SDA and your RTA Obligations

Practical guidance for managing SDA residency obligations with confidence, clarity and compliance. 

Overview

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) arrangements involve distinct legal obligations that differ from standard residential tenancy agreements. This half-day workshop provides practical guidance on applying Part 12A of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) in operational housing settings. Participants will explore when Part 12A applies, the rights and responsibilities of residents and SDA providers, and the processes involved in establishing and ending SDA residency agreements. Through practical activities and scenario-based discussion, the workshop supports confident, compliant and person-centred practice across tenancy, property and policy functions. 

Why this course matters

• Improve understanding of SDA-specific obligations under the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act 

• Reduce risk associated with non-compliant SDA residency practices 

• Strengthen consistency in tenancy and property management approaches 

• Support defensible decision-making when managing SDA residency matters 

• Improve staff confidence in applying legislation to operational situations 

• Reinforce rights-based and resident-focused practice 

What participants will learn

• The purpose and scope of Part 12A of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) 

• Determining whether Part 12A applies to a property or resident arrangement 

• Requirements for establishing an SDA Residency Agreement 

• Rights and duties of SDA residents and SDA providers 

• Processes for managing temporary relocations and notices requirements 

• Applying Notices to Vacate within SDA settings 

• Practical interpretation of legislative provisions in workplace situations 

• Strategies for compliant communication and documentation practices 

Who should attend 

• Housing Officers 

• SDA tenancy staff 

• Allocations staff 

• Property management staff 

• Community housing practitioners 

• Policy and compliance staff 

• Team Leaders and Managers 

• Staff supporting SDA operational functions 

Organisational benefits 

• Improved compliance with SDA legislative obligations 

• Reduced organisational risk relating to residency management practices 

• Greater consistency in applying Part 12A requirements 

• Improved staff capability in managing SDA residency matters 

• Stronger resident-focused and rights-based practice 

What participants will receive

• Practical guidance on applying Part 12A requirements 

• Scenario-based learning activities and knowledge checks 

• SDA legislative reference materials 

• Practical examples of notices and residency processes