Where to get support
For support in understanding your rental rights and responsibilities:
Tenants Victoria
Tenants Victoria promotes and protects the rights of tenants in Victoria. They provide free advice, guides, research and publications to educate tenants about their rights and improve conditions for tenants.
For support in housing dispute resolution:
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is the governing body responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act (1997). They offer free advice, forms, publications, fact sheets and provide a conciliation service for dispute resolution.
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid provides free legal advice on a range of legal matters and offers information, publications and resources about the law.
Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
The centre provides a free service that helps people sort out their problems. It deals with many issues, including problems about fencing, trees, animals, noise, children and other neighbourhood disputes.
UMSU Legal Service
The University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) offers University of Melbourne students free legal assistance on housing and accommodation matters. You can get in touch with the UMSU Legal Service here.
For housing financial assistance:
University Financial Aid
Financial Aid team provides information and advice about budgeting, managing debt and Centrelink payments, and can help you to access assistance during times of financial hardship.
Centrelink
Students receiving a Commonwealth Support benefit and living away from home and paying rent may be eligible for Rent Assistance - contact Centrelink for more information.
RentAssist Bond Loan
Australian resident students on low income may be eligible for an interest free Bond Loan for a rental property, co-tenancy in a rental property or as a resident in a rooming house. Contact the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to apply.
For counselling and crisis support services:
University Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff, as well as a range of workshops, mental health training, and helpful resources.
University Safer Communities Program
The University of Melbourne Safer Community Program operates as the University’s central point of inquiry and reporting of inappropriate, concerning and threatening behaviour, and offers a respectful and confidential place to seek support and advice. If you have been a victim of such, please call Campus Security (if it happened on campus) on 03 9035 8675. You can also make an anonymous register for inappropriate behaviour by filling up this form.
Lifeline
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Open: 24 hours, every day
Call: 13 11 14
Website: lifeline.org.au
1800RESPECT
The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service offering a phone and online chat service.
Open: 24 hours, every day
Call: 1800 737 732
Website:1800respect.org.au
Mental health care plan – see your General Practitioner
If you need assistance, you can see a General Practitioner and discuss your situation. You may be eligible for a mental health care plan that will assist with the cost of counselling.
Victims of Crime Victoria
The official Victorian Government service offering free information and support for people affected by crime. Please call the Victims of Crime Helpline at 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 between 8am to 11pm everyday for advice and support. Remember to keep as much evidence as you can which will help in the investigation process should you wish to make a report.
Are you homeless or at risk of homelessness?
Free 24-hour phone line. Someone will take your call to get you help nearby. If after hours, they will refer you to the Salvation Army Crisis Services. Call 1800 825 955