 Notice of no effect  
• 289A Notice by owner of building or other person who is not rooming house owner  
• 290 Notice by rooming house mortgagee  
• 290A Notice to vacate given by Tribunal order under Rooming House Operators Act 2016  
• 290B Notice to vacate—refusal of licence under Rooming House Operators Act 2016  

Division 3--Termination of residency rights in caravan parks

• 291 Termination after notice  
• 292 Termination by agreement  
• 293 Termination on execution of warrant  
• 294 Termination by abandonment  
• 295 Offences relating to interference with rights  
• 296 Notice of intention to vacate site or caravan  
• 297 Notice if caravan destroyed or unfit for habitation  
• 298 Rent or hiring charge payable on termination without notice  
• 299 Rent or hiring charge payable if site or caravan vacated early  
• 300 Abandonment of site or caravan  
• 301 Order of abandonment  
• 302 Damage  
• 303 Danger  
• 304 Disruption  
• 305 Non-payment of rent  
• 306 Non-payment of hiring charges  
• 307 Failure of resident to comply with Tribunal order  
• 308 Successive breaches by resident  
• 309 Use of site or caravan for illegal purpose  
• 310 Sale of caravan  
• 311 Change of use  
• 311A Closure of caravan park  
• 312 Occupation by caravan owner  
• 313 Prohibition on hiring of caravans or renting of sites after notice  
• 314 Notice for no specified reason  
• 315 Notice of no effect  
• 316 Notice by caravan park mortgagee  
• 317 Notice by caravan mortgagee  
• 317AA Application for termination or new agreement because of family violence or personal violence  
• 317AB Tribunal orders  
• 317AC Tribunal may determine parties' liability under terminated agreement  
• 317AD Cross-examination in a proceeding for termination or new agreement  

Division 3A--Termination of site agreements in Part 4A parks

• 317A Termination of site agreement  
• 317B Termination by agreement  
• 317C Termination by consent  
• 317D Termination after notice to vacate  
• 317E Termination by abandonment  
• 317F Termination if Part 4A site is sub-let  
• 317G Termination if site owner not owner of site  
• 317H Termination by merger  
• 317I Termination by disclaimer  
• 317J Termination by site tenant before occupation or use  
• 317K Offences relating to interference with rights  
• 317L Creation of periodic site agreement  
• 317M Application for termination or new site agreement because of family violence or personal violence  
• 317N Tribunal orders  
• 317O Tribunal may determine parties' liability under terminated agreement  
• 317P Cross-examination in a proceeding for termination or new agreement  
• 317Q Reduction of fixed term site agreement  
• 317R Notice of intention to vacate  
• 317S Notice to have no effect in certain circumstances  
• 317T Reduced period of notice of intention to vacate in certain circumstances  
• 317U Failure of site owner to comply with Tribunal order  
• 317V Successive breaches by site owner  
• 317W Order of abandonment  
• 317X Damage  
• 317Y Danger  
• 317Z Disruption  
• 317ZA Failure to comply with Tribunal order  
• 317ZB Successive breaches by site tenant  
• 317ZC Use of Part 4A site for illegal purpose  
• 317ZD Assignment or sub-letting without consent  
• 317ZDA Closure of Part 4A park  
• 317ZE Notice by land owner  
• 317ZF Notice under fixed term site agreement  
• 317ZG Notice under periodic site agreement  
• 317ZH Notice of no effect  
• 317ZI Notice by mortgagee of Part 4A park  

Division 4--Notices under this Part

• 318 Form of notice of intention to vacate  
• 319 Form of notice to vacate  
• 319A Composite notices to vacate  
• 320 What if 2 or more notices can be served?  
• 321 How can a notice be withdrawn?  

Division 5--Can a notice to vacate be challenged?

• 321A Application of Division  
• 321B Tenant or resident may apply to Tribunal  
• 321C What can the Tribunal order?  

PART 7--REGAINING POSSESSION--POSSESSION ORDERS AND WARRANTS

Division 1--Applications for possession orders

• 322 Application for possession order by landlord  
• 323 Application for possession order by rooming house owner  
• 323A Application for possession order by person entitled to give notice to vacate under section 289A  
• 324 Application for possession order by caravan park owner or caravan owner  
• 324A Application for possession order by site owner  
• 325 Application for possession order by mortgagee  
• 326 Time for application  
• 327 Applications where composite notice to vacate is given  
• 329 Hearing of application for possession order  
• 330 Order of Tribunal  
• 331 Order to be dismissed or adjourned in certain circumstances  
• 332 Order not to be made in certain circumstances  
• 333 Contents of possession order  
• 334 Effect of possession order for rented premises or Part 4A site  

Division 2--Alternative procedure for possession

• 335 Application for possession order where rent owing  
• 336 Landlord to give tenant notice to vacate  
• 337 Landlord may apply for possession order in respect of notice under section 261  
• 338 Objection by tenant  
• 339 Request for determination if no notice of objection  
• 341 Principal registrar to make determination if no notice of objection  
• 342 Effect of possession order  
• 343 What if the principal registrar is not satisfied that determination should be made?  

Division 3--Recovery of possession of rented premises where occupied without consent

• 344 Application for possession order if premises occupied without consent  
• 345 Order of Tribunal  
• 346 What must the possession order provide?  
• 347 Notice to occupiers of premises  
• 348 Direction of Tribunal if occupier fails to appear  
• 349 Order of Tribunal if occupier appears  
• 350 Effect of this Division  

Division 4--Warrants of possession

• 351 Issue of warrant of possession  
• 352 Postponement of issue of warrant in certain cases  
• 353 Immediate issue of warrant if failure to comply during postponement  
• 354 Extension of time for warrant to be executed  
• 355 Warrant of possession  
• 356 Lapsing of possession order and lapsing or cancellation of warrant of possession  
• 357 Execution of warrant  
• 358 Offence to re-enter rooming house, site or caravan  

Division 5--Sheriff's powers to remove caravans

• 359 Removal of caravan from a caravan park  
• 360 Sheriff's powers to remove  
• 361 What happens to personal documents?  
• 362 Disposal of personal documents after 90 days  
• 363 Reclaiming documents before disposal  
• 364 Rightful owner may claim caravan and goods  
• 365 Sale of caravan and goods  
• 366 Tribunal may order compensation from Residential Tenancies Fund  

PART 8--VIOLENCE ON CERTAIN PREMISES

• 367 Definitions  
• 368 Manager may give person notice to leave—serious acts of violence  
• 368A Offence to give notice to leave or purported notice to leave without reasonable grounds  
• 369 Offence to remain on premises if given notice to leave  
• 370 What happens if a notice to leave is given?  
• 371 How long does a suspension last?  
• 372 Offence to re-enter premises during suspension  
• 373 Notice to principal registrar  
• 374 Urgent applications to Tribunal  
• 375 Tribunal must hear application urgently  
• 376 What can the Tribunal order?  
• 377 Offence to allow occupation of premises pending application or hearing  
• 377A Notice to leave prohibited if notice to vacate under section 244, 279, 303 or 317Y already given  

PART 9--GOODS LEFT BEHIND BY TENANTS, RESIDENTS AND SITE TENANTS

Division 1--Preliminary

• 378 Application of this Part  
• 379 Definitions  

Division 2--Personal documents left behind

• 380 What happens if personal documents are left behind?  
• 381 Disposal of personal documents after 90 days  
• 382 Reclaiming personal documents before disposal  

Division 3--Goods left behind

• 383 Application of Division  
• 384 Disposal of certain goods left behind  
• 386 What must a landlord do about goods which are left behind?  
• 387 What must a rooming house owner do about goods left behind?  
• 388 What must a caravan park owner etc. do about goods left behind?  
• 388A What must a site owner or Part 4A site agreement mortgagee do about goods left behind?  
• 389 Rightful owner may reclaim stored goods before sale  
• 390 What if a caravan owned by a resident is abandoned on site?  
• 390A What if a Part 4A dwelling owned by a site tenant is abandoned on site?  
• 391 Sale of stored goods  
• 392 Sale of stored goods by public auction to be advertised  
• 393 Entitlement to removal and storage costs  
• 394 Purchaser takes good title  

