Your options

Based on your choices, Dear Landlord might not be right for your situation. Dear Landlord can only help you to prepare for a VCAT hearing if you want to make a payment plan for the unpaid rent. We recommend speaking to a lawyer to get legal help for your situation.

If you’re struggling with your finances, see our Financial Support options below.

Going to your VCAT hearing

At your hearing, VCAT may ask you about your rental history at the property, why you fell behind in rent, and whether you can afford to repay the rent owing and keep up with your ordinary rent payments. If the notice to vacate is valid and you want to stay in the property, this is where you can offer a payment plan.

If you can’t afford to pay back the arrears, or commit to a payment plan, VCAT may make a possession order (if the notice to vacate is valid). VCAT will consider whether it is ‘reasonable and proportionate’ to make a possession order by considering both yours and your rental provider’s circumstances.

A possession order allows your rental provider to take steps to evict you and end your rental agreement.

Get legal support

There are a number of free legal services which offer a range of support to renters, including advice and representation at VCAT. If you are at risk of being evicted, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as you can.

  • Our Home of Your Own tool is designed for Victorian renters affected by family violence to understand their rights and options for staying safely housed.

Get financial support

You may be eligible for a one-off payment towards your rent if you are in financial stress, through the Victorian Government’s Private Rental Assistance Program. Call your local homelessness and housing organisation to find out if you can access the program.

If you’re struggling with your finances, speak to a financial counsellor sooner rather than later. Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide free information, advice and advocacy if you are in financial difficulty or struggling with debts. Find a financial counsellor.

See the Dear Landlord FAQs for more financial help. 

Get housing support

A support worker from a housing service may be able to help you find a rental and help with the costs of starting a new rental (like bond or first months’ rent). 

Call the statewide housing support line on 1800 825 955 (freecall, 24/7) to connect with a housing worker at your closest housing and homelessness service. 

Disclaimer

© Justice Connect 2026.
This information was last updated in 2026.
The information provided is general only and is not legal advice. Please refer to the full disclaimer on the Justice Connect website that applies to this tool.