CHIA Vic is regularly contacted with queries and for advice from the community housing and homelessness sector on the following:
- Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
- Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act (VCAT)
- Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (HR Charter)
- Owners Corporations Act 2006 (OC)
The following are our recommendations to ensure best practice at Community Housing Organisations:
If your organisation has any dealings relating to the RTA, VCAT or HR Charter, please ensure staff are well prepared and trained at the relevant CHIA VIC course which are run regularly as introductions for new workers and as a refresher for experienced tenancy workers.
Click here to view the relevant legislation on our website and print relevant sections as needed.
If you wish to purchase paper copies of the Acts you can do so via:
Unit 3, 18 Salmon St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Ph: 131 242
The Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) website contains many useful resources that will assist you with your general enquiries about
- Types of rental agreements
- Leases and notices
- Rental bond and condition report
- Rent and other payments
- Standards, repairs and entry rights
- Ending a lease or residency
And housing and accommodation:
- Owners corporation rules and resolving disputes
- Owners corporation property maintenance
- Owners corporation finance, insurance and record keeping
Tenants Victoria website has many excellent resources including step-by-step guides and fact sheets which outline and explain the legal rights of tenants, and the obligations of landlords, Public, Community and private.
After your organisation has looked at the above resources to resolve the matters at hand, contact Mark Smoljo from CHIA Vic to receive tailored advice on the matter. Mark is an experienced worker in the RTA and VCAT processes.
Mark works for CHIA VIC two days a week (usually Wednesdays and Thursdays) and has extensive experience as a tenancy manager and of presenting cases at the VCAT.
Mark’s knowledge of VCAT’s latest thinking is gained through his membership of the VCAT Residential Tenancies Act Users Group and networking with community housing workers in the sector. As an experienced tenancy worker he can also offer other practical solutions that may enable you to avoid the VCAT process.
Mark can provide advice from an experienced practitioner point of view. He does not give legal advice.
Email Mark or call 0417 356 094 with a brief explanation of the matter and the name of your organisation.
CHIA Vic has negotiated an agreement for member organisations to access discounted legal advice on VCAT and the RTA from Russell Kennedy.
Russell Kennedy is one of Victoria’s leading full-service law firms offering a comprehensive range of legal services to its clients and has the skills, expertise and resources required to provide high-quality legal services to CHIA Vic members.
Russell Kennedy is also passionate about access to justice for everyone. Its commitment is embedded within the culture of the firm. It has one of the highest levels of contribution per lawyer and participation rates in Australia.
Russell Kennedy will provide CHIA Vic members with practical, expert legal solutions that meet your needs and excellent customer service.
Email Russell Kennedy or call 9609 1555.
ABOUT US
CHIA Victoria, and CHIA Vic, is the trading name of the Community Housing Federation of Victoria (CHFV).
OUR HOME
1/128 Exhibition Street
Melbourne, 3000
03 9654 6077
holly.mullaney@chiavic.com.au
APPLY FOR HOUSING
Applications for social housing (public and community housing) can be made via the Victorian Housing Register.
Click here for details.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
CHIA Vic acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.