End tenancies with clear steps, defensible decisions and fewer last-minute surprises.

Overview

End-of-tenancy work often lands when workloads are already high, and it can quickly become complex. A renter may leave suddenly, disputes may arise about condition or rent, and issues like goods left behind or temporary absences can create legal and operational risk. Staff are expected to act quickly, follow correct processes and keep communication respectful, while protecting the organisation’s interests.

This practical online workshop provides clear, step-by-step guidance for managing tenancy endings in community housing. Participants will learn good practice processes for final inspections, documentation, goods left behind, temporary absences and VCAT pathways. The focus is on reducing uncertainty, preventing escalation and making tenancy endings smoother, safer and more predictable.

Why this course matters

Reduce legal and compliance risk during tenancy endings
Prevent disputes escalating due to unclear processes or poor documentation
Improve consistency across teams when managing end-of-tenancy decisions
Reduce time lost to rework, confusion and avoidable VCAT matters
Strengthen renter communication and reduce complaints at move-out
Support faster property turnaround through clearer end-of-tenancy steps

What participants will learn

A clear process for managing routine and complex tenancy endings
Good practice steps for final inspections, condition reporting and documentation
Approaches for managing renter communication and expectations during exit
Practical steps for handling goods left behind safely and lawfully
Options for responding to temporary absences and unclear tenancy status
When and how VCAT processes apply, including decision points for escalation
Risk management strategies for difficult or disputed move-outs
Practical language for explaining exit responsibilities and requirements to renters

Who should attend

Housing Officers and Tenancy Practitioners
Property and Housing Workers involved in inspections
Team Leaders supervising tenancy and property staff
Tenancy Sustainment Workers managing exits and transitions
Housing Managers and Operations Managers
Staff involved in VCAT preparation or end-of-tenancy disputes

Organisational benefits

Reduced end-of-tenancy disputes and improved complaint outcomes
Improved compliance with Victorian tenancy and goods-left-behind requirements
Faster vacancy turnaround and clearer property handover processes
Increased staff confidence and consistency in managing tenancy exits
Stronger documentation supporting defensible decisions and VCAT readiness

What participants will receive

Practical end-of-tenancy checklists and process guidance
Tools for inspections, documentation and exit communication
Guidance for managing goods left behind and temporary absence scenarios
Decision-making frameworks for VCAT escalation pathways

Facilitator - Charlotte Timmermans
Charlotte has 15 years’ experience in both the private and community housing sector. She is passionate about social justice and working to provide access to safe and affordable housing for all. Her experience in community housing includes front-line tenancy management and leading a team to deliver supportive housing programs, including the Homelessness to Home and Homes for Families Programs.
At CHIA Vic, Charlotte helps community housing organisations by providing practice guidance, coordinating peer learning, and creating practical resources to support continual service improvement.

Contact the host of Ending Tenancies

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: