Part 2—Residential tenancies—residential rental agreements

Division 1—General requirements for residential rental agreements

26 Residential rental agreements to be in standard form

(1) If a residential rental agreement for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years is in writing, it must be in the prescribed standard form for a fixed term residential rental agreement of no more than 5 years.

(1A) A residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years—

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) must be in the prescribed standard form for a fixed term residential rental agreement of more than 5 years unless it is in the form referred to in subsection (1).

(1B) If a periodic residential rental agreement is in writing it must be in the prescribed standard form for a periodic residential rental agreement.

(2) A residential rental provider or renter must not prepare or authorise the preparation of a residential rental agreement for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years in writing in a form that is not in the prescribed standard form.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2A) A residential rental provider or renter must not prepare or authorise the preparation of a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years if the agreement is not either—

(a) in the standard form for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years; or

(b) in the standard form for a fixed term of more than 5 years.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(3) A failure to comply with this section does not make the residential rental agreement illegal, invalid or unenforceable.

Notes1. Section 27C provides that terms about cleaning and safety-related repairs and related obligations may be included in a residential rental agreement in the standard form.2. In the case of a residential rental provider who is an SDA provider providing an SDA enrolled dwelling to an SDA resident, see Division 2 of Part 12A.

26A Offence to include prohibited term in residential rental agreement

(1) A residential rental provider or renter must not prepare or authorise the preparation of a residential rental agreement that contains—

(a) a prescribed prohibited term for a residential rental agreement; or (b) a term referred to in section 27B.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If a residential rental agreement contains a prohibited term, that term is void and unenforceable.

27 Invalid terms

(1) A term of a residential rental agreement that is additional to the terms contained in the standard form is invalid if—

(a) it purports to exclude, restrict or modify, or purports to have the effect of excluding, restricting or modifying—

(i) the application to that residential rental agreement of all or any of the provisions of this Act; or (ii) the exercise of a right conferred by this Act; or

(b) it is a prohibited term or a term that this Act provides must not be included in a residential rental agreement.

NoteSection 27A provides for terms that are additional to the terms contained in the standard form.

(2) A term referred to in subsection (1) includes a term that is not set out in the residential rental agreement but is incorporated in it by another term of the residential rental agreement.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a term of a standard form for a fixed term of more than 5 years that is inconsistent with, or varies the requirements of, this Part.

* * * * *

NoteThe Tribunal may declare under sections 28 and 472 that a term of a residential rental agreement is invalid.

27A Additional terms in fixed term residential rental agreements

(1AA) A residential rental agreement for a fixed term of not more than 5 years that is in the standard form may include a term agreed by the parties which is additional to the terms contained in the standard form.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years may include a term agreed to by the parties to the agreement that is additional to the terms contained in the standard form for that agreement.

(2) A person must not include an additional term in a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years if the additional term—

(a) excludes, restricts or modifies a provision of the standard form for that agreement; or (b) purports to exclude, restrict or modify a provision of the standard form tenancy agreement for that agreement.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

27B Prohibited terms—general

(1) A residential rental agreement must not include any of the following terms—

(a) a term that requires the renter to take out any form of insurance; (b) a term that exempts the residential rental provider from liability for an act of—

(i) the residential rental provider or that person's agent; or (ii) a person acting on behalf of the residential rental provider or that person's agent;

(c) a term that provides that if the renter contravenes the residential rental agreement, the renter is liable to pay—

(i) all or part of the remaining rent under the residential rental agreement; or (ii) increased rent; or (iii) a penalty; or (iv) liquidated damages;

(d) a term that requires all or part of the rented premises to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, unless that term is contained in the standard form; (e) a term that requires the renter to pay the cost of having all or part of the rented premises professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, unless that term is contained in the standard form; (f) a term that provides that, if the renter does not contravene the residential rental agreement—

(i) the rent is reduced; or (ii) the rent may be reduced; or (iii) the renter is to be paid a rebate or other benefit; or (iv) the renter may be paid a rebate or other benefit;

(g) any other prescribed prohibited term.

(2) A term in a written residential rental agreement or any other agreement must not include a term that requires a party to a written residential rental agreement to bear any fees, costs or charges incurred by the other party in connection with the preparation of the residential rental agreement.

NoteSection 27 provides that terms which must not be included in a residential rental agreement are invalid.

27C Prescribed terms—professional cleaning, maintenance and related obligations

(1) A residential rental agreement in the standard form may include—

(a) a prescribed term providing for all or part of the rented premises to be professionally cleaned if, during the term of the residential rental agreement, professional cleaning becomes required to restore the premises to the condition they were in immediately before the start of the tenancy, taking into account fair wear and tear; and (b) a prescribed term providing for the renter to pay the cost of having all or part of the rented premises professionally cleaned if, during the term of the residential rental agreement, professional cleaning becomes required to restore the premises to the condition they were in immediately before the start of the tenancy, taking into account fair wear and tear.

NoteSection 63A provides for the safety-related duties of a renter.

28 Harsh and unconscionable terms

(1) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring invalid or varying a term of the residential rental agreement.

(2) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal may by order declare invalid or vary a term of the residential rental agreement if it is satisfied that the term is harsh or unconscionable or is such that a court exercising its equitable jurisdiction would grant relief. (3) An order under this section has effect according to its terms.

29 Copy of agreement to be made available to renter

(1) A residential rental provider must not give a renter—

(a) a proposed residential rental agreement; or

(b) any other document which contains terms that are proposed to form part of the residential rental agreement—

to sign unless the residential rental provider has given the renter a copy of that proposed agreement or other document for the renter's own use.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If a residential rental agreement or any terms of it are in writing signed by the renter, the residential rental provider must give the renter a copy of the agreement or those terms signed by the renter and the residential rental provider within 14 days after the agreement is entered into or the terms are agreed.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

NoteIn the case of a residential rental provider who is an SDA provider providing an SDA enrolled dwelling to an SDA resident, see Division 2 of Part 12A.

29A Residential rental agreement signed by the renter but not by the residential rental provider

(1) Without limiting section 26(3), if a renter has signed a residential rental agreement and given it to the residential rental provider or that person's agent and the residential rental provider has not signed it, the residential rental agreement has the same effect as if it were signed by the residential rental provider if the residential rental provider or that person's agent—

(a) accepts rent without reservation; or (b) otherwise acted in part performance of the residential rental agreement.

(2) A residential rental agreement has effect under subsection (1) from—

(a) the day on which the rent was accepted, if the residential rental provider or that person's agent has accepted rent without reservation; or (b) if the residential rental provider or that person's agent has otherwise acted in part performance of the residential rental agreement, the day on which the act was performed.

(3) Section 53 of the Property Law Act 1958 does not prevent a residential rental agreement from having effect under this section.

29B Application to Tribunal to order preparation of residential rental agreement

(1) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring a residential rental provider to prepare and enter into a written residential rental agreement. (2) The Tribunal may make an order requiring a residential rental provider to prepare and enter into a written residential rental agreement if the Tribunal is satisfied that—

(a) the residential rental provider and renter are subject to an existing residential rental agreement that is not in writing or that is only partly in writing; and (b) the renter is continuing in occupation of the rented premises after a previous fixed term residential rental agreement has ended.

(3) The order may specify—

(a) the terms of the residential rental agreement; and (b) a commencement date for the residential rental agreement which may be a date that is before the date the order was made.

Division 1A—Discrimination in relation to residential rental agreements

29C Residential rental agreement application forms must include prescribed information

A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not provide a person with an application form to apply to enter into a residential rental agreement unless the application form includes a statement that contains the prescribed information.

30 Renters with children

(1) A person must not—

(a) refuse to let rented premises; or (b) instruct or permit that person's agent to refuse to let rented premises—

to another person under a residential rental agreement on the ground that the other person intends to live on the premises with a child.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) This section does not apply to—

(a) premises proposed to be let by a public statutory authority or body corporate for which the authority or body receives financial assistance for the provision of housing for lone persons or childless couples under an Act or an Act of the Commonwealth; or (b) premises that are the principal place of residence of the person refusing or instructing or permitting that person's agent to refuse to let the premises to a person intending to live with a child; or (c) premises that by reason of their design or location are unsuitable or inappropriate for occupation by a child.

(3) Subject to subsection (3A), a person who claims that premises are not, by reason of their design or location, unsuitable or inappropriate for occupation by a child may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring whether or not the premises are unsuitable or inappropriate for occupation by a child.

(3A) A person must not apply to the Tribunal under subsection (3) if the person has brought a dispute under Part 8 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 in respect of a claim or facts which could form the basis of an application under subsection (3). (4) In this section child means a child under 16 years of age.

30A Residential rental provider must not unlawfully discriminate against another person by refusing to let rented premises

(1) A residential rental provider must not contravene section 52 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 by refusing to let rented premises to a person on the basis of an attribute set out in section 6 of that Act. (2) A residential rental provider must not instruct or permit that person's agent to refuse to let rented premises to a person on the basis of an attribute set out in section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. (3) It is not a contravention of this section for an entity specified in subsection (4)—

(a) to refuse to let rented premises; or (b) to carry out any other function referred to in that subsection.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the following are specified entities—

(a) Homes Victoria or its agent; (b) a registered agency or the registered agency's agent; (c) an authorised person (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Housing Act 1983) who provides rented premises for a purpose referred to in section 142A(2)(a) of that Act; (d) a person who provides rented premises in accordance with a determination made under section 142E of the Housing Act 1983;

(da) an entity that provides rented premises as affordable housing in accordance with the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs; (e) a person who provides rented premises as affordable housing within the meaning of section 3AA of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

(5) If Homes Victoria makes a determination under section 142E(1) of the Housing Act 1983 that relates to an attribute of a person referred to in section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, that determination is not a contravention of this section.

(6) If Homes Victoria makes a VAHP determination that relates to an attribute of a person referred to in section 6 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, that VAHP determination is not a contravention of this section.

NoteSection 210AA provides that a person may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if the person has suffered loss as a result of discrimination by the residential rental provider or that person's agent in contravention of this Division.

Division 1B—Disclosures and representations prior to entering into residential rental agreements

30B Restriction on use of personal information provided by prospective renters

A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not use personal information disclosed by a person on an application form used to apply to enter into a residential rental agreement unless the use is for—

(a) assessing the person's suitability as a renter; or (b) any other requirement of this Act.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

30C Residential rental provider must not request prescribed information from applicants

(1) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not request a person who applies to enter into a residential rental agreement to disclose the prescribed information.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) Nothing in this section prevents a residential rental provider which is an entity specified in subsection (3) from requesting a renter or an applicant for affordable housing or social housing to provide any statement from an ADI containing daily transactions that only includes credit transactions or that excludes debit transactions for—

(a) the renter's or the applicant's account; or (b) an account of any other adult member of the renter's or the applicant's household.

ExampleA redacted statement.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the following are specified entities—

(a) Homes Victoria or its agent; (b) a registered agency or the registered agency's agent; (c) an authorised person (within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Housing Act 1983) who provides rented premises for a purpose referred to in section 142A(2)(a) of that Act; (d) a person who provides rented premises in accordance with a determination made under section 142E of the Housing Act 1983; (e) a person who provides rented premises as affordable housing within the meaning of section 3AA of the Planning and Environment Act 1987; (f) a residential rental provider of rented premises which are subject to a current allocation under the National Rental Affordability Scheme; (g) an entity that provides rented premises as affordable housing in accordance with the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs.

(4) Despite subsection (2), a renter or an applicant may provide a statement from an ADI that is not redacted and includes credit transactions and debit transactions for an account referred to in subsection (2)(a) or (b).

30D Information that residential rental providers must disclose before entering residential rental agreement

Before entering into a residential rental agreement, a residential rental provider must disclose the following information to the renter—

(a) if the residential rental provider has engaged an agent to sell the rented premises or prepared a contract of sale, that there is a proposal to sell the rented premises; (b) if a mortgagee has commenced a proceeding to enforce a mortgage over the rented premises, that a mortgagee is taking action for possession of the rented premises; (c) if the residential rental provider is not the owner of the rented premises, that the residential rental provider has a right to let the rented premises; (d) if the rented premises are supplied with electricity from an embedded electricity network, the prescribed details of the embedded electricity network; (e) any other prescribed information in relation to the rented premises.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

30E Misleading or deceptive conduct inducing a person to enter a residential rental agreement

(1) This section applies to—

(a) a residential rental provider who is not acting in trade or commerce in entering into a residential rental agreement; and (b) the agent of a residential rental provider referred to in paragraph (a) who is not acting in trade or commerce.

(2) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not induce a person to enter into a residential rental agreement by engaging in conduct that is misleading or deceptive, or that is likely to mislead or deceive. (3) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not induce a person to enter into a residential rental agreement by making a false or misleading representation concerning any of the following—

(a) the residential rental provider's interest in the land; (b) the rent payable under the agreement; (c) the location of the premises to be let under the agreement; (d) the characteristics of the premises to be let under the agreement; (e) the use to which the premises to be let under the agreement are capable of being put or may lawfully be put; (f) the existence or availability of facilities associated with the premises to let under the agreement.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(4) This section does not limit the operation of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).

NoteSection 472(1A) provides for orders that the Tribunal may make on an application or in proceedings in respect of a contravention of this section.

Division 1C—Rental auctions prohibited

30F Rented premises must be offered for rent at a fixed amount

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a residential rental provider or that person's agent must not advertise or otherwise offer premises unless the rent under the residential rental agreement is advertised or offered as a fixed amount.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person; 300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) A person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if the person places a sign at or near premises for rent—

(a) that advertises or offers premises for rent; and (b) that does not state an amount of rent for premises.

(3) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not solicit or otherwise invite an offer of an amount of rent that is higher than the advertised amount of rent for the rented premises.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

30G Residential rental provider or that person's agent must not engage in false or misleading advertising of rent for rental premises

(1) This section applies to—

(a) a residential rental provider who is not acting in trade or commerce in entering into a residential rental agreement; and (b) the agent of a residential rental provider referred to in paragraph (a) who is not acting in trade or commerce.

(2) A residential rental provider or that person's agent who promotes or advertises rented premises must not make a false or misleading representation in relation to the rent for the premises.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(3) This section does not limit the operation of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).

Division 2—Bonds

31 What is the maximum bond?

(1) Subject to this Act, a person must not demand or accept in relation to a residential rental agreement a bond the total of which exceeds—

(a) the amount of rent payable under the residential rental agreement for one month, unless an order is in force under section 33; or (b) the maximum amount of the bond determined under an order in force under section 33.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

* * * * *

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a residential rental agreement if the weekly amount of rent payable under the agreement exceeds the prescribed amount.

32 Application to increase maximum amount of bond

A residential rental provider who wishes to demand a bond in relation to a residential rental agreement or proposed residential rental agreement which exceeds the limit set under section 31 may apply to the Tribunal for an order determining the maximum amount of the bond.

33 Tribunal may determine maximum bond

On an application under section 32, the Tribunal may make an order determining the maximum amount of bond payable if it considers that it is reasonable to increase the bond having regard to—

(a) the character, condition or quality of the goods, furniture or fittings let or provided under the residential rental agreement or proposed residential rental agreement; and (b) the character and condition of the rented premises.

