Build a rent policy that supports affordability, strengthens compliance and makes day-to-day decisions easier.

Overview

Rent policy sits where affordability, compliance and organisational viability all meet, and the pressures rarely pull in the same direction. A policy needs to be fair, consistent and defensible, while still working across multiple programs and regulatory requirements.

This workshop provides a structured, practical approach to reviewing, developing or refreshing rent policy in a Victorian community housing context. Participants will explore regulatory and program settings, rent-setting models and affordability considerations, and examine the likely impacts of different policy choices. The focus is on creating a policy that stands up to scrutiny and supports confident, consistent rent decisions across the organisation.

Why this course matters

Strengthen policy clarity and reduce inconsistent rent decision-making

Reduce complaints and disputes caused by unclear or outdated policy settings

Support affordability outcomes while maintaining organisational sustainability

Improve compliance confidence across programs, funding streams and regulatory expectations

Build a defensible rent policy that stands up to scrutiny

Support staff confidence by providing clearer guidance for day-to-day rent decisions

What participants will learn

Key Victorian regulatory and program settings that shape rent policy requirements

Affordability considerations and how to assess renter impact in practice

How market-based and income-based rent models work, including strengths and limitations

Approaches for testing policy settings against risk, equity and sustainability goals

How to identify gaps, inconsistencies and unclear decision points in existing policies

Practical tools for reviewing rent policy and documenting decision pathways

Strategies for communicating rent policy decisions clearly to renters

Steps for developing an action plan to review or update organisational rent policy

Who should attend

Policy and Compliance Staff

Housing and Tenancy Managers

Senior Housing Practitioners

Quality and Governance Staff

Finance and Revenue Staff involved in rent policy settings

Executive and Senior Leaders responsible for affordability and compliance decisions

Organisational benefits

Stronger, clearer rent policy that supports consistent decision-making

Reduced organisational risk through improved defensibility and compliance alignment

Improved renter experience through clearer explanations and fewer disputes

Better alignment between affordability objectives and financial sustainability

Increased staff confidence and reduced escalation around complex rent decisions

What participants will receive

Practical tools and frameworks for rent policy review

Guidance on assessing affordability and organisational impacts

Resources to support policy drafting and decision documentation

Action planning activities to support next steps after the workshop

Facilitator - Brett Wake

Brett has extensive experience in Community, Social and Affordable housing across the nonprofit sector and Government. He is a past CEO of the Community Housing Federation of Victoria and founding board member of CHIA (Vic). Brett was an executive manager with Community Housing Limited and more recently worked with Homes Victoria as Director Community Housing.

Contact the host of Strengthening your Rent Policy