Division 4--Orders of Tribunal

• 395 What if proceeds of sale are not sufficient to cover costs?  
• 396 What if goods or documents are disposed of in contravention of this Part?  
• 397 What if goods or documents are wrongfully retained?  
• 398 What if goods or documents are damaged or lost?  
• 399 What if stored goods have been sold in accordance with this Part?  
• 399A Director may make application without consent—former rooming house residents  
• 400 What if personal documents are disposed of in accordance with section 381?  
• 401 What orders can the Tribunal make?  
• 402 Payment of compensation to owner who relies on Director's statement  
• 403 When is compensation payable out of the Residential Tenancies Fund?  

PART 10--BONDS AND THE RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES BOND AUTHORITY

Division 1--Interpretation

• 404 Definitions  

Division 2--Payment of bonds to Residential Tenancies Bond Authority

• 405 Bond lodgment form  
• 406 Duty to pay bond to Authority  
• 407 Receipt for bond  
• 408 Bond held on trust  
• 409 What if the landlord is late in lodging the bond?  
• 410 Payment of bond into Residential Bonds Account  
• 410A Payment of bond by cheque, Director of Housing voucher or money order  
• 410B Payment of substitute bond  

Division 3--Payment out of bonds

• 411 Payment out of bonds  
• 411A Payment out of certain Director of Housing bonds held on 30 June 2003  
• 411B Payment out of Director of Housing bonds generally  
• 411C Refund of amount of substitute bond  
• 412 Payment out by agreement  
• 413 Payment to Director of Housing  
• 413A Authority to notify Director of Housing on receipt of new amount of bond  
• 414 Application to Tribunal by landlord  
• 415 Determination of application  
• 416 Application to Tribunal by tenant or Director of Housing  
• 417 Application to Tribunal by landlord  
• 418 Application by landlord where rent unpaid  
• 419 Application by landlord on other grounds  
• 420 Determination by Tribunal  
• 420D Order by Tribunal if renter who is SDA resident is coerced etc.  
• 421 Bond paid by Director of Housing  
• 422 Unclaimed money  
• 423 Prohibition of claims  

Division 4--General provisions relating to bonds

• 424 Notice of assignment or transfer by landlord  
• 425 Notice of assignment or transfer by tenant  
• 426 Agent to produce authorisation on request  
• 427 Authority to record names  
• 428 Tenant must not use bond as rent  

Division 5--Residential Tenancies Bond Authority

• 429 Establishment of Authority  
• 430 Constitution of Authority  
• 431 Functions of Authority  
• 432 Powers of Authority  
• 433 Authority subject to Minister's general direction and control  
• 434 Delegation  

Division 6--Bond Accounts

• 435 Residential Bonds Account  
• 436 Residential Bonds Investment Income Account  
• 437 Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 438 Borrowing and investment powers of Authority  
• 439 Additional amounts  

PART 10A--RESIDENTIAL TENANCY DATABASES

• 439A Definitions  
• 439B Application  
• 439C Notice of usual use of database  
• 439D Notice of listing if database used  
• 439E Listing can be made only for particular breaches by particular persons  
• 439F Further restriction on listing  
• 439G Ensuring quality of listing—landlord's obligation  
• 439H Ensuring quality of listing—database operator's obligation  
• 439I Providing copy of personal information listed  
• 439J Notifying relevant non-parties of Tribunal order about listing  
• 439K Keeping personal information listed  
• 439L Application to Tribunal for removal or amendment of listing  
• 439M What can the Tribunal order?  

PART 11--FUNCTIONS OF TRIBUNAL

Division 2--Jurisdiction of Tribunal

• 446 Jurisdiction of Tribunal  
• 447 Limits of jurisdiction of Tribunal  
• 448 Proceedings of Tribunal not justiciable  

Division 3--Who may apply to Tribunal?

