The Victorian Government has allocated $98.74 million over 5 years to increase support for Victorians experiencing rental issues through the new Victorian Renter Rights Program (VRRP).
The VRRP introduces 4 dedicated services to strengthen advice, advocacy and frontline support:
The tender for new service providers has been announced. More information about the process and service guidelines can be found below.
Renter Rights Service
The Renter Rights Service will provide local access to advice, support, and advocacy for renters across the state.
The online application form will be available when the tender opens at midday 13 February 2026.
Older Persons Housing Rights Service
The Older Persons Housing Rights Service will provide a new, integrated service for Victorians aged 55 and above living in:
- private rentals
- residential parks, and
- retirement living.
Support will be available statewide, including through a new website and dedicated phone service.
The online application form will be available when the tender opens at midday 13 February 2026.
Victorian Renters Helpline
The Victorian Renters Helpline will be a new, easy to find central phone line and website. It offers tailored advice and support based on renters’ personal circumstances, and referrals to the person’s local Renter Rights Service provider.
The online application form will be available when the tender opens at midday 13 February 2026.
Renting Central Service
The Renter Central Service will deliver specialist advice, professional development, advocacy, and training for frontline workers. It will offer specialist legal support for renters with complex issues. It will also deliver community education and support on Victoria’s renting rules for multicultural communities.
The online application form will be available when the tender opens at midday 13 February 2026.
About the request for service
On 13 February 2026, the application form for all 4 services will open. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process.
Please read and consider all relevant documents before applying. Further details about how to apply is available in the request for service documents.
How much funding is available?
There is $98.74 million in program funding. The funding available under each of the 4 services is detailed in each request for service guideline.
Who can apply for funding?
You can apply for funding if your organisation:
- Is non-government and not-for-profit
- Operates in Victoria
- Is registered for GST and has a valid ABN
- Has relevant experience providing the service you are applying for.
Clarification period
You can seek further clarification via email: communityprograms@dgs.vic.gov.au
You must use the subject line: “(Your organisation’s name) – VRRP clarification request”.
This must be done before the clarification period ends at 5pm, 12 February.
Briefing sessions
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an online briefing session to find out more about the different services and process information. This will be followed by a question and answer (QA) section. All sessions cover the same content.
Session dates and times:
|
Date
|
Time
|
| Tuesday 10 February 2026 |
9 am
2 pm
|
| Wednesday 11 February 2026 |
10 am
2 pm
|
If you are interested in attending, please register online.
Key dates for the request of service
|
Stage
|
Date/time
|
Clarification period
|
2 – 12 February 2026 (closes 5 pm)
|
| Applications open |
13 February 2026
|
| Applications close |
11.59 pm, 6 March 2026
|
| Evaluation |
March – June 2026
|
| Execution of funding agreements |
June – July 2026
|