Anika is a free online legal service that helps vulnerable Victorian renters get their properties fixed up. From advocating on your behalf to helping you to prepare for VCAT, our lawyers provide you with tailored legal advice, ensuring your home is functional, safe and secure.

Anika can help vulnerable Victorian renters get their homes repaired, and also to seek a rent reduction from their landlord if they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to limited resources, Anika cannot help with any of the following related issues:
‍• seeking compensation;
• challenging rent increases;
• challenging eviction notices;
• bond disputes;
• lease breaches; and
• if you are a resident of a caravan park or rooming house.

For eligible renters, Anika 100% free! In the instance where you need to go to VCAT, the application fee for is $63.70, or free for Health Care Card holders; however, if you need to go to VCAT, we can apply to have this fee waived. We can also provide you with a detailed guide on how to represent yourself at VCAT.

Anika is a registered charity, funded through a Victorian Government grant. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal assistance, whether or not you can afford a lawyer.

Anika is designed specifically for tenants who need their homes repaired. We understand that you may not have the time to read pages of legal jargon, exchange emails with your landlord, travel to a legal office, or wait weeks for an appointment. Especially when your roof is leaking now! That's why we'll be there every step of the way - our team will help you to understand all your legal options and communicate with your landlord on your behalf. You won't have to pay a cent or leave the comfort of your home.

Anika’s vision is a world where everyone has access to justice. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal assistance – regardless of if you have a disability, your socio-economic status, your cultural background or gender.  We believe that no matter what, everyone should have access to free legal advice.

Anika is hassle-free and easy to use! To get started, complete our questionnaire or give us a call and tell us what needs to be repaired. From there, we’ll connect you with a law student and a lawyer and work with you to reach a resolution.

Victorian tenants who meet our eligibility criteria can use Anika.

Absolutely!

Click here to start your case with us.

Although we will do as much as we can, we are unable to guarantee an outcome. Unfortunately, only a tribunal or court can make a final decision on a case; however, we can do our absolute best to reach a resolution!

If for some reason we can't help you with your case, for example, it falls outside of our scope of service, we'll provide you with a referral – we'll inform you of the services available who are better suited to assist you.

You may also find the information you need to resolve your case independently by reading the information provided by Consumer Affairs Victoria and Tenants Victoria.