In Duffield v Singh [2025] VCAT 736, a long-term renter claimed his landlord and property manager discriminated against him because of his age. He pointed to repeated notices to vacate, constant “friendly reminder” arrears messages, and the earlier eviction of another elderly tenant as evidence of bias. See what VCAT said.

In Hill v Katnelson [2025] VCAT 711, a renter argued she had overpaid rent because her notices of rent increase didn’t specify how the new rent was calculated. VCAT dismissed the claim, confirming that for agreements signed before March 2021, transitional provisions apply and detailed calculation methods are not required. Property managers should take note: the validity of rent increase notices depends on when the lease was first entered into.

In PBG v South East Housing Co-Op [2025] VCAT 706, a renter applied to terminate a joint rental agreement and have a new one created in her sole name due to family violence. She also sought to have the other renter declared liable for over $8,600 in rent arrears. However, VCAT was not satisfied she had provided sufficient evidence of hardship or capacity to comply with rental obligations. Given her history of arrears and misrepresentations, the Tribunal found the community housing provider would suffer greater hardship if forced to offer her a new lease. The application was dismissed.

In Hogan v Joshi [2025] VCAT 548, a RRP tried to claim rent, letting fees, and advertising costs after a tenant broke their fixed-term lease early. But VCAT took a hard look at what compensation really means under the Residential Tenancies Act. The Tribunal found that routine vacancy days between tenancies aren’t compensable and that advertising and letting costs must be tied to the lease that was broken — and pro-rated accordingly. The case is a must-read for property managers who regularly file break lease claims.

In Homes Victoria v Marsden [2025] VCAT 690, a renter convicted of assaulting her elderly neighbour faced eviction under a danger notice. While the Tribunal accepted that her conduct endangered neighbours, it ruled that eviction would be disproportionate given her homelessness risk and ongoing rehabilitation. Instead, VCAT adjourned the possession application until 2027, with a right of renewal if the renter reoffends or breaches her Community Corrections Order.

In Tang v Ferolino [2025] VCAT 680, VCAT confirmed that a residential rental agreement does not simply “expire” at the end of a fixed term. If renters want to leave on the end date, they must give 28 days’ notice under s 91Z. Failure to do so can result in compensation to the residential provider.

A renter ignored multiple breach notices and failed to comply with a VCAT order to clean — leading to a property so unclean that the Member personally inspected it. The Tribunal found eviction reasonable and proportionate, reinforcing the importance of compliance and thorough evidence.

Can a renter get their money back after paying under an invalid rent increase notice? VCAT says no — despite the notice being technically non-compliant. This case dives into the difference between invalidity and actual loss, and why VCAT refused to order a refund. Castellan unpacks the ruling and explains why property managers shouldn’t get complacent.

The Tribunal dismissed a possession application brought under section 91ZK of the Residential Tenancies Act — despite shouting, swearing, and a baseball bat. Why?