Everybody's home

The Andrews Government is on the brink of taking concrete action to protect the rights of renters across Victoria.

They’re simple changes that will make an incredible difference in the lives of the 1 in 3 Victorians who rent; a guaranteed functioning stove, heating, a crackdown on rental bidding, and a ban on increasing rent more than once a year.

The Bill is currently in Parliament, and has a very serious chance of passing – but it needs the support of at least two crossbenchers. And with a State election just around the corner, these crossbenchers are listening more carefully than ever to what voters want, because they know they’ll be vying for your votes in just a few weeks’ time.

That’s why we’re asking you to email the crossbenchers, to let them know you want them to support the Andrews Government’s new rental laws. Use the tool on the right to send the crossbenchers an email now.

We know that everybody deserves a safe and secure place to live, regardless of whether we rent or whether we own our own home. And now, a state government has a real chance of passing a precedent setting bill to protect the rights of renters.

 We’ve already drafted a message for you to send in just a few seconds, but personalised emails have an even greater impact – so feel free to edit the message or completely write your own.

 

Not sure what to say? Here are some tips and talking points to get you started

Would the changes affect you?
Telling the crossbenchers your personal story about how the changes will positively affect you is really powerful for impacting their decision!

1 in 3 Australians are renters
Remind the crossbenchers that 1 in 3 people in Australia are renters, which is why it’s so important that they too can make their house a home. Just because you don’t own your home, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to feel safe and secure!

Let them know we need their help
Remind them that countless Victorians are depending on them to support the changes to tenancy laws, so that they get a fairer deal and can make their house a home.

What are the changes?
The changes include:

  • The opportunity to make small changes to your home without a landlord’s approval, so you can make the house you live in your home, even if you don’t own it.
  • Universal minimum standards on all homes – including deadlocks on doors and windows so that you can feel safe in your home
  • Rent increases will be limited to once a year – no more random rent rises you haven’t planned for or can’t afford.
  • The end of no grounds evictions – so you can’t be forced to move with no good reason
  • The right to have a pet
  • New fines for landlords and real estate agents doing the wrong thing
  • Victims of family violence would be able to go straight to VCAT to have alleged abusers removed from a lease. If a lease is reworked in this way, the tribunal can order the locks on the home be changed. Alternatively, the lease can be terminated without the victim being held responsible for any compensation
  • Deceased estates are no longer liable for unpaid rent
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