My landlord won't fix it in Victoria. What can I do?

Yes. Urgent repairs must be done straight away, others within 14 days of your written request.

Your clock

• $2,500: Most you can spend
• 7 days after your notice: They repay you

The rule in Victoria

• Urgent: burst pipe, gas leak, dangerous electrical fault, blocked toilet, no hot water, heating or cooling, pests, building mould.
• If they do not act, you can arrange it and send the bill.
• Over $2,500, or if you cannot pay, VCAT hears it within 2 business days.
• Other repairs, after 14 days: Consumer Affairs or VCAT.

Only VCAT can let you pay rent elsewhere. Stopping rent is a breach.

What to send

Please repair [problem] at [address]. I first told you on [date].

Who to call

• Consumer Affairs Victoria, 1300 55 81 81
• Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), 1300 018 228
• Tenants Victoria, (03) 9416 2577

Where this comes from

• Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) version 115
• RDRV: Repairs dispute

General information, not legal advice on your situation.