34 Not more than 1 bond is payable in respect of continuous occupation

(1) A person must not demand or accept a bond for a subsequent residential rental agreement under which a renter continues in occupation of rented premises if that renter—

(a) has paid a bond for the initial residential rental agreement under which the amount of rent payable for one week does not exceed the amount prescribed for the purposes of section 31; and

(b) continues in occupation of those premises under the subsequent residential rental agreement.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) An additional bond may be paid in the prescribed manner.

(3) This section does not apply to—

(a) a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years in the form referred to in section 26(1A)(b); or (b) an additional bond payable in respect of a renter's obligation to restore any modification the renter has made to the rented premises under section 64.

34A Additional amount of bond proportionate with rent increase

(1) This section applies to a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years in the standard form residential rental agreement referred to in section 26(1A)(b)(ii).

(2) The residential rental provider may require the renter to pay an additional amount of bond, if—

(a) the residential rental provider has given 120 days written notice in a form approved by the Director to the renter requiring an additional payment of bond; and

(b) the additional payment of bond is required by the residential rental provider after the expiry of a period of 5 years of continuous occupation by the renter; and

(c) the fixed term of the residential rental agreement—

(i) is extended by a period of at least 5 years from the expiry of the first fixed term; or (ii) has an unexpired period of 5 years or more; or

(iii) commences after a periodic residential rental agreement; or

(iv) commences after the expiry of a fixed term residential rental agreement, whether in the form prescribed for the purposes of section 26(1) or 26(1A)(b)(ii).

(3) An additional amount of bond under subsection (2) is an amount determined by—

(a) calculating a total amount of bond for the next 5 year period of the residential rental agreement by using the rent payable at the commencement of the next 5 year period of the residential rental agreement as a basis for that bond's calculation; and (b) subtracting the total amount of bond currently lodged with the Authority from the total amount of bond calculated under paragraph (a).

ExampleFor the first 5 year period of a residential rental agreement, the rent payable is $400 per week. The bond is 4 weeks rent, or $1600. For the next 5 year period of the residential rental agreement, occurring immediately after the first period, the rent payable is increased to $520 per week. The bond amount calculated by 4 weeks rent at the new amount of rent payable ($520 per week) is $2080. If a term referred to in this section is included in the residential rental agreement, the residential rental provider would be permitted to require the renter to pay an additional amount of bond for $480. This amount is proportionate to the increase in rent payable under the residential rental agreement.

(4) The additional amount of bond referred to in subsection (3) must be paid by the renter on or before the end of the period of notice referred to in subsection (2)(a).

(5) The residential rental provider must not require an additional amount of bond more than once in any 5 year period of a residential rental agreement to which this section applies.

34B Renter may apply to VCAT to vary additional amount of bond

(1) If a residential rental provider requires an additional amount of bond under section 34A, the renter may apply to VCAT—

(a) to vary any term in the residential rental agreement that permits the residential rental provider to require an additional amount of bond; or (b) to vary the amount of additional amount of bond to be paid.

(2) VCAT may make any order that VCAT considers appropriate if satisfied that not making an order would result in severe hardship for the renter. (3) In making an order under subsection (2), VCAT is to have regard to—

(a) whether the residential rental provider or renter are otherwise in breach of any term of the residential rental agreement or this Act; and

(b) the financial circumstances of the renter and the residential rental provider; and (c) the condition of the rented premises; and (d) any other matter VCAT considers to be relevant to the making of the order.

35 Condition report

(1) Before a renter enters into occupation of rented premises, a residential rental provider must give the renter 2 copies of a condition report signed by or on behalf of the residential rental provider specifying the state of repair and general condition of the premises on the day specified in the report.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), a residential rental provider is deemed to give 2 copies of a condition report to the renter if the residential rental provider gives the renter an electronic copy of the condition report.

(1B) A condition report must be in the prescribed form.

NoteSection 506(1)(da) provides that a document to be served on or given to a person under this Act may be served or given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

(2) Within 5 business days after entering into occupation of the rented premises, the renter must return one copy of the condition report to the residential rental provider—

(a) signed by or on behalf of the renter; or

(b) with an endorsement so signed to the effect that the renter agrees or disagrees with the whole or any specified part of the report.

(3) A renter who is not given a condition report within the period referred to in subsection (1) may complete a condition report and give it to the residential rental provider, or that person's agent, during the period between inspecting the rented premises and 5 business days after entering into occupation of the rented premises.

(4) A copy of the condition report that is completed under subsection (1) or (3) is to be retained by the residential rental provider and the renter.

(5) Within 10 days after the end of a residential rental agreement, the residential rental provider, or that person's agent, must complete the copy of the condition report retained by the residential rental provider or the renter under this section—

(a) in the presence of the other party; or (b) in the absence of the other party, if the party has given the absent other party a reasonable opportunity to be present when the condition report is completed.

35A Residential rental provider or renter may apply to Tribunal to amend inaccurate or incomplete condition report

(1) Within 30 days after a residential rental agreement has commenced, the residential rental provider or renter may apply to the Tribunal to amend a statement in a condition report on the basis that the statement is inaccurate or incomplete. (2) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal may order—

(a) that the condition report is to be amended in the manner specified in the order; or (b) that the condition report is not required to be amended.

(3) This section does not limit the operation of sections 18, 29, 30, 151 and 152 of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).

36 Condition report is evidence of state of repair

(1) A statement in a condition report under section 35 is conclusive evidence, for the purposes of this Act, of the state of repair or general condition of the rented premises on the day specified in the report if the condition report is signed by or on behalf of the residential rental provider and the renter.

(1A) A condition report that is given to a residential rental provider is taken to be notice given to the residential rental provider of any defects or outstanding repairs stated in the report. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) a state of repair or general condition that could not reasonably have been discovered on a reasonable inspection of the premises; or

(b) any statement in the report about which the renter records a written comment disagreeing with that statement on the copy of the report completed by the renter; or

(c) a statement that the residential rental provider has disagreed with in writing on the condition report, if the report was completed by the renter before it was completed by the residential rental provider.

37 Certain guarantees prohibited

(1) A person must not demand or require a renter to obtain a guarantee for the performance of any of the renter's duties in relation to the residential rental agreement if the renter has paid or is required to pay a bond under a residential rental agreement.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) This section does not apply to a residential rental agreement referred to in section 31(3). (3) A guarantee obtained in contravention of this section is invalid and unenforceable.

38 Maximum amount of certain guarantees

(1) If a renter—

(a) has not paid a bond or has not been required to pay a bond; and

(b) has obtained a guarantee in relation to a residential rental agreement—

the guarantee is unenforceable against the guarantor to the extent to which the amount guaranteed exceeds the amount of rent payable under the residential rental agreement for 1 month.

(2) This section does not apply to a residential rental agreement referred to in section 31(3).

Division 3—Rents

39 Accrual of rent

For the purposes of this Act, rent under a residential rental agreement accrues from day to day and, subject to section 91ZH, is recoverable or refundable on that basis.

40 Limit on rent in advance

(1) A residential rental provider must not require a renter to pay rent under a residential rental agreement more than 1 month in advance.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the amount of rent payable for each week under the residential rental agreement exceeds the amount of rent prescribed for the purposes of section 31.

41 Rent in advance under weekly residential rental agreement

Despite section 40, a residential rental provider must not require a renter to pay rent under a residential rental agreement more than 2 weeks in advance if the period in respect of which rent is payable under that agreement is not more than 1 week.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

42 Where and how is rent to be paid?

(1) The rent under a residential rental agreement is payable—

(a) if a place for payment of rent is specified in the agreement, at that place; or (b) if no place is specified in the agreement, at the rented premises.

(2) Subject to this section, the rent under a residential rental agreement is payable in the manner (if any) specified in the agreement.

(3) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not require a renter to pay rent by a cheque or other negotiable instrument that is post-dated.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(4) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must ensure that a rent payment method that incurs no additional costs (other than bank fees or account fees payable on the renter's bank account) is reasonably available to the renter.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(5) Without limiting how rent is paid, a residential rental provider or that person's agent must permit the renter to pay the rent by the following payment methods—

(a) the bill paying service known as Centrepay administered by the Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth; (b) any prescribed payment method.

(5A) Subsection (5) does not apply to Homes Victoria or Homes Victoria's agent.

(6) Without limiting subsection (5), the residential rental provider and the renter, by agreement, may change the manner in which rent is payable under the residential rental agreement.

(7) The residential rental provider or that person's agent must give the renter information about any costs (including third party transaction fees, direct debit dishonour fees and any other electronic payment facility fees) that the renter may incur by using a particular payment method before the renter consents to use the payment method.

43 Receipts for rent

(1) A person who receives a payment of rent from a renter must give a written receipt in accordance with this section to the person making the payment—

(a) immediately, if the payment is made in person; or (b) if the payment is not made in person and a receipt is requested at the time of making the payment, within 5 business days of receiving the payment.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2) If a person receives a payment of rent from a renter and a written receipt is not required to be given under subsection (1), the person must keep a record of the payment of rent until the earlier of—

(a) the end of 12 months after receiving the payment; or

(b) if a renter requests a copy of the record before the end of 12 months after making the payment, the provision of a copy of the record to the renter.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2A) If a renter requests a copy of a record under subsection (2)(b) before the end of 12 months after making the payment of rent, a person who keeps a record under subsection (2) must provide a copy of that record to the renter within 5 business days after receiving the request.

Penalty: 25 penalty units.

(2B) For the purposes of subsection (2), a record must contain information which enables the details specified in paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (3) to be identified. (3) A receipt under this section must be signed by the person who receives the payment and must state—

(a) the name of the renter and the rented premises; and (b) the date of receipt; and (c) the period for which payment is made; and (d) the amount paid; and (e) the fact that the payment is for rent.

(4) The regulations may provide that a prescribed person is exempt from subsection (1), (2) or (3) subject to the conditions, if any, specified in the regulations.

44 Rent increases

(1) A residential rental provider must give a renter at least 60 days notice in the prescribed form of a proposed rent increase. (2) A notice of a proposed rent increase under subsection (1) may only provide for one rent increase.

(3) The notice of a proposed rent increase must include—

(a) the amount of the rent increase; and (b) the method by which the rent increase was calculated; and (c) a statement informing the renter of the renter's right under section 45 to apply within 30 days after the notice is given to the Director to investigate and report on the proposed rent.

(4) A residential rental provider under a fixed term residential rental agreement must not increase the rent before the term ends unless the agreement—

(a) provides for a rent increase within the fixed term of a specified amount and the increase is not more than that amount; or (b) specifies the method by which a rent increase within the fixed term is to be calculated and the increase is not more than an amount calculated using the specified method.

(4A) A residential rental provider must not increase the rent payable under a residential rental agreement at intervals of less than 12 months.

(4B) For the purposes of this section, rent is not increased merely because—

(a) a rental rebate is applied, adjusted or cancelled under a residential rental agreement where the residential rental provider is Homes Victoria, a registered agency or a provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs; and (b) the application, adjustment or cancellation of that rental rebate caused an increase in the amount payable by the renter under that residential rental agreement.

(5) A rent increase in contravention of this section is invalid.

45 Renter may complain to Director about excessive rent

(1) A renter may apply to the Director to investigate and report if the renter—

(a) considers that the rent under a residential rental agreement is excessive having regard to the fact that the residential rental provider has reduced or withdrawn services, facilities or other items provided with the rented premises; or

(b) has received a notice of a rent increase and the renter considers that the proposed rent is excessive.

(2) An application under subsection (1)(b) must be made in writing within 30 days after the notice of the rent increase is given. (3) As soon as practicable after receiving an application, the Director must—

(a) carry out an investigation; and

(b) give a written report to the renter and a copy of the report to the residential rental provider.

(4) The report of the Director must—

(a) include a statement informing the renter of the renter's right under section 46 to apply to the Tribunal for an order in respect of the proposed rent; and (b) take into account the matters referred to in section 47(3).

46 Application to Tribunal about excessive rent

(1) After receiving a report from the Director under section 45, the renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring the rent or proposed rent excessive. (2) An application under subsection (1) must—

(a) be made within 30 days after the renter receives the Director's report;

* * * * *

(3) If a renter has received a notice of a rent increase and the renter considers that the proposed rent is excessive, the renter may, with the leave of the Tribunal, apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring the proposed rent excessive without receiving a report from the Director under section 45. (4) An application under subsection (3) may only be made after the end of 30 days after the notice of the rent increase is given.

(5) The Tribunal may grant leave under subsection (3) if it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the renter's failure to request the Director to investigate and report under section 45.

47 What can the Tribunal order?

(1) If an application is made under section 46, the Tribunal may—

(a) make an order—

(i) declaring the rent or proposed rent excessive; and (ii) directing that for the period specified in the order the rent must not exceed the amount specified in the order; or

(b) dismiss the application.

(2) If the Director's report has been obtained under section 45, the Tribunal must have regard to that report in determining the application.

(3) The Tribunal must make an order declaring the rent or proposed rent excessive if it is satisfied that the rent or proposed rent is more than that which should reasonably be paid by a renter having regard to—

(a) the rent payable for comparable rented premises let under a residential rental agreement by a residential rental provider, other than a public statutory authority, in the same locality; (b) the state of repair and general condition of the rented premises; (c) the cost of goods and services and facilities provided with the rented premises;

(d) any charges in respect of the rented premises for which the residential rental provider is or may be liable under this Act or any other Act or the residential rental agreement;

(e) the cost of goods and services and facilities provided by the renter under the residential rental agreement;

(f) any charges payable by the renter under this Act or any other Act or the residential rental agreement;

(g) any work which the renter has done with the residential rental provider's consent or agreed with the residential rental provider to do to the premises;

(h) any changes in the rent and the condition of the rented premises or facilities since the commencement of the residential rental agreement and since the last rent increase;

(ha) the number of rent increases (if any) in the preceding 24 months, the amount of each rent increase in that period and the timing of those increases; (i) any valuation of the rented premises.

(4) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1)(a) in relation to rented premises, the residential rental provider cannot require the renter to pay an amount of rent greater than that specified in the order for a period of 12 months after the day on which the order comes into operation.

48 Tribunal can order refund of rent

(1) If the Tribunal makes an order under section 47, the Tribunal may include in the order a provision requiring the residential rental provider to refund to the renter an amount equal to the difference between—

(a) the amount of rent payable under the residential rental agreement for the period commencing on the day that the renter—

(i) applied to the Director to investigate; or (ii) applied to the Tribunal under section 46(3)—

and ending on the day immediately before the day on which the order is made; and

(b) the maximum amount of rent that would have been payable for that period if the order had been made on the day on which that application was made.

(2) The order may specify the procedure for the refund to the renter.

