When the law meets where you live

The law can intersect with life in many ways

Issues around your home and where you live can be legal problems, even when we don't think of them as legal. See below some common issues with that may arise from where you live and where you can go for help.

Common problems

Renting

Many Victorians rent their home, and people commonly experience problems with their rental. It can be hard to find information about what to do, and how the law is relevant to your rental.

Some common legal problems renters experience includes issues with repairs and maintenance, including what’s covered as urgent or non-urgent repairs. Notice to vacate, resolution of bonds and lease-breaking are also issues frequently experienced by renters.

Neighbours

Disputes between neighbours can have a serious effect on everyday life, and there are ways in which the law can help. Things can go to court, however dispute resolution may be an easier, quicker and cheaper way to resolve matters.

Common problems between neighbours can include issues with fences and trees between your properties, noise and pets, as well as issues with safety between you and your neighbour.

Disaster support

Disasters can be one of the hardest things people go through, especially when their home and property are damaged or destroyed. Common problems that arise from disasters include financial stress, disputes with landlords, lost or destroyed documents, and difficulty getting payments from services.

It is important to make sure you’re legally prepared for a disaster, and to know where to go if you are affected. There is free legal help for individuals, small business owners, farmers and more affected by disasters like floods, bushfires and cyclones.

Find the right help

If you or a person you know may be experiencing a legal problem, help is available. Getting started can be difficult, but here’s some small steps to begin.

Find legal help for renters

There are dedicated legal assistance services for renters if they are eligible.

Tenants Victoria provides a range of resources and services to help renters and improve rental conditions in Victoria.

Find legal help for neighbour disputes

There are dedicated legal assistance services for neighbour disputes if they are eligible.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has a free telephone service that will work with you to try to resolve your dispute. The centre will talk about your problem with you, discuss options, suggest negotiation strategies and organise mediation, if required.

Find legal help for those affected by disasters

There are dedicated legal assistance services for people affected by disasters if they are eligible.

Disaster Legal Help Victoria connects people with legal help for problems that happen after a disaster, working in a partnership that brings together local and broad expertise from the Victorian legal sector.

Other legal services

You can find legal information and may be eligible for free legal advice from Victoria Legal Aid or from your local community legal centre

Otherwise, you can seek help from a private lawyer using the Find Your Lawyer Referral Service. All law firms included in the service provide a free 30-minute interview.

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