Victoria is expanding its support for renters with a new statewide program aimed at improving access to advice, advocacy and legal help as housing pressure continues to weigh on households.
The Victorian Renter Rights Program will almost double government funding for renter support to $98 million over five years, building on existing services and targeting groups facing higher risk, including older renters and those under financial stress. The initiative was announced on Sunday by the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos.
Once fully operational, the program is expected to assist around 25,500 clients each year, up from 12,663 last financial year
Once fully operational, the program is expected to assist around 25,500 clients each year, up from 12,663 last financial year. The government says the increase reflects both rising demand and the need for more specialised, accessible services as Victoria’s renting population grows.
Mr Staikos said the changes were designed to strengthen practical support for the nearly one in three Victorians who rent. “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.”
Once fully operational, the program is expected to assist around 25,500 clients each year, up from 12,663 last financial year
At the centre of the program is a new Renter Rights Service, which will provide local access to advice, support and advocacy across the state. This will be supported by a Victorian Renter Helpline, offering a central phone line and website tailored to renters’ personal circumstances and responsible for directing people to the right services.
Older renters will also be covered through a new Older Persons Housing Rights Service, focused on Victorians aged 55 and above living in private rentals, residential parks and retirement living. The government says this recognises the growing number of older people renting for longer and the specific challenges they face.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos said the changes were designed to strengthen practical support for the nearly one in three Victorians who rent
Behind the scenes, a Renter Central Service will support frontline workers through professional development, specialist legal help for complex cases, outreach by community workers and education programs, including support for multicultural communities.
The new framework will replace the current mix of tenancy and housing assistance programs funded through Consumer Affairs Victoria, consolidating services that have grown over time into a single model. According to the government, the change follows a review that identified gaps in the existing system, including pressures linked to population growth and workforce constraints.
The program is expected to begin later this year. Alongside it, the government will provide an additional $16.4 million to extend existing financial counselling services for a further 12 months beyond the record funding already allocated for 2025–26, while it considers the broader findings of the review.
Cost-of-living pressures remain a key backdrop to the reforms. “We know that cost of living is front of mind for many Victorians and this Labor Government will always have their backs,” Mr Staikos said.
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