Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking a Newtown man to court for allegedly operating 2 rooming houses without a licence. 

46-year-old Yang Yu, also known as Steven Yu, allegedly accepted rent and bond money from residents in Belmont and Waurn Ponds, indicating he was a licensed rooming house operator. 

It is also alleged the bond money was not lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority. 

Geelong City Council referred the matter to Consumer Affairs Victoria.  

Local councils are responsible for registering rooming houses and ensuring compliance with planning, building and health and safety standards.  

Consumer Affairs Victoria enforces renting and rooming house rules, including licence obligations and minimum standards. 

The matter will be heard at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 4 June 2026.