Tenants face delays at VCAT as residential cases balloon
Pending cases on the residential tenancies list have exploded since the pandemic began, up 598 per cent to 23,892 cases as of March, compared to three years earlier, public caseload data shows. VCAT declined to comment for this story.
Tenants have had several significant wins recently. In October, VCAT member Kylea Campana ruled a Shepparton landlord couple could not encourage their tenants to sell their investment property because the tight and unaffordable rental market could make a family of five homeless. It was ruled that the house could be sold with the tenants in place.
Renters face a tight market, and delays if they pursue issues at the tribunal.Credits: Peter Rae
“There is no doubt that the rented premises are the rental providers’ property and they are entitled to sell it,” Campana’s decision reads. “They should also be able to realize the best price possible for their investment – but at what cost to the renters?”
VCAT member Filip Gelev ruled against a landlord attempting to evict their tenant because a family member wanted to move in because the property was held in a company name, and therefore did not have access to the quoted reason to vacate.
“The