How to give a notice to vacate for unpaid rent in Victoria: a step-by-step checklist

Last checked against official sources on 2 October 2026

A notice to vacate for unpaid rent has to be done properly, or it can be invalid. This checklist follows the official requirements in the order you will meet them.

Step 1: confirm the renter is far enough behind

A notice for unpaid rent is available once the renter is 14 days or more behind. Work out the days from the payment records first. Our guide to counting the 14 days has a worked example, and the free calculator does the sum.

Step 2: use the official form

Consumer Affairs Victoria publishes the form, called the “Notice to vacate to renter/s of rented premises”. Tenants Victoria says a notice that isn’t on the correct official form may be invalid, so do not draft your own.

Step 3: fill in the required details

Consumer Affairs Victoria says the notice must do four things:

1. Be addressed to the renter. On a joint tenancy, the cautious approach is to name every renter.
2. Give the reason you are ending the agreement. Here, that is unpaid rent. Tenants Victoria says the reason must be stated in enough detail, so set out the rent owing and the period it covers.
3. Be signed by you or your agent, and dated.
4. State the date the renter has to leave by (the termination date).

Step 4: choose the vacate date carefully

For rent that is 14 days or more overdue, the notice must give at least 14 days. Count from when the renter receives it, not from when you sign it. If you post it, allow time for delivery and check Australia Post’s delivery times for registered post. When in doubt, add a few days.

Step 5: deliver it in an accepted way

• In person, by handing it to the renter.
• By registered post. Ordinary post is not enough.
• By email, but only if the renter has agreed to receive notices that way. See our guide to email consent.

Step 6: keep a record

Keep a copy of the signed notice and note when, how and to whom you gave it. Keep the rent ledger showing the arrears and every payment. If you have to go to VCAT, these are the documents you will rely on.

How VicPropGuard helps

VicPropGuard prepares a details sheet with the renters, the rent owing, the days overdue and the earliest sensible vacate date, ready to copy onto the official form. It does not send the notice for you. You complete and sign the official form, and VicPropGuard records how and when it was given. Request early access.

General information only, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with Consumer Affairs Victoria or a lawyer before you act.