49 Renter's goods not to be taken for rent

A person must not take or dispose of a renter's goods on account of any rent owing by the renter.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

Division 4—Other charges

50 Application and holding deposits

A person who in respect of a proposed residential rental agreement receives a payment from a renter as a sign of good faith must refund the payment to the renter—

(a) on the agreement being entered into, if it is entered into before the end of 14 days after the day on which the person received the payment; or (b) on the next business day after the end of that period, if the agreement was not entered into within that period.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

51 Certain charges prohibited

(1) A person must not demand or receive from a renter a charge or indemnity for a charge in relation to the making, continuation or renewal of a residential rental agreement that is a premium, bonus, commission or key money.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) A person must not demand or receive from a renter under a proposed residential rental agreement a charge in relation to the inspection of the premises by a renter.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(3) A person must not demand or receive from a renter a charge or indemnity for a charge in relation to—

(a) the first issue of a rent payment card under a residential rental agreement; or

(b) the establishment or use of direct debit facilities or any other electronic payment facility for payment of rent under a residential rental agreement.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

52 Renter's liability for various utility charges

Subject to section 53AA, a renter is liable for—

(a) all charges for the supply or use of electricity, gas or oil in respect of the renter's occupation of rented premises that are separately metered, except for the installation costs and charges for the initial connection of the service to the rented premises; and (b) all charges for the use of any gas bottles (including supply or hire of the bottles) in respect of the renter's occupation of the rented premises; and (c) in respect of rented premises that are separately metered—

(i) the cost of all water supplied to the premises during the renter's occupancy if the cost is based solely on the amount of water supplied; and (ii) that part of the charge that is based on the amount of water supplied to the premises during the renter's occupation if the cost of water supplied is only partly based on the amount of water supplied to the premises; and (iii) all sewage disposal charges imposed during the renter's occupation of the rented premises by a water corporation under the Water Act 1989.

53 Residential rental provider's liability for various utility charges

(1) Subject to section 53AA, a residential rental provider is liable for—

(a) the installation costs and charges in respect of the initial connection to rented premises of any electricity, water, gas, bottled gas or oil supply service;

(ab) all rates, taxes or charges payable under any Act other than charges payable by the renter under this Division;

(b) all charges in respect of the supply or use of electricity, gas (except bottled gas) or oil by the renter at rented premises that are not separately metered; (c) all charges arising from a water supply service to separately metered rented premises that are not based on the amount of water supplied to the premises;

(d) water charges in respect of rented premises which are not separately metered, including—

(i) all sewage disposal charges imposed by a water corporation under the Water Act 1989; and (ii) all costs and charges related to a water supply service; and (iii) water supplied to the rented premises;

* * * * *

(f) all charges related to the supply of sewerage services or the supply or use of drainage services to or at the rented premises;

(g) all charges related to the supply or hire of gas bottles to the rented premises;

(h) any other prescribed charges.

(2) A residential rental provider may agree to take over liability for any cost or charge for which the renter is liable under section 52.

(3) An agreement under subsection (2) must be in writing and be signed by the residential rental provider.

53A Residential rental provider's liability for excessive usage caused by faults

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a renter has been charged for excessive usage of a service at the rented premises caused by a fault in infrastructure or any fixtures or buildings at or connected to the premises, the residential rental provider is liable for that part of the excessive charge that is additional to an amount of ordinary usage by the renter.

ExampleExcessive usage charges caused by a leak in the underground pipe of a water service connected to rented premises.

(2) A residential rental provider is not liable for excessive usage charges under subsection (1) unless—

(a) the renter notified the residential rental provider, as soon as practicable, of—

(i) the excessive usage charges; and (ii) the fault that caused the excessive usage; and

(b) the fault was not caused by any action or omission of the renter.

(3) A residential rental provider must reimburse a renter for any reasonable costs incurred by the renter for diagnosis of a fault referred to in subsection (1) conducted by a suitably qualified person. (4) A residential rental provider is not responsible for any excess usage charges or other costs for a fault caused by any property that is the responsibility of a service provider.

53B Application to Tribunal about excessive usage charges

(1) A residential rental provider or a renter may apply to the Tribunal to determine the liability of the residential rental provider and the renter for excessive usage charges referred to in section 53A. (2) In making a determination under subsection (1), the Tribunal is to have regard to the following—

(a) whether the renter had knowledge of the fault; (b) whether the renter took reasonable steps to notify the residential rental provider, or that person's agent, of the fault; (c) whether the renter has been compensated by another person for any part of the excessive usage charges; (d) whether the residential rental provider has complied with this Act in respect of any urgent repairs; (e) any diagnosis made by a water authority or other suitably qualified person in respect of the fault; (f) any maintenance and repairs conducted by the residential rental provider; (g) any other matter the Tribunal considers appropriate.

53AA Agreements relating to installation of solar energy system

(1) A residential rental provider and renter may enter an agreement under which the renter is liable for an amount in relation to the costs and charges for the installation of a solar energy system under the Solar Homes Program for the rented premises. (2) An agreement under subsection (1) must be consistent with the Solar Homes Program.

54 Residential rental provider's liability for charges for supply to non-complying appliances

(1) A residential rental provider is liable to pay for the cost of water, electricity or gas supplied to or used at the rented premises for as long as the residential rental provider is in breach of section 69 or of any law requiring the use of an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in the efficiency rating system for the premises.

(2) Subsection (1) applies despite anything to the contrary in section 52 of this Act and Part 13 of the Water Act 1989.

54A Residential rental provider to give key or security device to renters

(1) A residential rental provider, at the residential rental provider's expense, must give each renter who has signed the residential rental agreement—

(a) a key or another security device to enable each renter to access and enjoy the rented premises; or (b) a key and another security device if both are required to enable each renter to access and enjoy the rented premises.

(2) If a renter requests an additional key or security device, the residential rental provider may charge the renter a reasonable fee for giving the additional key or security device to the renter.

55 Reimbursement

(1) If a residential rental provider pays for anything for which the renter is liable under section 52, the renter must reimburse the residential rental provider within 28 days after receiving a written request for reimbursement attached to a copy of the account and the receipt or other evidence of payment.

(2) If a renter pays for anything for which the residential rental provider is liable under section 53 or 54, the residential rental provider must reimburse the renter within 28 days after receiving a written request for reimbursement attached to a copy of the account and the receipt or other evidence of payment. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply if there is an agreement to the contrary under section 53.

56 Residential rental provider must not seek overpayment for utility charge

(1) The residential rental provider of separately metered rented premises must not seek payment or reimbursement for a cost or charge under section 55 that is more than the amount that the relevant supplier of the utility would have charged the renter.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(2) If the relevant supplier of the utility has issued an account to the residential rental provider, any amount to be recovered from the renter for the account must be adjusted by deducting any concession or rebate to which the renter is entitled. (3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the concession or rebate—

(a) must be claimed by the renter and the residential rental provider has given the renter an opportunity to claim it and the renter does not do so by the payment date set by the relevant supplier of the utility; or

(b) is paid directly to the renter as a refund.

57 Homes Victoria or registered housing agency may impose service charge

(1) Homes Victoria or a registered housing agency or a provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs may impose a service charge on a renter in rented premises let by Homes Victoria, the registered housing agency or the provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs for any water, central heating, laundry or utility services or facilities made available to the renter.

(2) Subsection (1) only applies if it is not possible or practicable to accurately measure the use by the renter of that service or facility.

(2A) A service charge must not exceed the cost of providing the service or facility to the renter. (3) A service charge may be increased by an amount or decreased in line with changes in the cost of providing the services or facilities.

(3A) If Homes Victoria, a registered housing agency or a provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs imposes or varies a service charge on a renter, Homes Victoria the registered housing agency or the provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs, as the case requires, must give written notice to the renter of—

(a) the imposition of the service charge; or (b) the increase or decrease made to the service charge, including particulars of the change in the cost of providing the services or facilities referred to in subsection (3).

(4) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in any residential rental agreement.

(4A) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring Homes Victoria,, the registered housing agency or the provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs, as the case requires, to withdraw or vary the amount of a service charge imposed under subsection (1).

(4B) On an application under subsection (4A), the Tribunal may order Homes Victoria, the registered housing agency or the provider of affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs, as the case requires, to—

(a) withdraw the service charge; or (b) vary the amount of the service charge; or (c) otherwise vary the service charge as the Tribunal thinks fit.

(5) In this section Homes Victoria includes any incorporated body that receives financial assistance from Homes Victoria for the purposes of providing non-profit housing.

58 Indemnity for taxes and rates

(1) A residential rental provider under a residential rental agreement must indemnify the renter for any amount recoverable from the renter by a public statutory authority for rates or taxes payable under an Act for those rented premises. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) rates or taxes based solely on the amount of a substance or service that is supplied to the premises; or

(b) a fixed term residential rental agreement for a period exceeding 1 year.

Division 5—General duties of renters and residential rental providers

59 Renter must not use premises for illegal purposes

A renter must not use the rented premises or permit their use for any purpose that is illegal at common law or under an Act.

60 Renter must not cause nuisance or interference

(1) A renter must not use the rented premises or permit their use in any manner that causes a nuisance.

(2) A renter must not—

(a) use the rented premises or common areas; or (b) permit his or her visitors to use the rented premises or common areas; or (c) otherwise permit the use of the rented premises—

in any manner that causes an interference with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of any occupier of neighbouring premises.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

61 Renter and visitor must not damage premises or common areas

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a renter and any visitor must not intentionally or negligently cause damage to—

(a) rented premises; and (b) any common area in respect of the rented premises.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), damage does not include fair wear and tear caused by a renter or a visitor.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

62 Renter must notify residential rental provider of damage

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a renter who becomes aware of damage to the rented premises, as soon as practicable, must give written notice to the residential rental provider of—

(a) the fact that the damage has occurred; and (b) the nature of the damage.

(2) Written notice under subsection (1)—

(a) may be given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000; and (b) is not otherwise subject to the requirements of section 506.

63 Renter must keep and leave rented premises reasonably clean

(1) A renter must keep the rented premises in a reasonably clean condition except to the extent that the residential rental provider is responsible under this Act for keeping the premises in that condition. (2) At the end of a residential rental agreement, the renter must leave the rented premises, as far as practicable—

(a) reasonably clean; and (b) in the same condition as when the renter entered into possession of the premises, taking into account fair wear and tear to the premises.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

63A Renter's safety-related duties

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

64 Modifications to rented premises

(1) A renter may make any modifications to rented premises that are prescribed modifications without the residential rental provider's consent.

(1A) A renter must not, without the residential rental provider's written consent—

(a) install any fixtures on the rented premises; or (b) make any alteration, renovation or addition to the rented premises that are not prescribed modifications under subsection (1).

(a) that do not penetrate or permanently modify—

(i) surfaces; or (ii) fixtures; or (iii) the structure of the property; or

(b) that are required for health and safety purposes; or (c) that are—

(i) reasonable alterations within the meaning of section 55 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010; and (ii) assessed and determined to be required modifications by an accredited occupational therapist or a prescribed practitioner; or

(d) that ensure access to telecommunications services; or (e) that are reasonable security measures; or (f) that are necessary to ensure the safety of a party to the existing residential rental agreement who—

(i) has been or is being subjected to family violence by another party to that agreement (including a protected person under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order or recognised non-local DVO); or (ii) is a protected person under a personal safety intervention order made against another party to that agreement; or

(g) that are necessary to—

(i) increase the thermal comfort of the premises; or (ii) reduce energy and water usage costs for the premises; or

(h) that are prescribed modifications for the purposes of this subsection.

(a) a valid notice to vacate has been given to the renter in connection with an imminent change of possession, use or ownership of the rented premises; or (b) the modification—

(i) would significantly change the premises; or (ii) would require modifications to other premises or common areas; or

NoteSection 56 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 applies to alterations to common property.

(iii) would result in non-compliance with any other Act or law; or

ExampleNon-compliance with the Building Act 1993.

(iv) would result in additional maintenance costs for the residential rental provider if the rented premises were not restored at the end of the renter's occupation of premises; or

(c) any action required to restore the rented premises to the condition the premises were in immediately before the modification is not reasonably practicable in the circumstances.

(1D) Subsection (1C) does not apply to a modification referred to in subsection (1B)(c).

(1E) A residential rental provider may require that any modification permitted under this section is to be completed by a suitably qualified person.

(2) Before a residential rental agreement terminates, a renter who has installed fixtures on or renovated, altered or added to the rented premises (whether or not with the residential rental provider's written consent) must—

(a) restore the premises to the condition they were in immediately before the installation, renovation or addition, fair wear and tear excepted; or

(b) pay the residential rental provider an amount equal to the reasonable cost of restoring the premises to that condition.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if—

(a) the residential rental agreement otherwise provides; or

(b) the residential rental provider and the renter otherwise agree.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), a residential rental provider may require the renter to pay an additional amount of bond, unless—

(a) the amount of bond is less than $500; or (b) the amount of bond is not proportionate to the reasonable costs of restoring the premises to the condition the premises were in immediately before the modification; or (c) the residential rental provider and renter have agreed under subsection (3) that the renter is not required to restore the premises; or (d) the residential rental provider has agreed that the modification is funded by a scheme under a condition that the rented premises does not need to be restored.

(6) A renter must not apply to the Tribunal under subsection (5) if the renter has brought a dispute under Part 8 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 in respect of a claim or facts which could form the basis of the application under subsection (5).

(7) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (5) within 5 days after the application is made.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

Division 5A—General duties of residential rental providers

65 Residential rental provider's duty in relation to provision of premises

(1) A residential rental provider must ensure that on the day that it is agreed the renter is to enter into occupation, the rented premises—

(a) are vacant; and (b) are in a reasonably clean condition.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) A renter is not required to enter into occupation of premises which do not comply with subsection (1).

(3) If premises do not comply with subsection (1), the renter is not required to pay rent for the rented premises in respect of the period beginning on the agreed day on which the renter is to enter into occupation of the premises and ending on the day on which the renter actually enters into occupation.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

65A Occupation of rented premises that do not comply with rental minimum standards

(1) Without limiting sections 65, 68 and 70, a residential rental provider must ensure that rented premises comply with prescribed rental minimum standards on or before the day on which the renter enters into occupation of the premises.

Penalty: 60 penalty units in the case of a natural person;300 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) If rented premises do not comply with the rental minimum standards on or immediately after the day on which the renter enters into occupation of the premises, the renter may issue a request to the residential rental provider for urgent repairs to be carried out to the premises to ensure that the premises comply with the standards.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

66 Residential rental provider must give renter certain information

(1) The residential rental provider must on or before the occupation day give the renter a written statement in a form approved by the Director setting out in summary form the rights and duties of a residential rental provider and renter under a residential rental agreement.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(1A) A written statement referred to in subsection (1) may be given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

(2) If there is no agent acting for the residential rental provider, the residential rental provider must on or before the occupation day give the renter—

(a) written notice of the residential rental provider's full name and address for the service of documents; and (b) an emergency telephone number to be used in the case of the need for urgent repairs.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(3) If there is an agent acting for the residential rental provider, the residential rental provider must on or before the occupation day give the renter—

(a) written notice of the agent's full name and address for service of documents and the agent's telephone number and facsimile number; and (b) a written statement setting out—

(i) whether or not the agent can authorise urgent repairs; and (ii) if the agent can authorise urgent repairs, the maximum amount for repairs which the agent can authorise; and (iii) the agent's telephone number or facsimile number for urgent repairs.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(4) A residential rental provider must give the renter notice in writing of any change in the information set out in subsection (2) or (3) before the end of 7 days after the change.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(5) In this section occupation day means a day that is the agreed day on which the renter is to enter into occupation of the premises.