• 452 General applications to the Tribunal  

Division 4--Orders of Tribunal

• 472 General power of Tribunal to make determinations  
• 473 Powers of Tribunal where 2 or more tenancy agreements affect same premises  
• 479 Review of certain determinations and orders  
• 480 Offence to fail to comply with determination of Tribunal  

Division 6--Rent Special Account

• 485 Rent Special Account  

PART 12--ADMINISTRATION

Division 1--Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria

• 486 Functions of Director  
• 486B Further functions of Director in relation to SDA enrolled dwellings  
• 486C Referral of matter to another person or body  
• 487 Powers of Director  
• 488 Director subject to Minister's general direction and control  
• 489 Delegation by Director  
• 490 Reports of Director  

Division 2--Residential Tenancies Fund

• 491 Establishment of Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 492 Payments into the Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 493 Payments out of Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 494 Treasurer's powers and duties in relation to Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 495 Director may authorise payments for research etc.  
• 496 Loans to tenants and residents from Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 497 Loans to landlords etc. from Residential Tenancies Fund  
• 498 Recovery of loan money  
• 498A Director may authorise payment for certain legal costs  

PART 12A--SPECIALIST DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION

Division 1--Preliminary

• 498B Definitions  
• 498C When does Part not apply to occupation of SDA enrolled dwelling  

Division 2--Provision of information and notices

• 498D Information statement required to be given to SDA resident  
• 498DA Notice of revocation of registration or enrolment  
• 498E Explaining notices or information given to SDA residents under this Part  
• 498EA Explanation of Tribunal orders  

Division 3--SDA residency agreements

• 498F Agreement for provision of SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498G Working with SDA resident to establish an SDA residency agreement  
• 498H Copy of SDA residency agreement to be made available to SDA resident  
• 498I SDA residency agreements to be in standard form  
• 498J Content of SDA residency agreement  
• 498K Invalid terms  
• 498L Harsh and unconscionable terms  

Division 3A--Disclosures and representations prior to entering into SDA residency agreement

• 498LA Restriction on use of personal information provided by applicants for SDA enrolled dwellings  
• 498LB Information that SDA provider must disclose before entering SDA residency agreement  
• 498LC Misleading or deceptive conduct inducing a person to enter an SDA residency agreement  

Division 4--General rights, responsibilities and duties of SDA providers and SDA residents

• 498M Duties of SDA provider  
• 498N Duties of SDA resident  

Division 5--Repairs and maintenance

• 498O Application and definition  
• 498P Application to Tribunal for urgent repairs  
• 498Q Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent repairs  
• 498R Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs  
• 498S What can the Tribunal order?  

Division 6--Rights of entry

• 498T Purpose of Division  
• 498U Entry of SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498V Grounds for entry of SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498W Manner of entry  
• 498X What must be in a notice of entry?  
• 498Y SDA resident has duty to permit entry  
• 498Z What if damage is caused during entry  

Division 7--Rent

• 498ZA Rent  
• 498ZB Notice of increase in rent  
• 498ZC Limit on payment in advance  
• 498ZD Where and how is rent to be paid?  
• 498ZE Receipts for rent  
• 498ZF SDA resident's goods not to be taken for rent  
• 498ZG SDA resident may complain to Director about excessive rent  
• 498ZH Disputes relating to increase in rent  
• 498ZI What can the Tribunal order on an application relating to increase in rent  
• 498ZJ Tribunal must dismiss certain applications  
• 498ZK Payment of increased amount pending Tribunal decision  

Division 8--Other charges

• 498ZL Certain charges prohibited  
• 498ZM SDA provider's liability for various utility charges  
• 498ZN SDA provider must not seek overpayment for utility charge  

