RTA Foundations

Navigate the RTA with confidence – without getting lost in legal language.

Overview

If you are new to housing work, the Residential Tenancies Act can feel dense and difficult to apply while managing a full workload. Yet staff are expected to get the details right, because notices, timeframes and process steps carry real risk for renters and organisations.

This practical online workshop provides a clear introduction to the RTA and how it applies in everyday community housing practice. Participants will learn how the Act is structured, where to find key information quickly, and how to apply correct processes for agreements, notices and compliance. The focus is on practical confidence and safer decision-making, not memorising legislation.

Why this course matters

• Reduce errors in notices, timeframes and tenancy processes

• Improve confidence in applying legislation during fast-paced frontline work

• Strengthen consistency across teams in how tenancy issues are managed

• Support compliance and defensible decision-making

• Improve communication with renters by using clearer legislative explanations

• Reduce escalation caused by incorrect or unclear process steps

What particpants will learn

• How the Residential Tenancies Act is structured and how to navigate it quickly

• Key RTA concepts and provisions most relevant to community housing practice

• Steps for managing tenancy agreements correctly from the start

• Practical guidance on notices, timeframes and compliance requirements

• Common RTA mistakes and how to avoid them in day-to-day work

• How the RTA interacts with other legislation and organisational procedures

• Clear language for explaining RTA requirements to renters

• Practical examples to support confident, defensible decision-making

Who should attend

• New Housing Officers and Tenancy Practitioners

• Community Housing Workers moving into tenancy roles

• Customer service and intake staff supporting tenancy processes

• Team Leaders supervising newer staff

• Experienced staff wanting an RTA refresher

• Anyone who issues notices or applies tenancy compliance processes

Organisational benefits

• Reduced compliance risk through improved staff capability

• More consistent tenancy management practice across teams

• Fewer errors leading to complaints, disputes or VCAT issues

• Improved renter communication and trust through clearer explanations

• Reduced staff time lost to rework and correcting process mistakes

What participants will receive

• Practical navigation tips for using the RTA efficiently

• Clear process guidance for agreements, notices and compliance steps

• Key legislative reference points relevant to community housing

• Realistic examples and discussion to strengthen workplace application

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.