67 Quiet enjoyment

A residential rental provider must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the renter has quiet enjoyment of the rented premises during the residential rental agreement.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

68 Residential rental provider's duty to maintain premises

(1) A residential rental provider must ensure that the rented premises are provided and maintained—

(a) in good repair; and (b) in a reasonably fit and suitable condition for occupation.

(1A) Subsection (1) applies—

(a) whether or not the renter was aware of any disrepair at the rented premises before entering into occupation of the premises; and (b) despite the amount of rent paid by the renter; and (c) despite the age and character of the rented premises.

(2) A residential rental provider is not in breach of the duty to maintain the rented premises in good repair if—

(a) damage to the rented premises is caused by the renter's failure to ensure that care was taken to avoid damaging the premises; and

(b) the residential rental provider has given the renter a notice under section 78 requiring the renter to repair the damage.

(3) If a residential rental provider owns or controls rented premises and the common areas relating to those rented premises, the residential rental provider must take reasonable steps to ensure that the common areas are maintained in good repair.

(4) The residential rental provider must ensure that any person who carries out any repairs or works to discharge the residential rental provider's duty under subsection (1) is a suitably qualified person.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

68A Residential rental provider's duty to comply with safety-related repairs and maintenance requirements

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

68B Residential rental provider must keep and produce records of gas and electrical safety checks

A residential rental provider must comply with any prescribed requirements for the keeping and production of records of gas and electrical safety checks conducted at the rented premises.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

69 Residential rental provider must ensure rating compliance for replacement appliances

A residential rental provider must ensure that if an appliance, fitting or fixture provided by the residential rental provider that uses or supplies water, electricity or gas at the rented premises needs to be replaced, the replacement has at least a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in an efficiency rating system.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

70 Locks

(1) A residential rental provider must ensure that all external doors able to be secured with a functioning deadlock at rented premises, other than any screen door attached to an external door, are secured with a functioning deadlock.

(1A) It is reasonable for a residential rental provider not to ensure an external door at rented premises is secured with a functioning deadlock if—

(a) another Act or law provides for a different type of lock or device for the premises; or (b) the external door cannot be accessed because of another security barrier at the rented premises.

(1B) A residential rental provider must provide locks to secure all windows of the rented premises that are capable of having a lock.

(2) A party to a residential rental agreement who changes any external door or window lock must as soon as practicable give a key to the lock to the other party.

(5) In this section and sections 70A, 70B and 71—

key of a lock means a device or information normally used to operate the lock;lock means a device for securing a door or window or other part of premises;master key system means a set of locks in which—

(a) each lock or sub-set of locks has a unique key; and (b) one single key or master key can operate all the locks in the set.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

70A Locks for rented premises the subject of an intervention order

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a renter is excluded from rented premises because of an exclusion condition included in a family violence intervention order, family violence safety notice or recognised non-local DVO or a personal safety intervention order; and

(b) a protected person under the notice or order—

(i) is also a party to the residential rental agreement for the rented premises; or (ii) has been residing in the rented premises as the protected person's principal place of residence but is not a party to the residential rental agreement; and

(c) the Tribunal has not made an order made under section 91W(1)(b) in relation to the protected person.

(2) The protected person may change any external door or window lock, including a lock in a master key system, of the rented premises, whether or not the protected person is a party to the residential rental agreement. (3) As soon as practicable after the protected person changes any external door or window lock, the protected person must—

(a) give the residential rental provider or that person's agent—

(i) a key to the lock; and

(ii) either a certified extract of the family violence intervention order, family violence safety notice or recognised non-local DVO or a personal safety intervention order or a copy of the order or notice; and

(b) give a key to the lock to the parties to the residential rental agreement, other than the excluded renter.

(4) The protected person is not required to give the excluded renter a key to the lock—

(a) in the case of a family violence intervention order, a recognised non-local DVO made by a court or a personal safety intervention order, unless the exclusion condition in the order ends;

(b) in the case of a family violence safety notice or recognised non-local DVO made by a police officer, until the notice or DVO ends.

(5) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not give the excluded renter any key provided under subsection (3)(a) if he or she knows that the renter has been excluded from the rented premises under a family violence intervention order, family violence safety notice or recognised non‑local DVO or a personal safety intervention order.

(6) If a certified extract or a copy of a notice or order has been given to a residential rental provider or that person's agent under subsection (3)(a)(ii), the residential rental provider and that person's agent are taken to know that the renter has been excluded from the rented premises.

(7) A residential rental provider or that person's agent may only disclose, or give a copy of, a certified extract or a copy of a notice or order received under subsection (3)(a)(ii) to—

(a) if given to the residential rental provider, that person's agent;

(b) if given to the residential rental provider's agent, the residential rental provider;

(c) in either case, the legal representative of the residential rental provider or that person's agent; (d) any other person as prescribed.

(8) This section applies despite anything in section 70.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

70B Locks for rented premises the subject of an order under section 91W(1)(b) and (1A)(b)

(1) If the Tribunal has made an order under section 91W(1)(b) or (1A)(b) terminating an existing residential rental agreement and requiring the residential rental provider to enter in a new residential rental agreement with a specified person and other persons (if any), the specified person may change any external door or window lock of the rented premises, including a lock in a master key system. (2) As soon as practicable after the specified person changes any external door or window lock, the specified person must—

(a) give the residential rental provider or that person's agent a key to the lock; and (b) give a key to the lock to the other parties to the residential rental agreement (if any).

(3) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not give a key to the lock to a person who was a party to the existing residential rental agreement and who is not a party to the new residential rental agreement.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

71 Application to Tribunal to change locks without consent

(a) the residential rental provider withholds consent; and

(b) the renter believes that the withholding of the consent is unreasonable.

Division 5B—Pets

71A Renter may keep a pet at rented premises with consent or Tribunal order

A renter may keep a pet at the rented premises if—

(a) the residential rental provider has consented in writing to the renter keeping the pet on the premises; or (b) the Tribunal has made an order permitting the renter to keep the pet on the rented premises.

NoteA residential rental provider is taken to have consented to a request to keep a pet on the rented premises unless, within 14 days of being given the request, the residential rental provider makes an application to the Tribunal—see section 71C(2).

71B Renter's request for consent to keep pet on rented premises

71C Residential rental provider must not unreasonably refuse to 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

(1) On an application under section 71D, the Tribunal may make—

(a) an order that the renter is permitted to keep the pet on the rented premises; or (b) if satisfied that it is reasonable to refuse consent to the keeping of the pet on the rented premises, the following—

(i) an order that it is reasonable to refuse consent to the keeping of the pet on the rented premises; (ii) an order excluding the pet from the rented premises.

(2) In determining an application under section 71D, the Tribunal may have regard to the following matters—

(a) the type of pet the renter proposes to keep, or is keeping, on the rented premises; (b) the character and nature of the rented premises; (c) the character and nature of the appliances, fixtures and fittings on the rented premises; (d) whether refusing consent to keep the pet on rented premises is permitted under any Act; (e) any prescribed matters; (f) any other matter the Tribunal considers relevant.

(3) If the Tribunal makes an order excluding the pet from the rented premises, the Tribunal must specify the date on which the order takes effect.

Division 6—Repairs and maintenance

72AA Renter must report damage and breakdown of facilities to residential rental provider

A renter must give written notice to the residential rental provider as soon as practicable after becoming aware of—

(a) damage to the rented premises; or (b) the breakdown of facilities, fixtures, furniture or equipment provided by the residential rental provider.

NoteSection 506(1)(da) provides that a document to be served on or given to a person under this Act may be served or given by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

72 Urgent repairs

(1) A renter may arrange for urgent repairs to be carried out to the rented premises if—

(a) the renter has taken reasonable steps to arrange for the residential rental provider or that person's agent to immediately carry out the repairs; and

(b) the renter is unable to get the residential rental provider or agent to carry out the repairs.

(2) If the renter carries out repairs under subsection (1)—

(a) the renter must give the residential rental provider 7 days written notice of the repairs carried out and the cost; and

(b) the residential rental provider is liable to reimburse the renter for the reasonable cost of the repairs or if a greater amount is prescribed for the purposes of this section, that prescribed amount, (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent repairs relate), whichever is less; and

(c) the residential rental provider must reimburse the renter for the reasonable cost of repairs within 7 days after receiving written notice of—

(i) the repairs; and (ii) the cost of the repairs.

(3) If urgent repairs are required to an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating in a prescribed efficiency rating system, and the appliance, fitting or fixture cannot be repaired, the renter may replace it with an appliance, fitting or fixture with a rating that is of or above a prescribed level of rating in the efficiency rating system.

(4) This section does not apply to fixtures, furniture or equipment supplied by the renter.

73 Application to Tribunal for urgent repairs

(1) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the residential rental provider or that person's agent to carry out specified urgent repairs if—

(a) the renter cannot meet the cost of the repairs; or

(b) the repairs cost more than the prescribed amount (which includes any amount in respect of any GST payable on the supply to which the urgent repairs relate); or

(c) the residential rental provider refuses to pay the cost of the urgent repairs if carried out by the renter.

(2) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1) within 2 business days after the application is made.

(3) Without limiting the matters to which the Tribunal may consider in determining an application under this section, the Tribunal must consider the Director's guidelines.

74 Application to Director to investigate need for non‑urgent repairs

(1) A renter may apply to the Director to investigate whether the residential rental provider is in breach of a duty to ensure that the premises are maintained in good repair if—

(a) the renter has given the residential rental provider written notice advising the residential rental provider that repairs (other than urgent repairs) are required to the rented premises; and

(b) the residential rental provider has not carried out the repairs within 14 days after being given the notice.

(2) An application under subsection (1) and a report under subsection (3)—

(a) must be in writing; and (b) may be made or issued, as the case requires, by electronic communication in accordance with the Electronic Transactions (Victoria) Act 2000.

(3) On an application under subsection (1), the Director—

(a) may investigate; and

(b) may negotiate arrangements for the carrying out of repairs if the Director is satisfied that the residential rental provider is in breach of the duty to maintain the rented premises in good repair; and

(c) may issue a report that—

(i) states the duty to maintain the rented premises in good repair and in a reasonably fit and suitable condition for occupation has been breached; and (ii) directs the residential rental provider to do any thing in order to comply with the duty to maintain the rented premises in good repair and in a reasonably fit and suitable condition for occupation.

75 Application to Tribunal for non-urgent repairs

(1) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the residential rental provider—

(a) to carry out specified non-urgent repairs if—

(i) the renter has given the residential rental provider written notice under section 74(1)(a); and (ii) the residential rental provider has not carried out the repairs within 14 days after receiving the notice; or

(b) to comply with a report issued by the Director under section 74.

(2) A renter must not apply to the Tribunal under subsection (1)(b) before the Director has issued the report under section 74. (3) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1) within 7 days after the application is made. (4) Without limiting the matters to which the Tribunal may have regard in determining an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal must have regard to the following—

(a) whether the repairs are needed because of—

(i) an act or omission of the renter; or (ii) non-compliance by the renter with a provision of the residential rental agreement or the renter's duty not to damage the rented premises under section 61;

(b) whether the residential rental provider or that person's agent—

(i) was notified of the repairs; and (ii) was given a reasonable opportunity to carry out the repairs;

(c) whether the renter has provided documentary evidence of the repair.

(5) A renter must not apply to the Tribunal for a compliance order under section 212 for a breach of a duty that is the subject of an application under this section if that application has been determined by the Tribunal.

75A Residential rental provider may join owners corporation in application for breach of duty to maintain premises

76 What can the Tribunal order?

(1) If the Tribunal is satisfied that the residential rental provider is in breach of the duty to maintain the rented premises in good repair, the Tribunal may make an order that requires—

(a) the residential rental provider to carry out specified repairs; and (b) the use of a suitably qualified person to carry out the repairs; and (c) compensation to be paid in accordance with section 212(2).

(2) If the Tribunal makes an order requiring the residential rental provider to carry out specified repairs, the order must specify the repairs and the time within which they must be carried out.

77 Payment of rent into Rent Special Account

(1) If the renter has given notice requiring repairs to be carried out to the rented premises, the renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order authorising the renter to pay the rent under the residential rental agreement into the Rent Special Account.

(2) The Tribunal must make an order authorising the renter to pay the rent into the Rent Special Account for a period specified by the Tribunal if it is satisfied that—

(a) a notice referred to in subsection (1) has been given to the residential rental provider; and

(b) the residential rental provider has failed to comply with the duty to carry out the repairs; and

(c) the residential rental provider has not demonstrated that the residential rental provider—

(i) is experiencing financial hardship; or (ii) would experience financial hardship if the rent was paid into the Rent Special Account.

(3) If an order is made under subsection (2)—

(a) the amount of the rent held in the Rent Special Account at the end of that period must be paid to the residential rental provider; and

(b) on application by the residential rental provider, the Tribunal may order that the whole or such part of the rent as it may determine be paid to the residential rental provider before the end of that period, if it is satisfied that the residential rental provider has fulfilled or is fulfilling the residential rental provider's duty to carry out repairs to the premises; and

(c) the whole or any part of the rent may be paid to the residential rental provider before the end of that period, if the residential rental provider and the renter agree to early payment.

(4) A renter may apply to the Tribunal to order that the whole or any part of the rent paid into the Rent Special Account be paid to the renter if—

(a) the Tribunal has made an order under subsection (2) that rent be paid into the Rent Special Account in respect of a breach of section 68 or the rental minimum standards; and (b) the residential rental provider has not effected any required repairs at the rented premises by the end of the period stated in that order.

(5) In determining whether a residential rental provider has demonstrated that the residential rental provider has experienced or would experience financial hardship for the purposes of subsection (2), the Tribunal may have regard to any of the following—

(a) an eviction notice given to the residential rental provider; (b) a disconnection notice in respect of a service or utility account held by the residential rental provider; (c) a notice of legal proceedings issued against the residential rental provider; (d) a letter from a non-profit organisation about the residential rental provider's loss of employment or financial hardship; (e) a notice from a lender to the residential rental provider, including—

(i) an overdraft call; or (ii) a repossession notice in respect of a mortgaged property;

(f) outstanding medical bills of the residential rental provider; (g) a letter from a doctor in respect of the impact of the residential rental provider's illness or carer's responsibility on the ability of the residential rental provider to earn an income; (h) a final notice from a school to the residential rental provider in respect of the payment of mandatory schooling fees; (i) funeral expenses payable by the residential rental provider; (j) a repossession notice served on the residential rental provider in respect of an essential item; (k) a hardship variation, or a written request to vary the terms of an existing loan held by the residential rental provider; (l) any other prescribed document.

78 Residential rental provider may give renter repair notice

(1) A residential rental provider may give a repair notice to a renter if—

(a) damage is caused to the rented premises because of a failure of the renter to comply with section 61(1); and (b) the residential rental provider has not given a breach of duty notice in respect of that damage.

(2) The repair notice must be in writing and must state—

(a) the nature of the damage; and

(b) that the damage was caused by the failure of the renter to ensure that care was taken to avoid damaging the premises; and

(c) if the residential rental provider wishes the renter to repair the damage—

(i) that the residential rental provider requires the renter to repair the damage at the renter's expense within 14 days after the giving of notice by the residential rental provider; and

(ii) that if the renter has not repaired the damage in a tradesman-like manner within that period, the residential rental provider may repair the damage at the renter's expense; and

(d) if the residential rental provider wishes to repair the damage, that the residential rental provider is undertaking the repairs and the renter is liable for the reasonable cost of the repairs.

