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.

Contact the host of RTA Foundations