More Support Services To Help Renters Realise Their Rights
Saturday 24 January 2026 at 7:41 pm
The Allan Labor Government is boosting support services for Victorian renters, who will benefit from better access to advocacy and advice thanks to the new Victorian Renter Rights Program.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos today announced the new program, designed to build upon the success of existing services by delivering even better, dedicated support to even more renters, especially older Victorians and those under financial stress.
The Victorian Renter Rights Program will almost double government funding for renter support to $98 million over five years – a significant increase on the already-record $10.2 million invested this financial year.
Once the new program is fully operational, the number of clients assisted annually is expected to more than double from 12,663 last financial year to around 25,500.
The program includes the following new services and resources:
The Renter Rights Service, offering local access to advice, support and advocacy for renters across the state.
The Older Persons Housing Rights Service, providing a new, integrated support service for Victorians aged 55 and above living in private rentals, residential parks and retirement living.
The Victorian Renter Helpline, a new, easily accessible central phone line and website featuring support and advice based on renters’ personal circumstances and will also manage referrals to other program services.
The Renter Central Service, supporting the frontline workers with advice services, community worker outreach and professional development, as well as specialist legal support for complex issues and community education and support for multicultural communities.
The program will replace the existing rental support service delivery model funded through Consumer Affairs Victoria, including the Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program, Tenancy Central Service, Retirement Housing Assistance and Advocacy Program, and the temporary funding boost through the Rental Stress Support Package.
Expected to commence later this year, the program is in response to a review of Consumer Affairs Victoria’s funded renting services and financial counselling programs, which found that new services were needed to respond to population growth, workforce challenges, and provide specialist support for the most vulnerable.
The Government is also considering the review’s findings on financial counselling and will provide an additional $16.4 million to continue existing financial counselling services for a further 12 months beyond its record funding in 2025–26.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos
“Victoria is the best state in Australia for renters with more than 150 reforms introduced to make renting fairer and more affordable for the almost one third of Victorians who rent – these services mean more Victorians will have the support, advocacy and advice they need.”
“We know that cost of living is front of mind for many Victorians and this Labor Government will always have their backs.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Renters, Kat Theophanous MP
“Safe and stable housing benefits everyone - and it happens when rights are equitable and people are supported to understand and enact them. This new funding means we can more than double the amount of renters who can access that important early intervention, before a rental issue reaches crisis point.”