(3) If a repair notice is not complied with, the residential rental provider may apply to the Tribunal for an order under section 212.

79 Residential rental provider may do repairs and renter liable for costs

(1) If the residential rental provider gives the renter a repair notice under section 78 requiring the renter to repair damage and the renter has not repaired the damage in a proper and tradesman-like manner within 14 days after the giving of notice, the residential rental provider may repair the damage at the renter's expense.

(2) If the residential rental provider gives the renter a repair notice under section 78 stating that the residential rental provider is undertaking the repairs, the residential rental provider may repair the damage at the renter's expense as soon as practicable after giving the renter the notice.

(3) The renter is liable to the residential rental provider for the reasonable costs of repairs undertaken by the residential rental provider under this section if the residential rental provider gives the renter particulars in writing of the cost of the repairs.

(4) The renter must reimburse the residential rental provider for any reasonable costs of repairs for which the renter is liable under subsection (3) within 14 days after the repairs are completed.

(5) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an extension of the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4) if—

(a) the renter is unable to reimburse the residential rental provider within 14 days after the repairs are completed; and (b) the residential rental provider does not agree to a period to provide reimbursement that is longer than the 14 day period referred to in subsection (4).

(6) Despite subsection (4), if the renter is experiencing hardship, the renter may give written notice to the residential rental provider that the renter requires an additional 14 days to reimburse the residential rental provider.

(7) A renter who gives notice under subsection (6) must provide proof of hardship upon request by the residential rental provider.

80 Declaration under Housing Act 1983 that house unfit for habitation

(1) A residential rental provider is in breach of section 68 if the rented premises are or are part of a house in respect of which a declaration under section 64 of the Housing Act 1983 is in force.

(2) A renter is not entitled to exercise a right under sections 72 to 75 in respect of a breach resulting from a declaration referred to in subsection (1).

Division 7—Assignment and sub-letting

81 Assignment and sub-letting by a renter

(1) A renter under a residential rental agreement must not assign or sub-let the whole or any part of the rented premises without the residential rental provider's written consent.

NoteSection 210AA provides that a person may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if the person has suffered loss as a result of discrimination by the residential rental provider or that person's agent in contravention of this section.

NoteIn the case of a residential rental provider who is an SDA provider, see Division 2 of Part 12A.

82 Renter may apply to Tribunal

(a) the residential rental provider withholds consent; and

(b) the renter believes that the withholding of the consent is unreasonable.

83 Withholding consent in certain circumstances

(a) the rented premises are public housing; and (b) the ground for withholding that consent is that the assignment or sub-letting would disadvantage persons on a public housing waiting list.

(a) the rented premises are provided as affordable housing under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs; and (b) the ground for withholding that consent is that the assignment or sub-letting would disadvantage persons eligible for affordable housing under a relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Program.

84 Residential rental provider cannot ask for fee for giving consent

(1) A residential rental provider must not—

(a) demand or receive a fee or payment for giving consent to the assignment or sub‑letting of rented premises; or

(b) refuse to consent to an assignment or sub‑letting of rented premises on the ground that the renter has refused to pay a fee or amount for the consent.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

(3) This section does not prevent a residential rental provider from requiring a renter to bear any reasonable expenses that are reasonably incurred by the residential rental provider because of the assignment of a residential rental agreement.

Division 8—Rights of entry

85 Entry of rented premises

A residential rental provider or that person's agent has a right to enter rented premises together with any persons who are necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry—

(a) at any time agreed with the renter if the renter has consented within 7 days before the entry; or

(b) at any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day (except a public holiday)—

(i) for a purpose set out in section 86(1)(a) or (b), if at least 48 hours notice has been given to the renter in accordance with section 88; or (ii) for a purpose set out in section 86(1)(ab), if at least 7 days notice has been given to the renter in accordance with section 88; or (iii) for a purpose set out in section 86(1)(c), (e) or (g), if at least 24 hours notice has been given to the renter in accordance with section 88; or (iv) for a purpose set out in section 86(1)(d) or (f), if at least 7 days notice has been given to the renter in accordance with section 88.

86 Grounds for entry of rented premises

(1) A right of entry in respect of rented premises may be exercised if—

(a) subject to subsection (2), before giving notice of entry, a notice to vacate or a notice of intention to vacate the rented premises had been given and entry is required—

(i) to show the premises to a prospective renter; or (ii) to conduct an open inspection of the premises for prospective renters; or

(ab) to produce advertising images and videos in accordance with section 89A; or

(b) subject to subsection (2A), if the premises are to be sold or used as security for a loan and entry is required—

(i) to show the premises to a prospective buyer or lender; or (ii) to conduct an open inspection of the premises for prospective buyers; or

(c) entry is required to enable the residential rental provider to carry out a duty under this Act, the residential rental agreement or any other Act; or (d) entry is required for valuation purposes; or

(e) the residential rental provider or that person's agent has reasonable grounds to believe that the renter has failed to comply with his or her duties under this Act or the residential rental agreement; or

(f) entry is required to enable inspection of the premises and entry for that purpose has not been made within the last 6 months; or

(g) entry is required to enable inspection of the premises for the purposes of proceedings arising from or relating to an application made under section 91V(1).

(2) The following apply in respect of entry to rented premises for a purpose referred to in subsection (1)(a)—

(a) the right of entry may only be exercised—

(i) in the period within 21 days before the termination date specified in the notice to vacate or notice of intention to vacate; and (ii) up to twice a week, unless otherwise agreed with the renter; and (iii) for a period of no longer than one hour, unless a longer period is agreed with the renter;

(b) it is not unreasonable for a protected person residing at the premises to require that any inspections be by appointment.

(2A) The following apply in respect of entry to rented premises for a purpose referred to in subsection (1)(b)—

(a) the right of entry may only be exercised—

(i) if the residential rental provider has given the renter notice of intention to sell in the form approved by the Director at least 14 days before entry is proposed; and (ii) if the residential rental provider has made all reasonable efforts to agree with the renter on days and times for the property to be available for inspection; and (iii) up to twice a week, unless otherwise agreed with the renter; and (iv) for a period of no longer than one hour, unless a longer period is agreed with the renter;

(b) it is not unreasonable for a protected person residing at the premises to require that any inspections be by appointment; (c) a renter at the premises is entitled to the prescribed compensation for sales inspections.

(2B) If a rental provider exercises a right of entry under subsection (1)(b), the rental provider must pay the renter the prescribed compensation for each sales inspection.

(3) Despite subsection (1), in the case of the first residential rental agreement entered into between a residential rental provider and a renter in respect of rented premises, a right of entry referred to in subsection (1)(f) may only be exercised after the end of the first 3 months of the tenancy.

(4) For the purposes of an inspection under subsection (1)(g), the excluded renter may have a representative present at the inspection of the premises, but must provide the name and contact details of the representative to the residential rental provider or that person's agent before the inspection.

87 Manner of entry

A person exercising a right of entry under this Division—

(a) must do so in a reasonable manner; and

(b) must not stay or permit others to stay on the rented premises longer than is necessary to achieve the purpose of the entry without the renter's consent.

88 What must be in a notice of entry?

A notice requiring entry must—

(a) be in writing; and

(b) state why the residential rental provider or that person's agent wishes to enter; and (c) be given—

(i) by post; or

(ii) by delivering it personally to the renter between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.; and

(d) if entry is pursuant to section 86(1)(g), and the residential rental provider has been given the name and contact details required under that paragraph, state the name of the excluded renter's representative (if any).

89 Renter has duty to permit entry

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a renter has a duty to permit a person exercising a right of entry in accordance with this Division to enter the rented premises. (2) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order specifying or limiting when entry to the premises may occur by—

(a) a residential rental provider or that person's agent; and (b) an agent for the sale of the rented premises or other persons.

(3) On an application under subsection (2), the Tribunal may make an order specifying or limiting the days, times and purposes for which entry to the rented premises is authorised for—

(a) a residential rental provider or that person's agent; and (b) an agent for the sale of the rented premises; and (c) any other person specified in the order.

NoteThis section is a duty provision and a contravention of this section may be dealt with as a breach of a duty under Part 5 and other provisions of this Act.

89A Residential rental provider may enter rented premises to produce advertising images and videos

(1) A residential rental provider or that person's agent may enter rented premises to produce advertising images and video of the property after providing notice under section 85(b)(ii). (2) The residential rental provider or that person's agent must make a reasonable attempt to agree with the renter on a suitable time for entry to the rented premises for the purposes referred to in subsection (1). (3) The renter, by written notice, may object to the production or taking of advertising images or video under subsection (1) if the image or video—

(a) shows a possession of the renter that—

(i) directly identifies the renter or another occupant; or (ii) reveals sensitive information about the renter or another person who resides at the premises; or (iii) is valuable and would increase the risk of theft at the premises; or (iv) would be unreasonable to expect the renter to remove or conceal; or

(b) may identify a person residing at the premises who is at risk of family violence or personal violence.

(4) If the renter has requested that identifiable or high-value possessions are to be excluded from images or video produced under this section, the renter may make a request to the residential rental provider, or that person's agent, for the renter to review the images or video before the images or video are advertised. (5) A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not advertise the images or video referred to in subsection (4) before the renter has—

(a) reviewed the images or video; and (b) given written consent to the residential rental provider, or that person's agent, for the images or video to be advertised.

90 What if damage is caused during entry?

(1) A renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order for compensation if, when the residential rental provider exercises a right of entry under section 85, any person causes damage to or loss of the renter's goods on the rented premises. (2) If an application is made under subsection (1), the Tribunal—

(a) may make an order for payment of any compensation that it thinks fit if it is satisfied that damage was caused to the renter's goods on the rented premises; or (b) may refuse to make an order.

91 What if a person exercising right of entry fails to comply with Division?

(1) If the residential rental provider or that person's agent has exercised a right of entry and in doing so fails to comply with this Division, the renter may apply to the Tribunal for an order restraining the residential rental provider and that person's agent from exercising a right of entry under section 85 for a specified period. (2) If an application is made under subsection (1), the Tribunal—

(a) may make an order prohibiting the residential rental provider and that person's agent from exercising a right of entry under section 85 (except for a purpose set out in section 86(1)(c) or (e)) during the period specified in the order if it is satisfied that it is reasonable to do so; or (b) may refuse to make an order.

91A Offence relating to entering rented premises

A residential rental provider or that person's agent must not, without reasonable excuse, enter rented premises otherwise than in accordance with this Division.

Penalty: 60 penalty units.

Division 9—Termination of residential rental agreementsSubdivision 1—When can a residential rental agreement be terminated?

91B Termination of residential rental agreement

Despite any Act or law to the contrary, a residential rental agreement does not terminate and must not be terminated except in accordance with this Division or Part 7 or 8.

91C Termination by agreement

A residential rental agreement may be terminated by agreement of the residential rental provider and the renter.

91D Termination by consent

91E Termination after notice to vacate

(1) A residential rental agreement terminates if the residential rental provider or the renter gives a notice to vacate or a notice of intention to vacate the rented premises under this Division and—

(a) the renter vacates the rented premises on or after the termination date specified in the notice; or (b) the residential rental agreement terminates in accordance with section 334.

(2) If a notice to vacate under section 91ZZL or 91ZZM or a notice of intention to vacate under section 91Z(3) is given in respect of a fixed term residential rental agreement between a rooming house operator and a resident of the rooming house, unless it terminates earlier in accordance with this Division, the fixed term residential rental agreement terminates on whichever is the earlier of—

(a) the termination date specified in the notice to vacate under section 91ZZL or 91ZZM; or (b) if a notice of intention to vacate has been given under section 91Z(3), the termination date specified in that notice of intention to vacate.

ExampleEarlier termination may occur by a notice to vacate given under section 91ZI or 91ZQ.

91F Termination by abandonment

A residential rental agreement terminates if the renter abandons the rented premises.

91G Termination where premises are sub-let

A residential rental agreement terminates if—

(a) the renter is not in possession of the rented premises because the renter has sub-let them; and (b) the residential rental provider or the renter gives a notice to vacate or a notice of intention to vacate the rented premises under this Division; and (c) the period (if any) between the date on which the notice is given and the termination date specified in the notice has expired.

91H Termination where residential rental provider not owner of premises

A residential rental agreement terminates if the owner of the rented premises gives a notice to vacate in accordance with section 91ZZJ and—

(a) the renter vacates the rented premises on or after the termination date specified in the notice; or (b) the residential rental agreement terminates in accordance with section 334.

91I Termination by mortgagee

A residential rental agreement terminates if a mortgagee in respect of rented premises gives a notice to vacate under section 91ZZK and—

(a) the renter vacates the rented premises on or after the termination date specified in the notice; or (b) the residential rental agreement terminates in accordance with section 334.

91J Termination by merger

A residential rental agreement may terminate by merger (that is, where the interests of the residential rental provider and the renter become vested in one person).

91K Termination by disclaimer

A residential rental agreement may terminate by disclaimer (for example, on repudiation of the agreement by the renter accepted by the residential rental provider).

91L Termination by renter before possession

A residential rental agreement terminates if the renter has not entered into possession of the rented premises and has given a notice of termination of the residential rental agreement to the residential rental provider on the ground that the premises—

(a) are not in good repair; or (b) are unfit for human habitation; or (c) are destroyed totally or to such an extent as to be rendered unsafe; or (d) are not vacant; or (e) are not legally available for use as a residence; or (f) do not meet any rental minimum standards; or (g) are for any other reason unavailable for occupation.

91M Termination by residential rental provider before possession

A residential rental agreement terminates if the renter has not entered into possession of the rented premises and the residential rental provider has given a notice of termination of the residential rental agreement to the renter on the ground that the premises—

(a) are unfit for human habitation; or (b) are destroyed totally or to such an extent as to be rendered unsafe.

91N Termination after death of sole renter

(1) If a renter dies, the residential rental agreement terminates at the earliest of the following dates—

(a) the termination date specified in the notice of intention to vacate given under subsection (2); or (b) the termination date specified in the notice to vacate given under subsection (3); or (c) the termination date specified in the Tribunal order under subsection (5); or (d) a date agreed in writing between the residential rental provider and the legal personal representative or next of kin of the deceased renter.

(a) an order to terminate the residential rental agreement; and (b) if required, a possession order.

(5) On an application under subsection (4), the Tribunal may—

(a) make an order terminating the residential rental agreement; and (b) make a possession order under Part 7.

91O Residential rental agreement—cancellation of licence or failure to renew licence

A residential rental agreement does not terminate merely because—

(a) an application for a licence, or for a renewal of a licence, to operate a rooming house under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 is refused; or (b) a licence to operate a rooming house under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 expires; or (c) the Tribunal cancels a licence to operate a rooming house under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016.

NoteSee sections 16, 20 and 33(1)(a)(v) of the Rooming House Operators Act 2016.

