Navigating home and property matters can be challenging, and understanding your legal rights is crucial. Whether you are a renter, homeowner, or facing housing insecurity, there are numerous legal services and support organisations in Victoria that can assist you. This guide provides information on available resources and how to access them.

Support Services for Tenants

Recent Rental Law Changes

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 has been updated to provide stronger protections for renters. These changes, effective from 29 March 2021, cover key areas such as rental increases, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution. More details can be found on the Tenants Victoria website

Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) Assistance

If you do not have legal representation, VLA duty lawyers may be available to offer free legal advice and representation at hearings for:

• Residential renters
• Rooming house residents
• Caravan park residents
• Specialist disability accommodation residents

If you have an upcoming tribunal hearing related to eviction or need an order to prevent an illegal eviction, you can receive assistance by calling the Legal Help phone line at 1300 792 387.

Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program (TAAP)

TAAP supports private renters experiencing financial difficulty or family violence by offering services such as:

• Information and referrals
• Negotiation with rental providers
• Tribunal hearing preparation

Visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website for a list of TAAP providers in your area.

Tenancy Plus Support Program

Designed for public and community housing tenants, this program provides support to:

• Prevent homelessness
• Address tenancy issues
• Connect renters to local services

Contact your local Tenancy Plus support provider for further details.

Additional Organisations Offering Assistance

• Homeless Law: Legal support for those at risk of homelessness
• Anika Legal: Help with rental repairs, arrears, and evictions
• Housing for the Aged Action Group: Support for individuals aged 50+
• International Students Accommodation Legal Service: Confidential assistance for international students
• Justice Connect: Legal support for individuals at risk of homelessness, covering tenancy matters, Centrelink issues, and debt problems
• Youthlaw: Free legal support for individuals under 25 facing housing issues

Homeowners Facing Financial Hardship

Mortgage Stress Victoria

This program offers free legal advice, financial counselling, and social work support for individuals struggling with mortgage repayments. Check your eligibility through the Mortgage Stress Victoria website.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)

DFFH provides services such as:

• Public housing assistance
• Bond loans
• Appeals for rejected applications

Visit the DFFH website for more information.

Theft and Property Damage

Legal Assistance

If you are facing legal issues related to theft or property damage, there are several resources available to assist you:

• Victoria Legal Aid: Provides legal assistance for individuals facing criminal charges related to property damage or theft. Call 1300 792 387.
• Community Legal Centres: Offer free legal advice and information on property-related offences.
• Law Institute of Victoria: Find private lawyers who specialise in property-related criminal matters.

Resources

Resources available to help you understand your legal rights include:

• Your Day in Court: A guide to preparing for court appearances.
• Police Powers: Your Rights in Victoria: Information on what police can and cannot do.
• Am I Old Enough?: A guide addressing frequent legal concerns faced by young individuals.
• Drugs, the Law and Safer Substance Use: Legal information related to drug-related offences.

These publications and more can be found on the Victoria Legal Aid website.

Family and Property Disputes

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

FDR services provide an alternative to court proceedings by helping separated couples resolve disputes regarding property and parenting arrangements.

For more information about Victoria Legal Aid’s Family Dispute Resolution Service, call 1800 136 832.

Online Dispute Resolution with amica

Amica is an online tool that helps separating couples:

• Make fair parenting arrangements
• Divide finances and property
• Draft legally binding agreements

For more details, visit the amica website.

Legal Services

• Women’s Legal Service Victoria: Free confidential legal advice and representation for women facing family law issues.
• Law Institute of Victoria: Find a private lawyer for legal representation, with a free 30-minute consultation.
• Community Legal Centres: Specialist family law and child support services, offering free assistance.

Family Relationships Online

For assistance with parenting arrangements, separation, and child contact centres, visit Family Relationships Online or call 1800 050 321.

Court Support Services

If you cannot resolve family and property disputes outside of court, legal assistance and court support services are available, including:

• Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: Handles parenting and property division matters.
• Court Network Volunteers: Provide support and guidance to individuals attending court.
• Court Referral Services: Help individuals navigate legal proceedings and access appropriate resources.

How Pentana Stanton Lawyers Can Assist You

At Pentana Stanton Lawyers, we understand that seeking legal assistance is a significant decision. Our team provides expert legal advice and tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you are facing tenancy disputes, property division issues, or financial challenges, we are here to guide you through the legal process with professionalism and care.

Schedule an Appointment

We provide two ways to get in touch with our legal professionals:

• Call Us: Contact us at (03) 9002 2800 to speak with our team and schedule an appointment.

• Online Inquiry: Fill out the form with your contact details and a brief description of your legal matter. Our team will respond promptly to arrange a consultation.

Let our experienced legal team help you navigate your home and property matters with confidence and clarity.