Unrepresented

‘Unrepresented’ is Anika Legal’s new report exposing the systemic barriers renters face when trying to enforce their rights at VCAT and through Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).

Drawing on 158 cases, plus surveys and interviews, the report shows that while renters have strong rights on paper, the current system often leaves them too scared, too exhausted or too confused to use them. Renters describe missing work, bringing children to hearings, living in unsafe homes and being pressured to settle before seeing any evidence.

Download the full report here.

Of the survey respondents:

• 94% were asked to make an offer of settlement at RDRV before seeing any evidence.
• 82% said avoiding a hearing appeared most important to the mediator; only 6% felt the focus was on a fair outcome.
• More than half were not confident that the system was fair (59%) or that they’d receive a fair outcome (52%).
• 81% were worried about retaliation from their rental provider.
• Baseless bond claims are rising: from 1 in 5 (per Anika Legal’s 2024 ‘Broken Bonds’ report) to 1 in 3.
• 82% felt more confident preparing for and speaking at VCAT after receiving legal support from Anika.
  

With baseless bond claims rising and more than half of renters lacking confidence in the system’s fairness, the report outlines six practical, renter-centred reforms that would make VCAT and RDRV fairer, more transparent, and more accessible - restoring dignity to renters while reducing system costs and delays.

Download the full report here.