The Victorian property management landscape is set to change again, with the introduction of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).
This new government initiative, scheduled to launch in June 2025, is designed to streamline dispute resolution and reduce reliance on the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) by offering a faster, no-cost way to resolve common rental property issues.
With RDRV, the Victorian Government has created an online process for handling rental disputes without the need to attend and pay for a formal tribunal hearing. This service is aimed at strengthening accountability, building a fairer rental market for both rental property owners and renters, and keeping minor cases out of the tribunal.
As a property manager, it is important to understand how this service will work so you can start resolving disputes more quickly and easily.
What is RDRV?
RDRV is the new VCAT-backed service replacing the RT Hub/VCAT Online. It will provide early intervention and free dispute resolution for
Excessive rent increases
Urgent and non-urgent repair and maintenance issues
Bond claims and/or compensation disputes
While it is part of VCAT, RDRV will operate as a separate, dedicated platform, with a focus on helping parties reach mutually agreed outcomes without the need for a formal hearing.
New workflows will be as follows:
Applications are made through an online portal when a dispute arises and can’t be settled by the involved parties.
Non-judicial staff will triage, aid and resolve disputes.
A dedicated phone and online service will allow common disputes to be resolved from home rather than a formal hearing room, with informal mediation services also available.
Each case will have a dedicated case manager.
If a resolution is reached, the outcome will be binding and enforceable, similar to the tribunal.
If no resolution can be reached, the matter will proceed to VCAT, and fees will apply.
What changes for property managers?
If you manage rental properties in Victoria, RDRV will impact how you handle disputes from the middle of 2025. From a login and logistics perspective, here are the key changes:
Online security: RDRV portal access will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) each time you log in.
Digital communication: Orders and notifications will be delivered via email, similar to RT Hub/VCAT Online.
New platform: A separate portal account will be needed to manage RDRV matters.
The RT Hub/VCAT Online and RDRV will run in parallel during a transition period, and not all tenancy matters will immediately shift to the new platform. For example, rent increase notices must still be lodged via RT Hub/VCAT Online.
Setting up your RDRV portal
To manage disputes through RDRV, your agency will need to create a portal account. There are three levels of access, depending on your structure:
Individual level: Each manager has their own login and only sees their cases
Agency level: One shared login for the agency - ideal for centralised management
Director/Primary level: Managers have individual logins, but a director can view all agency cases
The Director/Primary level option will be rolled out shortly. Until then, most agencies will choose either the individual or agency-level setup. Questions about account setup can be directed to the RDRV team via RDRVsupport@courts.vic.gov.au.
Benefits of RDRV for property management agencies
The introduction of RDRV is part of the Government’s push to reduce the administrative burden on the legal system and empower renters, property managers and rental property owners by offering more direct, efficient support.
RDRV is designed to:
Deliver faster, more accessible dispute resolution
Reduce the volume of matters progressing to the tribunal
Increase compliance and awareness of tenancy law
Promote stability in the Victorian rental market
Benefit all stakeholders, including renters, property owners and property managers
If it achieves its goals, this initiative will result in PMs and renters spending less time navigating the formal tribunal system and will reduce the financial burden involved with resolving rental property disputes.
RDRV will be live from June 2025, so now is the time to familiarise yourself with the portal, clarify internal processes for handling disputes and ensure your team is equipped to transition from using the RT Hub to the new platform.