ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

Get help and advice

If you’re renting your home, you have rights that protect you.

Find our up-to-date information and advice about renting in ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ.

If you’re unsure about your rights, we can help you with free advice and information over the phone or on our website.

Some of the common renting issues we can help with are:

• Applying for your rental property
• Bonds
• Evictions
• Minimum standards required in your rental property
• Pets
• Urgent and non-urgent repairs
• Rent increases.

Find all our renting forms and documents.

Other helpful resources include:

• First Nations Renting Guidance Factsheet (PDF, 708KB)
• Renters Guide
• Funda-rentals: the things every renter and rental provider needs to know

Have you been discriminated against?

In ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ, it’s against the law to stop people from renting a property based on race or cultural background.

If you believe the rental provider or agent is discriminating against you, you can:

• contact the 
• apply to the , who may be able to help you get compensation. 

Find more information about unlawful discrimination in renting.

Legal advice and questions about VCAT

For legal advice and questions about VCAT, contact the during business hours on 1800 064 865 or free call their 24-hour line on 03 9418 5999, or fill in their .

has a with plenty of experience working in First Nations communities. They also have culturally safe options for VCAT hearings, including Koori hearing rooms you can book.

Call or text VCAT’s Koori Helpline on 0417 516 335, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday). You can also email koori.support@vcat.vic.gov.au.

Support services

Support for paying your bond

If you need help with your bond payment, you may be able to apply for a government bond loan. These loans are open to people on low incomes who may not be able to pay a bond and don’t have any other financial options.

Learn more about Government bond loans and how to apply.

Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program

The can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people find a new private rental or keep their current tenancy. They can provide information about the private rental market and the housing search process as well as offering practical support.

Email aprap@ahvic.org.au to find out more.

Aboriginal Housing ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

is an Aboriginal community organisation responsible for managing rental properties for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ. They provide social housing for those in need.

Free call 1800 248 842, (8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday) or email clientservices@ahvic.org.au.

You can find money tips and resources for First Nations people on the .

For more information about specific money and debt issues, these links can help:

• or call the free helpline on 1800 808 488 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday)
• Dealing with debt collectors
• Buying, selling or repairs to a car.

We understand that Sorry Business is culturally important to First Nations communities to mourn the death of a loved one. If you’re thinking of getting funeral cover to help with the costs of a funeral, there are a few things to know first.

Funeral cover can be very expensive. Even if you get it, you may not be left with enough to cover the funeral costs.

For more information to help you decide on whether funeral cover is right for you, visit  and the .

Consumer Action Koori Help

For free legal advice and financial counselling services:

• call the Koori helpline on 1800 574 457 (10 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
• visit the .

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission

For information and advice:

• call the ACCC First Nations Infoline on 1300 303 143 (11 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
• visit the  Facebook page
• visit the .

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network

For advice and financial counselling services:

• call the free financial counselling services line on 1800 369 878 (8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday and 8 am to 12 pm Fridays)
• visit the .

Moneysmart

For money tips and resources for First Nations people:

• call the ASIC's Indigenous Help Line on 1300 365 957 (8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday)
• visit the .

ScamWatch

To report a scam or for information to help you recognise and avoid scams:

• call the ACCC First Nations Infoline on 1300 303 143 (11 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday)
• visit the .

Be smart – buy smart

For a guide to help you understand your rights as a consumer, download a copy of the Be Smart - Buy Smart guide:

• Be Smart - Buy Smart (PDF, 1.7MB)
• Be Smart - Buy Smart (Word, 158KB)