91P Offence to obtain possession etc. of premises

(1) Except in accordance with this Act, a residential rental provider or a person acting on behalf of a residential rental provider must not require or compel or attempt to compel the renter under the residential rental agreement to vacate the rented premises.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) Except in accordance with this Act, a residential rental provider or a person acting on behalf of a residential rental provider must not obtain or attempt to obtain possession of the rented premises by entering them, whether the entry is peaceable or not, unless there are reasonable grounds to believe that the renter has abandoned the premises.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

Subdivision 2—Variations or creations of residential rental agreements

91Q Creation of periodic residential rental agreement

(1) A renter is deemed to occupy rented premises under a periodic residential rental agreement if—

(a) the term of a fixed term residential rental agreement ends; and (b) the renter under that agreement continues in occupation of the rented premises—

(i) otherwise than as a renter under a fixed term residential rental agreement; or (ii) in the case of a fixed term residential rental agreement for more than 5 years, otherwise than in accordance with a term in the agreement permitting the extension of the term of that agreement at the end of the fixed term.

(2) The rental period under the periodic residential rental agreement created by subsection (1) is—

(a) if the rental period under the fixed term residential rental agreement was more than one month, a monthly period; and (b) if the rental period under the fixed term residential rental agreement was one month or less, a period equivalent to that rental period.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (2), the periodic residential rental agreement—

(a) in the case of a residential rental agreement for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years, is on the same terms, so far as applicable, as the terms of the fixed term residential rental agreement; and (b) in the case of a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years, the periodic residential rental agreement is on the same terms, so far as applicable, as the terms of a standard form fixed term residential rental agreement not exceeding 5 years.

(4) On the application of the residential rental provider or the renter, the Tribunal may make any variations to the terms of a periodic residential rental agreement created under this section that are necessary for or appropriate to the continuation of the agreement.

91R New residential rental agreement created where head residential rental agreement terminated

(1) A person becomes the renter of the residential rental provider in respect of rented premises if—

(a) the person is in possession of the premises under a residential rental agreement (a sub‑residential rental agreement) granted to that person by a person who is a renter of the premises under another residential rental agreement (the head residential rental agreement) granted to the person who is the head renter by the residential rental provider; and (b) the head residential rental agreement terminates or is terminated; and (c) the sub-residential rental agreement does not terminate or is not terminated in accordance with this Act.

(2) The residential rental agreement created under subsection (1) is deemed to be a residential rental agreement on the same terms, as far as applicable, as the terms of the sub-residential rental agreement. (3) Subsection (1) applies whether or not this Act applied at any time to the head residential rental agreement.

91S Application to Tribunal for creation of residential rental agreement

(1) A person who has been residing in rented premises as that person's principal place of residence and who is not a party to a residential rental agreement applying to those premises may apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring the residential rental provider of the premises to enter into a residential rental agreement with the person if—

(a) an application for a possession order for the premises has been made under Part 7; or (b) the renter has abandoned the rented premises; or (c) the renter has delivered up vacant possession of the rented premises; or (d) the renter has given a notice of intention to vacate the rented premises; or (e) the renter has died and there is no surviving renter.

(2) This section does not apply to a person who becomes a renter of a residential rental provider under section 91R.

91T Order of Tribunal to enter into residential rental agreement

(1) The Tribunal may make an order requiring the residential rental provider to enter into a residential rental agreement with the applicant under section 91S if satisfied that—

(a) the applicant could reasonably be expected to comply with the duties of a renter under a residential rental agreement to which this Act applies; and (b) the applicant would be likely to suffer severe hardship if the applicant were compelled to leave the premises; and (c) the hardship suffered by the applicant would be greater than any hardship that the residential rental provider would suffer if the order were made.

(2) The residential rental agreement must—

(a) be entered into before the end of the time stated in the order; and (b) be on the same terms and conditions as the residential rental agreement which applied in respect of the rented premises before the order is made, subject to any changes that the Tribunal determines.

91U Reduction or termination of fixed term residential rental agreement because of hardship

(1) On the application of a party to a fixed term residential rental agreement, the Tribunal may—

(a) make an order—

(i) reducing the term of the agreement by a period stated in the order; and (ii) making any variations to the terms of the agreement that are necessary because of the reduction of the term; or

(b) make an order terminating the fixed term residential rental agreement.

(2) The Tribunal may only make an order under this section if satisfied that, because of an unforeseen change in the applicant's circumstances, the severe hardship which the applicant would suffer if the term of the agreement were not reduced or terminated would be greater than the hardship which the other party would suffer if the term were reduced or the agreement terminated. (3) In making an order under this section, the Tribunal may determine the compensation (if any) to be paid by the applicant for the order to the other party because of—

(a) the reduction in the term of the residential rental agreement; or (b) the termination of the fixed term residential rental agreement.

Subdivision 3—Termination and new residential rental agreements because of family violence or personal violence

91V Application for termination or new residential rental agreement because of family violence or personal violence

(1) A person specified in subsection (2) may apply to the Tribunal for—

(a) an order terminating the existing residential rental agreement; or (b) an order—

(i) terminating the existing residential rental agreement; and (ii) requiring the residential rental provider of the premises to enter a residential rental agreement with the person and other persons (if any) specified in the application.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following persons are specified—

(a) a party to the existing residential rental agreement—

(i) who has been or is being subjected to family violence by another party to the existing residential rental agreement; or (ii) who is a protected person under a personal safety intervention order made against another party to the existing residential rental agreement;

(b) a person—

(i) who is residing in the rented premises as the person's principal place of residence; and (ii) who is not a party to the existing residential rental agreement; and (iii) who—

(A) has been or is being subjected to family violence by a party to the existing residential rental agreement; or (B) is a protected person under a personal safety intervention order made against a party to the existing residential rental agreement.

(a) the applicant or the person on whose behalf the application is made; (b) the residential rental provider; (c) any other party to the existing residential rental agreement; (d) any other person specified in the application.

(7) The Tribunal must hear an application under subsection (1)—

(a) within 3 business days of the application being made; or (b) if the application cannot be heard within the period referred to in paragraph (a), no later than the next available sitting day of the Tribunal after the end of that 3 business day period.

91W Tribunal orders

(1) On an application under section 91V(1)(a), if satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (1B), the Tribunal may make an order terminating the existing residential rental agreement. (1A) On an application under section 91V(1)(b), if satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection (2), the Tribunal may make an order—

(a) terminating the existing residential rental agreement; and (b) requiring the residential rental provider to enter into a new residential rental agreement with the person and other persons (if any) referred to in the application.

(1B) For the purposes of subsection (1), the matters are—

(a) the specified person or that person's dependent children would be likely to suffer severe hardship if the residential rental agreement were not terminated; and (b) the hardship suffered by the specified persons would be greater than any hardship the residential rental provider would suffer if the order were made; and (c) if a renter of the rented premises is excluded from the rented premises under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order, it is reasonable to do so given the length of the exclusion under the notice or order and the length of the existing residential rental agreement; and (d) it is reasonable to do so given the interests of any other renters (other than any excluded renter) under the existing residential rental agreement and, in particular, whether the other renters support the specified person's application.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1A), the matters are—

(a) the specified person and other persons (if any) could reasonably be expected to comply with the duties of a renter under a residential rental agreement to which this Act applies; and (b) the specified person or that person's dependent children would be likely to suffer severe hardship if the specified person were compelled to leave the premises; and (c) the hardship suffered by the specified person would be greater than any hardship the residential rental provider would suffer if the order were made; and (d) if a renter of the rented premises is excluded from the rented premises under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order, it is reasonable to do so given the length of the exclusion under the notice or order and the length of the existing residential rental agreement; and (e) it is reasonable to do so given the interests of any other renters (other than any excluded renter) under the existing residential rental agreement and, in particular, whether the other renters support the specified person's application.

(3) In determining an application under section 91V(1), the Tribunal must take into account the following matters in relation to family violence or personal violence—

(a) whether an application for a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order has been made by or in respect of the specified person; (b) if an application for a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order has been made by or in respect of the person—

(i) whether there is a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order, recognised non-local DVO or personal safety intervention order in effect; and (ii) if there is a notice or an order in effect, whether a renter of the rented premises is excluded from the rented premises under the notice or order;

(c) any prescribed matters; (d) any other matter the Tribunal considers relevant.

(4) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1A), the new residential rental agreement—

(a) is subject to the same rent and frequency of rent payments as the existing residential rental agreement; and (b) if the existing residential rental agreement is a fixed term agreement, runs for a term not longer than the remainder of that fixed term; and (c) otherwise, is on the same terms and conditions as the existing residential rental agreement, subject to any changes the Tribunal determines.

(5) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1), the Tribunal must specify the date on which the existing residential rental agreement terminates. (6) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1A), the existing residential rental agreement is terminated on the signing of the new residential rental agreement. (7) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1) or (1A), it may also make the following order—

(a) an order that the residential rental provider or that person's agent must ensure that the specified person has access to the rented premises or former rented premises to remove the person's goods; (b) an order that the residential rental provider or that person's agent must not list information about the specified person on a residential tenancy database within the meaning of Part 10A.

(8) In this section—

specified person means a person specified in section 91V(2).

91X Tribunal may determine parties' liability under terminated residential rental agreement

(1) If the Tribunal makes an order under section 91W(1) or (1A), the Tribunal may determine the liability of the person specified in section 91V(2) or any renter under the existing residential rental agreement in relation to—

(a) a bond paid for the rented premises; and (b) any existing liability under the existing agreement, including—

(i) liability relating to outstanding rent; and (ii) liability relating to damage caused to the rented premises; and (iii) liability relating to outstanding utility charges.

(2) To remove doubt, the termination of a residential rental agreement under section 91W does not give rise to a right to claim compensation on the part of any party to the agreement for early termination of the agreement. (3) The Tribunal may adjourn the hearing to allow an inspection of the rented premises in accordance with section 86(1)(g).

91Y Cross-examination in a proceeding for termination or new residential rental agreement

(1) Unless the Tribunal gives leave, in a proceeding on an application under section 91V(1)—

(a) a person subjected to family violence must not be personally cross-examined by the person who subjected that person to the family violence; and (b) a protected person under a personal safety intervention order must not be personally cross-examined by the person against whom the personal safety intervention order was made.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a reference to a person subjected to family violence includes a protected person under a family violence safety notice, family violence intervention order or recognised non-local DVO. (3) The Tribunal may give leave under subsection (1) with or without conditions. (4) If leave is given under subsection (1), the person may only cross-examine the person subjected to family violence or the protected person—

(a) as to those matters set out in section 91W(2), in the case of an application under section 91V(1)(b); and (b) as to those matters set out in section 91W(1B), in the case of an application under section 91V(1)(a); and (c) in accordance with any conditions to which the leave given is subject.

Subdivision 3A—Termination of residential rental agreement because of coercion or deception of SDA resident

91YA Application for termination of residential rental agreement because of coercion or deception of SDA resident

(1) An SDA resident who is a party to a residential rental agreement may apply to the Tribunal for any of the following orders on a ground specified in subsection (2)—

(a) an order terminating the existing residential rental agreement; (b) an order—

(i) terminating the existing residential rental agreement; and (ii) requiring the SDA provider who is a residential rental provider to enter a new residential rental agreement with the person who is an SDA resident and other persons (if any) specified in the application;

(c) if all the renters under the existing residential rental agreement are SDA residents, an order—

(i) terminating the residential rental agreement; and (ii) requiring the SDA provider who is a residential rental provider to enter into, or establish, an SDA residency agreement with each person who is a renter under the existing residential rental agreement.

(2) The following grounds are specified for the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) the SDA resident was coerced or deceived into entering into the residential rental agreement; (b) the SDA resident did not receive an information statement as required under section 498D before entering into the residential rental agreement; (c) the SDA resident was given an information statement under section 498D but did not receive an explanation of that statement under section 498E.

(3) For the purposes of a proceeding for an order under subsection (1), each of the following persons is a party to the proceeding—

(a) the SDA resident or one of the following persons who may make an application on behalf of the SDA resident—

(i) the Director; (ii) the SDA resident's guardian (if any); (iii) the SDA resident's administrator (if any); (iv) the Public Advocate;

(b) the SDA provider; (c) any other party to the existing residential rental agreement; (d) any other person specified in the application as a party.

(a) within 3 business days of the application being made; or (b) if the application cannot be heard within the period referred to in paragraph (a), no later than the next available sitting day of the Tribunal after the end of that 3 business day period.

(6) If an application is made under subsection (1), any other action that could otherwise be taken in respect of the existing residential rental agreement is stayed until the Tribunal determines the application.

91YB Tribunal orders

(1) On an application under section 91YA(1), the Tribunal may—

(a) order the dismissal of the application; or (b) if satisfied that the SDA resident was coerced or deceived into entering a residential rental agreement or that the SDA resident did not receive an information statement under section 498D or an explanation of the information statement under section 498E—

(i) order the termination of the existing residential rental agreement; or (ii) order the termination of the existing residential rental agreement and that the SDA provider enter into a new residential rental agreement with the SDA resident and other persons (if any) specified in the application; or (iii) if all renters to the agreement are SDA residents, order the termination of the existing residential rental agreement and require the SDA provider to enter into or establish an SDA residency agreement with each SDA resident.

(2) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1)(b), the Tribunal must specify the date on which the existing residential rental agreement terminates. (3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the Tribunal may—

(a) adjourn the application to determine a termination date in consultation with the renters party to the existing residential rental agreement; or (b) adjourn the application to allow the parties to the agreement to enter into a new residential rental agreement or to enter into, or establish, one or more SDA residency agreements (as appropriate); or (c) if, during an adjournment the parties to the residential rental agreement are—

(i) unable to enter into a new residential rental agreement, direct the parties to enter into a new residential rental agreement on terms declared by the Tribunal; or (ii) unable to enter into, or establish, one or multiple SDA residency agreements (as appropriate), direct the parties to enter into one or multiple new SDA residency agreements (as appropriate) on terms declared by the Tribunal.

(4) If the Tribunal makes an order under subsection (1)(b), having regard to any financial disadvantage suffered by the renter and regardless of any loss or damage suffered by the SDA provider, the Tribunal may—

(a) order that any bond paid by the renter under the existing residential rental agreement be paid out by the Authority to the renter and, if there is more than one renter under the existing residential rental agreement, apportion the bond to be paid out by the Authority between the renters; and (b) revoke any compensation orders that have been issued against the renter.

(5) In determining an application under section 91YA(1), the Tribunal may take into account the Director's guidelines.

Subdivision 4—Notice or abandonment by renter

91Z Notice of intention to vacate

(1) A renter may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate rented premises. (2) The notice under subsection (1) must specify a termination date that is not less than 28 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3) A resident of a rooming house who has entered into a fixed term residential rental agreement with a rooming house operator may give the rooming house operator a notice of intention to vacate if the resident has been given a notice to vacate under section 91ZZL or 91ZZM.

NoteSee section 18.

(4) The notice of intention to vacate under subsection (3) must specify a termination date that is not less than 28 days after the date on which that notice of intention to vacate is given.

