Step 2: Email your rental provider or real estate agency

Before you send the letter, read through and make sure you’re happy with it. If you have co-renters, make sure they are also comfortable with the letter before sending. Don’t forget to include the email subject. You could use “Rent increase information”. 

You will receive 2 emails

One email will contain the letter in the body of the email that you can edit and forward on to your rental provider or real estate agency (best if using a mobile device). The second email will have the information on this page so you can refer back to it or download your letter again at a later date. If you don’t receive the emails, contact homelesslaw@justiceconnect.org.au 

What happens next?

Once received, your rental provider or real estate agency will let you know if they are willing to accept the terms of your letter. Don’t be afraid to enquire if you haven’t heard back within 3-5 business days.

Where to get more help

If your letter is rejected by your rental provider or real estate agency, or you are unsure whether the rent increase notice is valid, or whether you should apply to VCAT, we recommend seeking legal advice.

There are a number of services who can provide free legal help.

• Tenants Victoria can provide legal advice and information over the phone, and may be able to represent you at a VCAT hearing, depending on how busy they are and your location.
• Victoria Legal Aid can provide legal advice over the phone, and have a duty lawyer service at some VCAT locations.
• Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service can provide advice and maybe be able to represent you at VCAT if you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Your local community legal service might be able to provide advice or representation as well.

 If you’re worried about whether you can afford a proposed rent increase or struggling with your finances, speak to a financial counsellor sooner rather than later. For contact details see our financial assistance FAQs. 

If you’re experiencing any issues generating or downloading your letter, get in touch with us at: homelesslaw@justiceconnect.org.au If family violence has affected your rental situation, Justice Connect’s Home of Your Own can help you to understand your rights and options, including what you can do to safely stay in a rental. 

Disclaimer & Privacy Policy 

While Justice Connect aims to develop tools that are helpful and informative, the content of Dear Landlord is legal information for general guidance and not legal advice. You may want to seek legal advice to understand how the law applies to your specific circumstances. You do not become a client of Justice Connect by using this tool. Read our full disclaimer and privacy policy. © Justice Connect 2024. This legal content in this tool was last updated in July 2024.