Division 9--Compensation and compliance

• 498ZO Definitions  
• 498ZP Breach of duty notice  
• 498ZQ Application for compensation or compliance order for breach of duty  
• 498ZR Matters to be considered by Tribunal  
• 498ZS Orders of Tribunal  
• 498ZT Compensation for unpaid rent  
• 498ZU What powers does a court have to award compensation?  
• 498ZV Notice of temporary relocation  

Division 10--Termination and notices to vacate

• 498ZW Termination of SDA residency agreement  
• 498ZWA Order of Tribunal that premises are abandoned  
• 498ZX Notice to vacate by SDA provider  
• 498ZY Effect of notice to vacate  
• 498ZZ What if 2 or more notices can be given?  
• 498ZZA Notice of intention to vacate by SDA resident  
• 498ZZB Withdrawal of notice  
• 498ZZC Application to the Tribunal for review of notice to vacate  
• 498ZZCA Notice by owner  
• 498ZZD Notice to vacate by mortgagee  

Division 11--Regaining possession--possession orders and warrants

• 498ZZE Application for possession order by SDA provider  
• 498ZZF Application for possession order by mortgagee  
• 498ZZG Hearing of application for possession order  
• 498ZZH Order of Tribunal  
• 498ZZHA What is reasonable and proportionate  
• 498ZZI Order to be dismissed or adjourned in certain circumstances  
• 498ZZJ Contents of possession order  
• 498ZZK Order not to be made in certain circumstances  
• 498ZZL Effect of possession order for SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498ZZM What must the possession order provide?  
• 498ZZN Notice to occupiers of SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498ZZO Effect of this Subdivision  
• 498ZZP Issue of warrant of possession  
• 498ZZQ Extension of time for warrant to be executed  
• 498ZZR Warrant of possession  
• 498ZZS Lapsing of possession order and lapsing or cancellation of warrant of possession  
• 498ZZT Execution of warrant  
• 498ZZU Postponement of issue of warrant in certain cases  
• 498ZZV Immediate issue of warrant if failure to pay rent during postponement  

Division 12--Goods left behind by SDA residents

• 498ZZW Application of this Division  
• 498ZZX Definitions  
• 498ZZY What happens if personal documents are left behind?  
• 498ZZZ Disposal of personal documents after 90 days  
• 498ZZZA Reclaiming personal documents before disposal  
• 498ZZZB Application of Subdivision  
• 498ZZZC Disposal of certain goods left behind  
• 498ZZZD What must an SDA enrolled dwelling owner do about goods left behind?  
• 498ZZZF When SDA enrolled dwelling owner may sell or dispose of stored goods  
• 498ZZZG Former SDA resident may request proceeds of sale of goods  
• 498ZZZI Purchaser takes good title  
• 498ZZZJ What if goods or documents are disposed of in contravention of this Division?  
• 498ZZZK What if goods or documents are wrongfully retained?  
• 498ZZZL What if goods or documents are damaged or lost?  
• 498ZZZM What if an SDA enrolled dwelling owner refuses to store goods for more than 14 days?  
• 498ZZZN What orders can the Tribunal make?  

Division 13--Offences

• 498ZZZO Offence relating to entering SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498ZZZP Offence to obtain possession etc. of SDA enrolled dwelling  
• 498ZZZPA Prohibition on letting premises used for SDA enrolled dwelling after notice  
• 498ZZZQ Offence to make false or fraudulent representation—SDA residency agreement  
• 498ZZZR Offence to persuade person not to exercise rights or take proceedings  
• 498ZZZS Offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure commission of an offence  
• 498ZZZT Certain penalties prohibited  

PART 13--GENERAL

Division 1--Offences

• 499 Confidentiality  
• 501 Offence to make false representation—tenancy agreement or residency right  
• 502 Offence to persuade person not to exercise rights or take proceedings  
• 503 Offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure commission of offence  
• 504 Offence to give false information  
• 505 Certain penalties prohibited  
• 505A Offences with respect to formal affiliation of premises with school or institution  
• 505B Offence not to display notice about affiliation of premises with school or institution  

