VCAT Launches Free Dispute Resolution Service for Renters

Victorian renters gained a powerful new ally in June 2025 with the launch of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), a free service transforming how tenancy disputes are resolved without the stress and cost of tribunal hearings.

What RDRV Handles

This groundbreaking service manages disputes about:

• Bond refunds and claims
• Compensation for property damage
• Urgent and non-urgent repairs
• Excessive rent increases
• Breach of duty claims

How It Works

RDRV partners with the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria to provide:

1. Free professional mediation
2. Faster resolution than tribunal hearings
3. Less formal, more collaborative approach
4. Binding agreements when consensus reached
5. Tribunal pathway if mediation fails

The Power of Mediation

Unlike adversarial tribunal proceedings, mediation allows:

• Open dialogue between parties
• Creative problem-solving
• Relationship preservation
• Quicker outcomes
• No legal representation needed

Success Strategies for RDRV

To maximize your mediation success:

• Prepare comprehensive documentation
• Know your rights under Victorian law
• Stay solution-focused
• Consider reasonable compromises
• Bring all relevant evidence

Consumer Affairs Guidelines

VCAT must now consider Consumer Affairs Victoria guidelines on:

• Fair wear and tear vs damage
• Depreciation calculations
• Cleaning standards
• Maintenance responsibilities

Bondinator: Your RDRV Preparation Partner

Successful mediation requires organized evidence. Bondinator helps Victorian tenants:

• Compile chronological incident logs
• Organize photo evidence with timestamps
• Track all landlord communications
• Calculate compensation amounts
• Prepare professional case summaries

Our app's evidence organization makes the difference between successful mediation and lengthy disputes. With Bondinator, you'll enter RDRV sessions fully prepared, dramatically increasing your chances of favorable outcomes.

Don't wait for disputes to escalate - start documenting with Bondinator today and be ready for RDRV's efficient resolution process.