They are a litigious landlord to some of Victoria's most vulnerable people. Now Victoria's Office of Housing is under investigation for pursuing tenants over minor maintenance costs.

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass has launched an "own motion" investigation into the office, following complaints by public housing tenants and "wider community concern".

Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass has launched an investigation into Victoria's Office of Housing. Credit:Damian White

The Ombudsman, who says the Office of Housing is the second-biggest litigant in tenancy disputes at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), will examine whether maintenance charges are being imposed without factoring in fair "wear and tear".

The investigation will cover the Office of Housing's policy and procedures for dealing with maintenance debts when tenants vacate its properties and the use of VCAT to arbitrate these matters.