91ZA Notice to have no effect in certain circumstances

(1) A notice given under section 91Z in respect of a fixed term residential rental agreement is of no effect—

(a) if the agreement includes a provision enabling the residential rental provider or the renter to end the agreement by notice (otherwise than on the grounds of a breach of the agreement) if—

(i) the period after the giving of the notice and before the termination date specified in the notice is less than the period of notice required under that provision; or (ii) the termination date specified in the notice is a date other than a date on which under that provision the agreement may be ended; or

(b) in any other case, if it specifies a termination date that is earlier than the end of the term of the residential rental agreement.

(2) This section does not apply to a notice of intention to vacate given under section 91Z(3).

91ZB Reduced period of notice of intention to vacate in certain circumstances

(1) This section applies to a renter if—

(a) the renter has been given a notice to vacate under section 91ZX, 91ZY, 91ZZ, 91ZZA, 91ZZB, 91ZZC, 91ZZD, 91ZZDA, 91ZZE, 91ZZEA or 91ZZEB; or (b) the renter requires special or personal care and needs to vacate the rented premises in order to obtain that care; or

(c) the renter has been offered and accepted accommodation by Homes Victoria or a registered housing agency; or

(ca) the rented premises are provided under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs and the renter has found alternative accommodation and needs to vacate the premises to take up that accommodation; or (d) the renter requires temporary crisis accommodation and needs to vacate the rented premises in order to obtain that accommodation; or (e) the renter has been given a notice of intention to sell by the residential rental provider in accordance with section 86, unless the renter was notified of the proposed sale of the rented premises in accordance with section 30D before entering into the residential rental agreement; or (f) the residential rental provider has refused the request of a renter with a disability to make reasonable alterations to the rented premises pursuant to section 55 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010; or (g) the renter, who is an SDA resident, has been given a notice under section 498DA.

(2) A renter to whom this section applies may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate rented premises under a fixed term residential rental agreement specifying a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given, irrespective of the date of the end of the fixed term. (3) A renter to whom this section applies may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate premises rented under a periodic residential rental agreement specifying a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3A) A renter to whom subsection (1)(g) applies may give a residential rental provider who is, or was, an SDA provider, a notice of intention to vacate a premises that is, or was, an SDA enrolled dwelling, specifying a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given. (4) A renter who gives a notice of intention to vacate under subsection (2) or (3) must provide with that notice of intention to vacate documentary evidence that substantiates the existence of special circumstances of a kind referred to in subsection (1)(b), (c) or (d), as the case requires. (5) A renter who terminates a residential rental agreement under this section by notice of intention to vacate other than on receipt of a notice to vacate referred to in subsection (1)(a), is not liable to pay to the residential rental provider in relation to that termination any form of lease break fee (however described). (6) In this section special or personal care means—

(a) assistance with one or more of the following—

(i) bathing, showering or personal hygiene; (ii) toileting; (iii) dressing or undressing; (iv) meals; or

(b) physical assistance for persons with mobility problems; or (c) assistance for persons who are mobile but require some form of supervision or assistance; or (d) assistance or supervision in dispensing medicine; or (e) the provision of substantial emotional support in a health or residential service.

(7) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in section 91Z or 91ZA.

91ZC Residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years does not comply with standard form

(1) This section applies if a residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years is not in the standard form. (2) Despite any term of the residential rental agreement to the contrary, the renter may give the residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate the rented premises. (3) The notice of intention to vacate must specify a termination date that is not less than 28 days after the date on which the notice is given. (4) A renter who terminates a residential rental agreement under this section is not liable to pay to the residential rental provider in relation to that termination any form of lease break fee (however described).

91ZD Premises destroyed or unfit for habitation

(1) A renter may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate rented premises if the premises—

(a) are unfit for human habitation; or (b) have been destroyed totally or to such an extent as to be rendered unsafe.

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date.

91ZE Failure of residential rental provider to comply with Tribunal order

(1) A renter may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate rented premises if the residential rental provider fails to comply with an order of the Tribunal under section 212. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZF Successive breaches by residential rental provider

(1) A renter under a fixed term residential rental agreement may give a residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate rented premises without first serving a breach of duty notice if—

(a) the residential rental provider has breached a duty provision; and (b) on 2 previous occasions the residential rental provider has been in breach of the same provision; and (c) the renter has on each occasion referred to in paragraph (b) given a breach of duty notice to the residential rental provider.

(2) If the renter gives a breach of duty notice to the residential rental provider in respect of the breach of a duty provision, the renter must not give the residential rental provider a notice of intention to vacate under this section unless the residential rental provider has not complied with the breach of duty notice within the required time. (3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZG Order of Tribunal that premises are abandoned

(1) If a residential rental provider believes that a renter has abandoned rented premises, the residential rental provider may apply to the Tribunal for an order declaring that the renter has abandoned them. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be heard by the Tribunal within 5 business days after the application is made. (3) On an application under subsection (1), the Tribunal by order may declare that the rented premises were abandoned by the renter on a day specified by the Tribunal. (4) The renter is deemed to have abandoned the rented premises on that specified day.

91ZH Abandoned premises and rent in advance

(1) If a renter abandons rented premises and the residential rental provider has received an amount of rent in respect of the premises that had not accrued due when the renter abandoned them, the residential rental provider is entitled to the lesser of—

(a) that amount; or (b) such part of that amount as does not exceed the amount of loss or damage suffered as a result of the abandonment.

(2) If the residential rental provider knows the address of the renter, the residential rental provider must pay to the renter the amount of rent to which the residential rental provider is not entitled. (3) If the residential rental provider does not know the address of the renter, the amount to which the residential rental provider is not entitled must be dealt with in accordance with Part 3 of the Unclaimed Money Act 2008 as if the residential rental provider were a business to which that Part applies.

Subdivision 5—Notice by residential rental provider, owner or mortgagee

91ZI Damage

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter or the renter's visitor, whether by act or omission intentionally or recklessly causes serious damage to the premises, including any safety equipment, or to any common areas.

ExampleSafety equipment such as smoke alarms.

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date.

91ZJ Danger

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter or the renter's visitor by act or omission endangers the safety of—

(a) occupiers of neighbouring premises; or (b) the residential rental provider or the provider's agent; or (c) a contractor or employee of a person referred to in paragraph (b).

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date. (3) A residential rental provider is not entitled to give a notice to vacate under subsection (1) if a notice to leave under section 368 has been given in respect of that act or omission.

91ZK Threats and intimidation

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter or any other person occupying or jointly occupying the rented premises has seriously threatened or intimidated—

(a) the residential rental provider or the provider's agent; or (b) a contractor or employee of a person referred to in paragraph (a).

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZL Condition of premises

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the premises—

(a) are unfit for human habitation; or (b) have been destroyed totally or to such an extent as to be rendered unsafe.

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date on which the notice is given or a later date.

91ZM Non-payment of rent

(1) On the first, second, third and fourth occasion of non-payment of rent—

(a) the residential rental provider may give a notice to vacate under this section to the renter; and (b) if the renter pays the unpaid rent on or before the termination date in the notice under paragraph (a), the notice is of no effect; and (c) if the renter does not pay the unpaid rent on or before the termination date in the notice under paragraph (a), the residential rental provider may apply to the Tribunal for a possession order; and (d) on an application for a possession order, if the Tribunal has made an assessment under section 331 in respect of the application, the Tribunal—

(i) may place the renter on a payment plan and adjourn the application for the possession order; or (ii) may make a possession order.

(2) On the fifth occasion of non-payment of rent—

(a) the residential rental provider may give a notice to vacate under this section to the renter; and (b) the notice given under paragraph (a) remains in effect despite the renter paying the unpaid rent on or before the termination date in the notice; and (c) the residential rental provider may apply to the Tribunal for a possession order after the expiry of the notice under paragraph (a); and (d) section 331 does not apply to an application under paragraph (c); and (e) on an application under paragraph (c), the Tribunal may make a possession order.

(3) If the Tribunal places a renter on a payment plan under subsection (1)(d)(i) and the renter complies with the terms of the payment plan and has paid the unpaid rent—

(a) the Tribunal is to dismiss the application for the possession order; and (b) the residential rental agreement continues despite any notice to vacate that has already been given to the renter.

(4) If the Tribunal places a renter on a payment plan under subsection (1)(d)(i) and the renter does not comply with the terms of the payment plan, the Tribunal may make a possession order. (5) A notice to vacate given under this section must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given. (6) For the purposes of this section, a separate notice to vacate must be given for each separate occasion of non-payment of rent. (7) In this section—

occasion of non-payment of rent means an occasion where the renter owes at least 14 days rent within a 12 month period of the residential rental agreement, but does not include any amount owing under a payment plan ordered by the Tribunal;12 month period means—

(a) the first 12 month period of the residential rental agreement that begins on the first day of the residential rental agreement; or (b) the second 12 month period of the residential rental agreement, if any, that begins on the day after the end of the first 12 month period of the residential rental agreement; or (c) any consecutive 12 month period of the residential rental agreement, if any, that begins immediately after the end of the first or a subsequent 12 month period of the residential rental agreement.

(8) For the purposes of this section, rent in relation to a residential rental agreement under which Homes Victoria or a registered agency is the residential rental provider, is the amount payable to the residential rental provider by the renter to occupy rented premises and use facilities or services less any applicable rental rebate.

(9) For the purposes of this section, rent, in relation to a residential rental agreement for rented premises which are provided under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs, is the amount payable to the residential rental provider by the renter to occupy those rented premises and use facilities or services less any applicable rebate under the relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Program.

91ZN Failure to pay bond

(1) The residential rental provider may give the renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter fails to comply with a provision of the residential rental agreement relating to the payment of a bond. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZO Failure to comply with Tribunal order

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter fails to comply with an order of the Tribunal under section 212. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZP Successive breaches by renter

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises without first serving a breach of duty notice if—

(a) the renter has breached a duty provision; and (b) on 2 previous occasions the renter has been in breach of the same provision; and (c) the residential rental provider or the residential rental provider's agent has on each occasion referred to in paragraph (b) given a breach of duty notice to the renter.

(2) If the residential rental provider gives a breach of duty notice to the renter in respect of the breach of a duty provision, the residential rental provider must not give the renter a notice to vacate under this section unless the renter has not complied with the breach of duty notice within the required time. (3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZQ Use of premises for illegal purpose

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter has used the rented premises or permitted their use for any purpose that is illegal at common law or under an Act. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZR Drug-related conduct in public housing

(1) Homes Victoria may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises which are public housing if the renter has, on the rented premises or in a common area, illegally—

(a) trafficked or attempted to traffick a drug of dependence; or (b) supplied a drug of dependence to a person under 18 years of age; or (c) possessed a preparatory item with the intention of using the item for the purpose of trafficking in a drug of dependence; or (d) possessed, without lawful excuse—

(i) a tablet press; or (ii) a precursor chemical; or

(e) intentionally caused another person to traffick in a drug of dependence by threatening to harm that person or another person or by using violence against that person or another person; or (f) intentionally permitted another person to use those premises or the common area for—

(i) trafficking in a drug of dependence; or (ii) cultivating a drug of dependence; or

(g) cultivated or attempted to cultivate a narcotic plant.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3) In this section—

cultivate, narcotic plant and traffick have the same meanings as in section 70(1) of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981;drug of dependence, substance and supply have the same meanings as in section 4(1) of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981;precursor chemical means a prescribed precursor chemical within the meaning of section 71D of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981;preparatory item means a substance, material, equipment or document containing instructions relating to the preparation, cultivation or trafficking of a drug of dependence.

91ZS Prescribed indictable offences in public housing

(1) Homes Victoria may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises which are public housing if the renter has committed a prescribed indictable offence on the rented premises or in a common area. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

(3) To avoid doubt, nothing in this section is to be taken to mean that Homes Victoria may only give a renter a notice to vacate in respect of a prescribed indictable offence if the renter has been convicted or found guilty of that offence.

91ZT Permitting child to reside in premises

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter has failed to comply with a term of the residential rental agreement prohibiting the renter from permitting a child under the age of 16 years to reside on the rented premises. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZU False statement to housing authority

(1) A residential rental provider which is a public statutory authority engaged in the provision of housing may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the authority was induced to enter the residential rental agreement by a statement by the renter—

(a) which related to a matter on which eligibility to rent the premises depended; and (b) which the renter knew to be false or misleading.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZV Assignment or sub-letting without consent

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the renter has assigned or sub-let or purported to assign or sub‑let the whole or any part of the premises without the residential rental provider's consent. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZW Residential rental provider's principal place of residence (fixed term residential rental agreement)

(1) A residential rental provider under a fixed term residential rental agreement may, before the end of the term of the residential rental agreement, give the renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the rented premises were the residential rental provider's principal place of residence—

(i) immediately before the residential rental agreement was entered into; or (ii) if the residential rental agreement is the second residential rental agreement entered into since the premises were the residential rental provider's principal place of residence, immediately before the first residential rental agreement was entered into; and

(b) the residential rental agreement states that the rented premises were the residential rental provider's principal place of residence—

(i) immediately before the residential rental agreement was entered into; or (ii) if the residential rental agreement is the second residential rental agreement entered into since the premises were the residential rental provider's principal place of residence, immediately before the first residential rental agreement was entered into; and

(c) the residential rental agreement states that the residential rental provider intends to resume occupancy of the premises on the termination of the agreement.

(2) The notice may specify a termination date that is the date of the end of the term or a later date. (3) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 14 days after the date on which the notice is given. (4) A residential rental provider is not entitled to give a notice under this section if the residential rental provider has entered into more than 2 residential rental agreements in respect of the premises since the premises were the residential rental provider's principal place of residence.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZX Repairs

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the residential rental provider intends to repair, renovate or reconstruct the premises—

(i) in the case of a building owned by a residential rental provider containing 5 or more rented premises, immediately after the last renter vacates; or (ii) in any other case, immediately after the termination date; and

(b) the residential rental provider has obtained all necessary permits and consents to carry out the work; and (c) the work cannot be properly carried out unless the renter vacates the rented premises.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZY Demolition

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the residential rental provider intends to demolish the premises—

(i) in the case of a building owned by a residential rental provider containing 5 or more rented premises, immediately after the last renter vacates; or (ii) in any other case, immediately after the termination date; and

(b) the residential rental provider has obtained all necessary permits and consents to demolish the premises.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZZ Premises to be used for business

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the premises are immediately after the termination date to be used for the purposes of a business or for any purpose other than letting for use principally as a residence. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZZA Premises to be occupied by residential rental provider or provider's family

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the premises are immediately after the termination date to be occupied—

(a) by the residential rental provider; or (b) in the case of a residential rental provider who is an individual—

(i) by the residential rental provider's partner, child, parent or partner's parent; or (ii) by another person who normally lives with the residential rental provider and is wholly or substantially dependent on the residential rental provider.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZZB Premises to be sold

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if the premises are immediately after the termination date to be sold or offered for sale with vacant possession. (2) If a residential rental provider has entered into a contract of sale of the rented premises and the contract of sale is subject to one or more conditions which, if not satisfied, entitle a party to the contract to terminate the contract, the residential rental provider, within 14 days after the last of those conditions is satisfied, may give a renter a notice to vacate the rented premises. (3) If a residential rental provider has entered into a contract of sale of the rented premises which is not a contract of sale of the kind referred to in subsection (2), the residential rental provider, within 14 days after the contract of sale is entered into, may give a renter a notice to vacate the rented premises. (4) A notice under this section must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZZC Premises required for public purposes

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the premises are the property of a public statutory authority authorised to acquire land compulsorily for its purposes; and (b) immediately after the termination date the premises are required for public purposes.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given.

