Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)

Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV)

Overview 

Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), launching in June 2025, is a new government initiative aimed at streamlining the handling of rental disputes across the state. Aimed at easing pressure on VCAT, RDRV offers a new and free service that provides early intervention and structured resolution processes for common issues, including rent increases, repairs, and bond and/or compensation cases. 

Embedded within VCAT, RDRV is part of the Victorian Government’s broader efforts to strengthen mutual accountability and support a fairer, more stable rental market for rental providers and renters as outlined in the Housing Statement. The REIV is working in collaboration with the Victorian Government and other stakeholders as it designs policies outlined through its housing agenda. 

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What’s on this page

  • Overview 

  • What you need to know 

  • Understanding the changes

  • Resources 

What you need to know 

Impact on real estate professionals 

RDRV will change the way property managers handle tenancy disputes.  

Key points to note: 

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required at each login to ensure security. 

  • Notifications and orders will be sent via email, similar to RT Hub/VCAT Online. 

  • Portal accounts will need to be created to receive documents and case updates. 

  • Both RDRV and RT Hub/VCAT Online will operate in parallel until all tenancy applications transition to RDRV. 

  • Non-RDRV case types will continue to be managed through an RT Hub/VCAT online account. 

  • Rent increase notices will still be lodged through RT Hub/VCAT Online. 

RDRV is a free VCAT service designed to assist with disputes related to: 

  • Excessive rent increases 

  • Repairs (urgent and non-urgent) 

  • Bond and/or compensation matters 

RDRV launches in June 2025 and will offer faster, low-cost dispute resolution with less stress. The focus is on helping both parties reach a mutually agreed-upon outcome without going to a hearing. 

To lodge applications, users must create an RDRV portal account. To set up your account. There are three account options: 

Individual Level 

  • Each property manager creates a personal login 

  • Access is limited to their own cases 

  • Notifications are managed through their individual email address 

Agency Level 

  • A shared login is used for the entire agency 

  • All managers can view and manage all agency-linked cases through this email login 

Director/Primary Level 

  • Each property manager has a personal login 

  • A Director or primary user can view all cases across the agency 

  • Allows broader visibility while maintaining individual control, including authentication messaging to individual account holders. 

  • The Direct/Primary Level option will be rolled out shortly. 

If real estate professionals have any questions about signing up for the new portal, they should email the team at RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au. Any case-related queries should be directed to cases@courts.vic.gov.au

Find further instructions on setting up a portal account  

Understanding the changes 

The Government’s Objectives 

RDRV is part of the Victorian Government’s broader housing reform strategy. The introduction of RDRV aligns with government goals to modernise tenancy support services, improve housing security, and promote fairness within the rental sector, as demonstrated in its Housing Statement. The key objectives include: 

  • Providing early intervention and accessible dispute resolution for rental matters 

  • Reducing reliance on the legal system and easing the burden on VCAT. 

  • Improving the awareness of renters and rental providers of their rights and enhancing compliance with tenancy laws. 

By addressing disputes before they escalate, RDRV plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the rental market. It will help maintain trust between rental providers and tenants, reduce housing instability, and contribute to a fairer and more resilient rental system across Victoria. Critically, RDRV aims to be supportive and provide guidance to real estate professionals, thereby avoiding unnecessary and costly escalations during dispute processes. 

Timeline 

6 March 2025 Legislation passed to establish RDRV
19 May 2025 All applications for bond and/or compensation matters must be made via the new VCAT portal
June 2025 RDRV to launch

Resources

VCAT – myVCAT Portal  

myVCAT is an online electronic platform that provides users with the ability to lodge, view and serve applications and other documents in relation to proceedings brought before VCAT. 

VCAT – Account setup guide 

The guide provides step-by-step instructions for real estate professionals to register and verify their agency account on the myVCAT portal, which is used for lodging and managing applications with VCAT. It outlines how to enter company details, set up login credentials, and complete email verification to activate the account. 

VCAT – Information for property managers 

The document provides key information for property managers on how to manage portal accounts, submit applications, and navigate the transition from the current RT Hub/VCAT Online system.