How a renter can contest a pending bond claim initiated by another renter

In this guide:

• Overview of a claim initiated by the renter (Tenant Initiated Claim) process 
• How a renter claims a private bond?
• How a renter claims a Homes Victoria bond? 
• What happens after a renter (tenant) initiated an electronic claim transaction? 
• How does a renter check the status of an electronic claim initiated by the renter? 
• How does a renter cancel an electronic bond claim once initiated?

Contesting a bond initiated by another renter

To contest an electronic claim initiated by a renter, you should have applied for a hearing to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and obtained a VCAT application number. This VCAT application number must be provided to the RTBA while the electronic claim transaction is still pending and has not expired. Follow this guide on how to electronically provide the VCAT number to the RTBA.

1. Visit rentalbonds.vic.gov.au (Figure 31).

Figure 31

2. Access the Transaction Summary screen by commencing a search from the RTBA Online Home page. Enter your bond number or transaction number (provided on the ‘Tenant Initiated Claim’ notification sent to you by the RTBA) and your family name, select ‘Tenant’ radio button, and then select ‘Search for bond’ button (Figure 32).

Figure 32

3. If the bond number is entered, bond summary screen will be presented. Select 'View claim details' button to access the transaction summary (Figure 33).

Note: If you do not see this button on the bond summary screen, the claim transaction has been processed or cancelled. You can look further down the bond summary for further information in sections ‘Claims or Repayments’ or ‘Rejected Electronic Transaction history’.

Figure 33

4. From the transaction summary with a status of EC Pending, select 'Update claim' button. (Figure 34).

Figure 34

5. Select which tenant you are and enter the PIN number from the notice supplied to you by the RTBA. Read the declaration and select 'Update claim' button (Figures 35 and 36).

Note: If you no longer have the notification from the RTBA which included your PIN number you may call RTBA on 1300 137 164 for assistance. You will be asked questions to identify who you are. 

Figure 35

Figure 36

6. Enter the VCAT number and select 'Submit VCAT number' button (Figure 37).

Figure 37

7. A confirmation screen will appear (Figure 38).

Figure 38

8. On the expiry date, if the VCAT application number is still valid, the claim transaction will be cancelled by the RTBA. The claim initiator will receive a cancellation notice by email (Figure 39 and 39a).

Figure 39

Figure 39a