NoteSee section 91ZZO regarding requirements for accompanying documentary evidence.

91ZZD End of fixed term residential rental agreement of not more than 5 years

(1) A residential rental provider under a fixed term residential rental agreement for a fixed term of not more than 5 years, before the end of the term of the residential rental agreement, may give the renter a notice to vacate the rented premises at the end of the initial fixed term. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is on or after the date of the end of the initial fixed term. (3) The notice must be given—

(a) in the case of a fixed term residential rental agreement for 6 months or more (but not exceeding 5 years), not less than 90 days before the end of the initial fixed term; or (b) in the case of a fixed term residential rental agreement for less than 6 months, not less than 60 days before the end of the initial fixed term.

91ZZDA End of fixed term residential rental agreement of more than 5 years

(1) A residential rental provider under a fixed term residential rental agreement for a fixed term of more than 5 years, before the end of the term of the residential rental agreement, may give the renter a notice to vacate the rented premises at the end of the initial fixed term. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is on or after the date of the end of the initial fixed term. (3) The notice must be given—

(a) not less than the prescribed period before the end of the initial fixed term; or (b) if no period has been prescribed under paragraph (a), 90 days before the end of the initial fixed term.

(4) In this section—

initial fixed term includes any extension of the initial fixed term agreed to by the residential rental provider and the renter under the residential rental agreement.

91ZZE Renter no longer meets eligibility criteria

(1) A residential rental provider which is a public statutory authority engaged in the provision of housing may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the rented premises are premises only available to be let to persons who meet the eligibility criteria for housing published by the public statutory authority under subsection (3); and (b) the renter ceases to meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 90 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3) A public statutory authority, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may publish its criteria for eligibility for the provision of housing by that public statutory authority.

91ZZEA Renter no longer meets NRAS eligibility criteria

(1) A residential rental provider of rented premises which are subject to a current allocation under the National Rental Affordability Scheme may give the renter a notice to vacate the rented premises if—

(a) the renter submits documentation to the residential rental provider which shows that the renter no longer meets the NRAS eligibility criteria; or (b) subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4)—

(i) the residential rental provider has given a written request to the renter to submit documentation to the residential rental provider for the sole purpose of assessing the renter's ongoing eligibility; and (ii) within 60 days of that request, the renter has not provided that documentation.

(2) A request referred to in subsection (1)(b) must be made in accordance with the requirements under the National Rental Affordability Scheme. (3) Despite a notice to vacate being given under this section because subsection (1)(b) applies, a renter may give the residential rental provider the requested documentation during the 90 day notice period. (4) If a notice to vacate is given under this section because subsection (1)(b) applies, the notice to vacate ceases to have effect and is taken to be withdrawn if—

(a) the renter gives the residential rental provider the requested documentation during the 90 day notice period in accordance with subsection (3); and (b) the documentation shows that the renter meets the NRAS eligibility criteria.

(5) A notice to vacate under this section—

(a) may be given to a renter whether the residential rental agreement is a fixed term residential rental agreement or a periodic residential rental agreement; and (b) subject to subsection (6), if the residential rental agreement is a fixed term residential rental agreement—

(i) may specify a termination date that is before the end of the fixed term; and (ii) may be given during the initial fixed term or a subsequent fixed term or any subsequent periodic residential rental agreement.

(6) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 90 days after the date on which the notice is given. (7) Nothing in this section prevents a residential rental provider giving a notice to vacate under section 91ZZD or 91ZZDA.

91ZZEB Renter no longer meets Victorian Affordable Housing Programs eligibility criteria

(1) This section applies if—

(a) rented premises are provided under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs; and (b) the residential rental provider gave written notice to the renter before the residential rental agreement was entered into of the following—

(i) that the rented premises are being provided under the Victorian Affordable Housing Programs; (ii) that entering into a residential rental agreement and the ongoing occupation of the premises is subject to that renter meeting the relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Programs eligibility criteria.

(2) The residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate the rented premises if—

(a) the renter submits documentation to the residential rental provider which shows that the renter no longer meets the relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Programs eligibility criteria; or (b) subject to subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6)—

(i) the residential rental provider has given a written request to the renter to submit documentation to the residential rental provider for the sole purpose of assessing the renter's ongoing eligibility; and (ii) within 60 days of that request, the renter has not provided that documentation.

(3) A request referred to in subsection (2)(b) must be made in accordance with the relevant VAHP declaration and VAHP determination. (4) A request referred to in subsection (2)(b) must not be made more frequently than—

(a) if the relevant VAHP declaration or VAHP determination specifies a period, in accordance with the period of frequency specified in the relevant VAHP declaration or VAHP determination for the provision of documentation; or (b) if no period of frequency is specified in the VAHP declaration or VAHP determination—

(i) once every 12 months, commencing from the date that the residential rental agreement starts; or (ii) in the case of a periodic residential rental agreement, once every 12 months from the date that the periodic residential rental agreement starts.

(5) Nothing in subsection (4) prevents a request for further information being made more frequently than specified in subsection (4) if a response to an original request was insufficient to allow for assessment of a renter meeting the relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Programs eligibility criteria. (6) If a notice to vacate is given under this section because subsection (2)(b) applies—

(a) the renter may give the residential rental provider the requested documentation during the 90 day notice period; and (b) if the documentation shows that the renter does meet the relevant Victorian Affordable Housing Programs eligibility criteria, the notice to vacate ceases to have effect and is taken to be withdrawn.

(7) A notice to vacate under this section—

(a) may be given to a renter whether the residential rental agreement is a fixed term residential rental agreement or a periodic residential rental agreement; and (b) subject to subsection (8), if the residential rental agreement is a fixed term residential rental agreement—

(i) may specify a termination date that is before the end of the fixed term; and (ii) may be given during the initial fixed term or a subsequent fixed term or any subsequent periodic residential rental agreement.

(8) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 90 days after the date on which the notice is given. (9) Nothing in this section prevents a residential rental provider giving a notice to vacate under section 91ZZD or 91ZZDA.

91ZZF Renter in transitional housing refuses alternative accommodation

(1) A residential rental provider which is Homes Victoria or a delegate of Homes Victoria may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the rented premises were provided as transitional housing; and

(b) Homes Victoria, under this section, has published requirements for renters of transitional housing to seek alternative accommodation; and (c) the renter has—

(i) unreasonably refused to seek alternative accommodation in accordance with those requirements; or (ii) refused a reasonable offer of alternative accommodation made in accordance with those requirements.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 30 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3) In this section transitional housing means accommodation for a period of more than 14 days and less than 12 months provided to persons in crisis as a result of homelessness or impending homelessness.

(4) Homes Victoria, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may publish its requirements for renters of transitional housing to seek alternative accommodation.

91ZZG Notice to vacate when pet kept without consent

(1) A residential rental provider may give a renter a notice to vacate rented premises if—

(a) the Tribunal has made an order under section 71E excluding a pet from the rented premises; and (b) at least 14 days have passed since the order took effect; and (c) the renter has not complied with the order.

(2) The notice must specify a date that is not less than 28 days after the day on which the notice is given.

91ZZH Prohibition on letting premises after notice

(1) A residential rental provider or a person acting on behalf of a residential rental provider who obtains possession of rented premises in respect of which a notice to vacate has been given under sections 91ZY to 91ZZB must not let the premises to a person for use primarily as a residence before the end of 6 months after the date on which the notice was given.

Penalty: 150 penalty units in the case of a natural person;750 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply—

(a) to the letting of the premises to a person referred to in section 91ZZA; or (b) if the Tribunal determines that the premises may be let.

91ZZI Notice to have no effect in certain circumstances

(1) A notice given under section 91ZX, 91ZY, 91ZZ, 91ZZA, 91ZZB, 91ZZC, 91ZZD, 91ZZDA or 91ZZE in respect of a fixed term residential rental agreement is of no effect—

(a) if the agreement includes a provision enabling the residential rental provider or the renter to determine the agreement by notice (otherwise than on the grounds of a breach of the agreement) if—

(i) the period after the giving of notice and before the termination date specified in the notice is less than the period of notice required under that provision; or (ii) the termination date specified in the notice is a date other than a date on which under that provision the agreement may be determined; or

(b) in any other case, if it specifies a termination date that is earlier than the end of the term of the residential rental agreement.

(2) A notice given under section 91ZX, 91ZY, 91ZZ, 91ZZA, 91ZZB, 91ZZC, 91ZZD, 91ZZDA or 91ZZE is of no effect if the giving of the notice would constitute direct discrimination within the meaning of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. (3) A notice under section 91ZK is of no effect if it was given in response to the exercise, or proposed exercise, by the renter of a right under this Act.

(4) A notice under section 91ZZD, 91ZZDA, 91ZZEA or 91ZZEB is of no effect if it was given in response to—

(a) the exercise, or proposed exercise, by the renter of a right under this Act; or (b) the renter making a report under section 72AA.

(5) A person is not entitled to apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of a notice—

(a) in the case of a notice under section 91ZZD or 91ZZDA relating to a fixed term residential rental agreement for a fixed term of 6 months or more, after the end of 28 days after the date on which the notice is given; or (b) in the case of a notice under section 91ZZD or 91ZZDA relating to a fixed term residential rental agreement for a fixed term of less than 6 months, after the end of 21 days after the date on which the notice is given.

91ZZJ Notice by owner

(1) If the residential rental provider under a residential rental agreement is not the owner of the rented premises, the owner may exercise a right of the residential rental provider—

(a) to give the renter a notice to vacate the premises (except under section 91ZW); or (b) to recover possession of the premises; or (c) to give a breach of duty notice that applies to the residential rental agreement.

(2) A notice to vacate given in accordance with a right conferred by subsection (1) does not have effect unless it specifies a termination date on or after the day on which the residential rental provider's interest in the premises ends. (3) If the owner exercises a right conferred by subsection (1) in relation to a residential rental agreement, this Division, Part 5 and Part 7 have effect as if a reference to a residential rental provider under a residential rental agreement included a reference to the owner.

91ZZK Notice by mortgagee

(1) Subject to subsection (4), if a mortgagee in respect of rented premises under a mortgage entered into before the residential rental agreement was entered into becomes entitled to possession of, or to exercise a power of sale in respect of, the premises under a mortgage, the mortgagee may give the renter a notice to vacate the premises. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is not less than 60 days after the date on which the notice is given. (3) If the mortgagee exercises a right conferred by subsection (1) in relation to a residential rental agreement, this Division, Part 5 and Part 7 have effect as if a reference to a residential rental provider under a residential rental agreement included a reference to the mortgagee. (4) A notice to vacate must not be given by a mortgagee if the mortgagee has expressly or impliedly consented to the mortgagor entering into a residential rental agreement in relation to the rented premises, regardless of when the residential rental agreement was entered into.

91ZZL Notice to vacate given by Tribunal order under Rooming House Operators Act 2016

(1) A residential rental provider who is a rooming house operator must give a resident who is a renter under a residential rental agreement a notice to vacate if the Tribunal has made an order referred to in section 33(1)(b), 34(3)(c)(ii) or 83(3)(c)(iii) of the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 in relation to the rooming house operator. (2) The notice must specify a termination date that is the date specified by the Tribunal as the termination date.

91ZZM Notice to vacate—refusal of licence under Rooming House Operators Act 2016

(1) A rooming house operator who has entered into a residential rental agreement with a rooming house resident in accordance with section 94 may give the resident a notice to vacate under that residential rental agreement if—

(a) the rooming house operator's application for renewal of a licence under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 is refused by the Business Licensing Authority and section 29(1) or 29(2) of that Act apply; or (b) the rooming house operator's application for a licence under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 is refused by the Business Licensing Authority and section 82(2) of that Act applies.

(2) The notice must specify a termination date that is 120 days after the date on which the notice is given.

Subdivision 6—Notices under this Division

91ZZN Form of notice of intention to vacate

A notice of intention to vacate rented premises is not valid unless—

(a) it is in writing; and (b) it is signed by the person giving the notice or by that person's agent.

91ZZO Form of notice to vacate

A notice to vacate given under this Division is not valid unless—

(a) it is in the relevant prescribed form; and (b) it is addressed to the renter; and (c) it is signed by the person giving the notice or by that person's agent; and (d) it specifies the reason or reasons for giving the notice; and (e) in the case of a notice to vacate given under section 91ZW, 91ZX, 91ZY, 91ZZ, 91ZZA, 91ZZB or 91ZZC, it is accompanied by documentary evidence, as approved by the Director from time to time, which supports the reason for giving the notice; and

NoteSee section 486A.

(f) it specifies the termination date which is the date by which compliance is required.

91ZZP What if 2 or more notices can be served?

If a person is or becomes entitled to give 2 or more notices of intention to vacate or notices to vacate under this Division—

(a) the invalidity of any of the notices does not affect the validity of any other notice; and (b) each valid notice has full force and effect.

91ZZQ How can a notice be withdrawn?

(1) A notice of intention to vacate or a notice to vacate given under this Division is withdrawn only if a notice of withdrawal is given. (2) A notice of withdrawal must be—

(a) in writing; and (b) signed by the person who gave the notice; and (c) signed by the person to whom the notice was given.

Subdivision 7—Can a notice to vacate be challenged?

91ZZR Application of Subdivision

Nothing in this Subdivision affects any right a renter may have to challenge the validity of any other notice to vacate under this Act.

91ZZS Renter may apply to Tribunal

(1) On or before the hearing of an application for a possession order in respect of a notice to vacate given under section 91ZX, 91ZY, 91ZZ, 91ZZA, 91ZZB or 91ZZC, a renter who has received the notice to vacate may apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of the notice to vacate. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within 30 days after the notice to vacate is given.

91ZZT What can the Tribunal order?

(1) On an application under section 91ZZS, the Tribunal may determine whether or not the notice to vacate is valid. (2) If the Tribunal determines that the notice to vacate is valid, the renter is not entitled to further apply to the Tribunal to challenge the validity of the notice to vacate unless the Tribunal is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify reconsideration of the determination made under this section. (3) Nothing in subsection (2) affects the operation of section 479.

91ZZU Renter may challenge notice to vacate on grounds of family violence or personal violence

(1) On or before the hearing of an application for a possession order, a renter who has received a notice to vacate under section 91ZI, 91ZJ, 91ZK, 91ZO, 91ZP, 91ZQ, 91ZR, 91ZZEA or 91ZZEB may apply to the Tribunal challenging the validity of the notice to vacate on the grounds that the relevant act or breach for which the notice to vacate was given was caused by the act of a person who has subjected the applicant to family violence or personal violence. (2) An application under subsection (1) must be made within 30 days after the notice to vacate is given.

91ZZV What can the Tribunal order?

On an application under section 91ZZU, the Tribunal must make an order that the notice to vacate is invalid if satisfied that—

(a) the applicant has been, or is being, subjected to family violence or personal violence; and (b) the relevant act or breach on which the notice to vacate was given was caused by the act of a person who has subjected the applicant to family violence or personal violence.