Okay, all done!
Step 1: Download and review your three documents
VCAT speaking notes, a payment plan and a guide to VCAT have been generated using the information you have provided to support you at your hearing. These have also been sent to your email address.
Make sure you review these documents. Check that the information you have provided is correct. You should bring the documents with you on the day.
Speaking notes for VCAT
A set of speaking notes has been created to help you present at VCAT.
Payment plan
If your notice to vacate is valid, the main way to avoid eviction is to offer a manageable payment plan to pay off the rent arrears. Your payment plan has been generated. You can submit this to VCAT along with other documents ahead of your hearing.
Guide to VCAT
A guide to preparing for and attending VCAT. This includes a list of documents and evidence that you should submit ahead of time.
Step 2: Gather and submit your documents to VCAT
You will need to gather your documents and evidence to VCAT to support your side of the story. You will need to upload your documents to VCAT by the date listed in the directions order that VCAT sent you.
Review the ‘Guide to VCAT’ for information about what documents to submit and how to do it.
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.
- Justice Connect’s Homeless Law can provide legal and social work supports to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Tenants Victoria can provide legal help and advice over the phone.
- Victoria Legal Aid can provide legal advice to renters over the phone or by webchat.
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service can provide legal help to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a range of issues, including housing.
- 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 options.
What happens if I can’t go to my VCAT hearing?
It is important that you go to your hearing because VCAT can make a decision even if you are not there.
If you have good reason for not being able to go to your hearing, you can ask for an adjournment (a change to the date of the hearing). Find more about the rules and timeframes about asking VCAT for an adjournment.
Disclaimer
© Justice Connect 2026.
This information was last updated in 2026.
This 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.
