Petition Improve the efficiency and fairness of the Residential Tenancies List

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the opportunities for improving the efficiency and fairness of the Residential Tenancies List at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), to better support a healthy rental market for all Victorians. Many small rental providers face extended delays in resolving disputes related to rent arrears and inaccurate rental references. These can involve repeated reviews and adjournments in cases with multiple tenants on a lease, where co-tenants may not attend hearings, or where adjournments or payment plans are granted despite evidence of non-payment or misrepresentation. Such delays can lead to periods without rental income while providers continue to cover ongoing costs, potentially discouraging investment in rental properties and limiting the overall supply of affordable housing options.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly 1. Introduce expedited possession applications where rent arrears exceed one month's rent, with strict limits on adjournments when clear breach evidence exists. 2. Grant rental providers immediate possession rights upon expiry of a fixed-term lease if the tenant is in arrears, subject to essential procedural safeguards. 3. Amend legislation to limit repeated reviews in multi-tenant cases after adequate representation, and require visual identity verification for tribunal hearing participants (replacing phone-only confirmation without proof). 4. Mandate independent verification of rental references, with penalties for providing false information. 5. Review VCAT Residential Tenancies List processes to ensure timely and equitable dispute resolution.