Preparing evidence for a Victorian rental dispute

Make a short timeline

Record agreement dates, when the problem was first noticed, inspection or repair-request dates, contact with the rental provider, quotes, payments and any RTBA, RDRV or VCAT notice. Keep original messages and note who sent them.

If you paid for a qualifying urgent repair, record when the repair was completed, when your written reimbursement notice was sent and received, and when the rental provider's repayment was due. The renter's notice and the provider's repayment have separate seven-day periods.

One entry for each item

Use the same fields for each dispute: Item or room; what the other party alleges; amount or action sought; entry condition; exit condition or later event; dated evidence; what you agree or dispute; and the result you want.

For example, carpet cleaning in the lounge and replacement of a bedroom carpet should be two entries even if both are in one email. They concern different items, work and evidence.

You can build this item-by-item index in our Victorian Rental Evidence Organiser. Download or print your notes before closing or reloading the browser tab: entries are not saved, and the tool does not upload documents or submit a dispute. Keep your original evidence separately and send it only through the relevant official process.

What each document proves

Entry and exit reports help show the starting and ending condition. Dated photos help identify an area and its visible condition. A quote estimates work; an invoice shows what was billed; a receipt helps show payment. None alone proves who caused the damage or what compensation should be awarded.

For repairs, keep the written request, responses, any qualified report, dates, work orders and paid receipts. If an age, cost or event date is unconfirmed, label it unknown.

Store originals securely

Name documents with the date and a short description, and number them so each claim can refer to the relevant attachment. Keep originals in a private folder. Supply personal tenancy or identity documents only through the official service's required process, not through an informational article.

A covering note you can use

For the right RTBA, RDRV or VCAT route and deadline, read RDRV or VCAT? Where to take a Victorian renting dispute and follow your official notice. For specific bond deductions, see Bond deductions in Victoria: what evidence to ask for.

Keep the current bond-claim notice

For a rental-provider-initiated RTBA bond claim, Consumer Affairs Victoria's current guidance says the renter must receive notice and supporting evidence at least 3 business days before the claim is lodged. The as-made Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (section 10) uses different wording — at least 3 days for bond-claim evidence — and the difference remains unresolved. Keep the notice, supporting evidence and the dates each arrived. Check your RTBA notice and current CAV guidance promptly; seek tenancy advice if the timing affects your rights. A renter-initiated bond claim follows a separate contest process: other parties generally have 14 days, but CAV says the RTBA sends postal notice and extends the response period to 20 days if a party cannot be contacted by email. Follow the actual RTBA notice. (Sources checked 18 October 2026.)