Ending Tenancies

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.