Division 1A--Disclosure, use and transfer of information

• 505C Disclosure, use and transfer of information  

Division 2--Evidence and legal proceedings

• 506 Service of documents  
• 507 Onus of proof that Act does not apply  
• 507A Application of provisions of Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012  
• 508 Proceedings for offences  
• 508A Extended period to prosecute certain offences  
• 509 Jurisdiction of Supreme Court, County Court and Magistrates' Court  
• 510 Application to Supreme Court, County Court or Magistrates' Court  
• 510A Parties to Tribunal proceedings  

Division 2A--Infringement notices

• 510B Definitions  
• 510C Power to serve a notice  

Division 3--Regulations

• 511 Regulations  

PART 14--REGULATION OF CARAVAN PARKS AND MOVABLE DWELLINGS

Division 1--Application

• 512 Application of this Part  
• 513 Minister may exempt caravan park from compliance with this Part  

Division 2--Regulation of caravan parks and movable dwellings

• 514 Standards regulations  
• 515 Registration regulations  
• 515A Fire safety and emergency management regulations  
• 516 Additional powers  

Division 3--Application of building and planning laws

• 517 Building provisions  
• 518 Planning provisions  

Division 3A--Fire safety and emergency management procedures

• 518A Definitions  
• 518B Provision of fire fighting equipment  
• 518C Space around movable dwellings and adjacent structures  
• 518D Emergency management plan and emergency procedures  
• 518E Public emergency warnings  
• 518F Council may issue notice  

Division 4--Applications and appeals

• 519 Application by caravan park owner for exemption  
• 520 Referral of disputes by caravan park owners  
• 521 Appeals  

Division 5--Enforcement

• 522 Compliance notice  
• 523 Closure order  
• 524 Delegations  
• 525 Authorised persons  
• 526 Powers of entry and inspection  
• 526A Report of inspection  
• 527 Proceedings for offences against this Part or the regulations  

PART 15--TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

• 528 Definition of 2005 Act  
• 529 Number of occupants of room frozen at Royal Assent  
• 530 Rights of existing residents  
• 531 Notice to existing residents  
• 532 Transitional provisions  
• 533 Transitional provision—Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2019—pets  

Division 5B--of Part 2 as inserted by the Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2019 does not apply to a tenancy agreement in existence before the commencement of that Division, unless the tenant, on or after that commencement, introduces or wishes to keep a pet at the rented premises.

Division 1--Preliminary

• 534 Purpose and effect of Part  
• 535 When does this Part have effect?  
• 536 Definitions  
• 537 When is a person unable to comply with a term, provision or obligation because of a COVID-19 reason?  
• 538 What is reasonable and proportionate?  

Division 2--Tenancy agreements

• 539 Suspension of rent increases—tenancy agreements  
• 540 Reduction in rent and payment plans—tenancy agreements  
• 541 Landlord must allow payment of rent by Centrepay  
• 542 No breach of duty or term if COVID-19 reason—tenancy agreement  
• 543 Reduction in fixed term tenancy agreement  
• 544 No notices to vacate—tenancy agreements  
• 545 When a tenant can give notice of intention to vacate—tenancy agreements  
• 546 Tenants not liable for compensation or lease break fees, charges etc  
• 547 Terminations—tenancy agreements  
• 548 Application to Tribunal for order to terminate  
• 549 Tribunal may terminate tenancy agreement in certain circumstances  
• 550 When can a landlord or mortgagee apply for a possession order?  
• 551 Tribunal may make possession order—tenancy agreements  

Division 3--Residency rights in rooming houses

• 552 Suspension of rent increases—rooming houses  
• 553 Reduction in rent and payment plans—rooming houses  
• 554 Rooming house owner must allow payment of rent by Centrepay  
• 555 No breach of duty or term if COVID-19 reason—rooming houses  
• 556 No notices to vacate—rooming houses  
• 557 Terminations—residency rights in rooming houses  
• 558 Application to Tribunal for order to end residency right in respect of a room  
• 559 Tribunal may end residency right in rooming houses in certain circumstances  
• 560 When can a rooming house owner or rooming house mortgagee apply for a possession order?  
• 561 Tribunal may make possession order—rooming houses  

Division 4--Residency rights in caravan parks

• 562 Suspension of rent or hiring charge increases—caravan parks  
• 563 Reduction in rent or hiring charge and payment plans—caravan parks  
• 564 Caravan park owners and caravan owners must allow payment of rent or hiring charge by Centrepay  
• 565 No breach of duty or term if COVID-19 reason—caravan parks  
• 566 No notices to vacate—caravan parks  
• 567 Terminations—residency rights in caravan parks  
• 568 Application to Tribunal for order to end residency right in respect of a caravan park  
• 569 Tribunal may end residency right in caravan parks in certain circumstances  
• 570 When can a caravan park owner, caravan owner, caravan park mortgagee or caravan mortgagee apply for a possession order?  
• 571 Tribunal may make possession order—caravan parks  

Division 5--Site agreements

• 572 Suspension of rent increases—Part 4A parks  
• 573 Reduction in rent and payment plans—site agreements  
• 574 Site owners must allow payment of rent by Centrepay  
• 575 No breach of duty or term if COVID-19 reason—site agreements  
• 576 Reduction in fixed term site agreement  
• 577 No notices to vacate—Part 4A parks  
• 578 When a site tenant can give notice of intention to vacate—site agreements  
• 579 Site tenants not liable for compensation or lease break fees, charges etc  
• 580 Terminations—site agreements in Part 4A parks  
• 581 Application to Tribunal for order to terminate site agreement  
• 582 Tribunal may terminate site agreements in Part 4A parks in certain circumstances  
• 583 When can a site owner or mortgagee apply for a possession order?  
• 584 Tribunal may make possession order—Part 4A parks  

Division 6--SDA residency agreements

• 585 Suspension of rent increases—SDA residency agreements  
• 586 Reduction in rent and payment plans—SDA residency agreements  
• 587 SDA provider must allow payment of rent by Centrepay  
• 588 No breach of duty or term if COVID-19 reason—SDA residency agreements  
• 589 No notices to vacate—SDA residency agreements  
• 590 Terminations—SDA residency agreements  
• 591 Notice of temporary relocation  
• 592 Application to Tribunal for order to terminate SDA residency agreement  
• 593 Tribunal may terminate SDA residency agreements in certain circumstances  
• 594 When can an SDA provider or mortgagee apply for a possession order?  
• 595 Tribunal may make possession order—SDA residency agreements  

Division 7--Residential tenancies databases

• 596 Listing cannot be made in relation to certain breaches  

Division 7A--Further matters to be considered by Tribunal

• 596A Further matters to be considered by Tribunal  

Division 8--Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Scheme

• 597 Definitions  
• 598 Chief dispute resolution officer  
• 600 Delegation  
• 601 Protection against liability  
• 602 Jurisdiction of Supreme Court  
• 603 Regulations may prescribe a Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Scheme  
• 604 Regulations may prescribe functions of chief dispute resolution officer and matters relating to eligible disputes  
• 605 Regulations may empower chief dispute resolution officer to make orders, etc.  
• 606 Effect of Regulations  
• 607 Certain consultation requirements under Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 disapplied  
• 607A Minister to consult  
• 607B Regulations are disallowable by either House of Parliament  

Division 9--Regulations under the Act

• 608 Definitions  
• 609 Regulations may make provision for certain matters for the purposes of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic  
• 610 Effect of Regulations  
• 611 Certain consultation requirements under Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 disapplied  
• 611A Minister to consult  
• 611B Regulations are disallowable by either House of Parliament  

Division 10--Transitional provisions

• 612 Transitional provision—applications to the Tribunal  
• 613 Transitional provision—possession orders  
• 614 Transitional provision—notices to vacate  

Division 11--Repeal of Part

• 615 Repeal of Part  
• 616 Order to extend operation of Part beyond 28 March 2021  
• SCHEDULE 1
• SCHEDULE 2
ENDNOTES