Starting Tenancies

Start tenancies clearly, respectfully and with the right supports in place.

Overview

This workshop supports community housing practitioners to start new tenancies well, from allocation and offer suitability through to sign-up and early tenancy support. Participants will explore how to prepare renters, properties and documentation, communicate tenancy expectations clearly, and build positive working relationships from the beginning. The session focuses on practical approaches that support renter understanding, reduce avoidable issues and strengthen tenancy sustainment during the important early stages of a tenancy.

Why this course matters

• Improve consistency in allocation, offer assessment and tenancy commencement

• Strengthen renter understanding of rights, responsibilities and expectations

• Reduce early tenancy issues through clear preparation and communication

• Support positive renter relationships from the first point of contact

• Improve coordination between housing, support services and internal teams

• Strengthen early intervention and tenancy sustainment practice

What particpants will learn

• Improve consistency in allocation, offer assessment and tenancy commencement

• Strengthen renter understanding of rights, responsibilities and expectations

• Reduce early tenancy issues through clear preparation and communication

• Support positive renter relationships from the first point of contact

• Improve coordination between housing, support services and internal teams

• Strengthen early intervention and tenancy sustainment practice

Who should attend

• Housing Officers

• Tenancy Officers

• Allocations staff

• Community housing practitioners

• Team Leaders

• Support workers involved in tenancy commencement

Organisational benefits

• More consistent tenancy commencement practice across teams

• Improved renter understanding and engagement from sign-up

• Reduced risk of avoidable tenancy issues in the first months

• Stronger coordination between allocations, tenancy and support functions

• Improved tenancy sustainment and service quality

What participants will receive

• Practical tenancy commencement guidance

• Sign-up and early tenancy support prompt

• Reflection activities for workplace application

• Downloadable resources
  
  

  

  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.