The renter services review aims to consider whether the existing service models should be updated or improved to ensure services are accessible and aligned to the needs of Victorians experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage who have private renting or retirement living issues.

This paper captures insights about the drivers and barriers relevant to renter services and offers an opportunity for interested parties to contribute their views to the review, which seeks to improve the design, accessibility and scope of renter services. 

The review seeks input across areas including how well the existing services are meeting the needs of renters and people living in retirement housing, what additional needs might exist and how they could be met. 

Key insights

• Economic challenges have expanded the need beyond traditional demographics and there is now a cohort of individuals who had stable incomes in the past, but now find themselves requiring support.
• Many at-risk renters in need of services are underserved due to high demand, which prioritises those in immediate crisis. This leaves vulnerable individuals who could benefit from early intervention without adequate support until they reach a critical point. 
• Power imbalances exist within the market, deterring renters from taking action to address issues. 
• Renters' limited awareness of available services hampers their expectations and delays access to support until crises arise. 
• The current emphasis on crisis management poses risks to the long-term sustainability of services and staff retention.

Key areas of consultation 

• Demand for services
• Service accessibility and design
• Workforce challenges
• Program management and governance

Feedback is open until 30 October 2024.