Tenancy management operational guidelines

The Tenancy condition report operational guidelines outline the requirements for completing condition reports at both the beginning and end of a tenancy, as mandated under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

For more information, read the Tenancy condition report operational guidelines (Word).

The Rental arrears operational guidelines outline how rental arrears are managed and addressed in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

For more information, read the Rental arrears operational guidelines (Word).

The Rental payments and direct debit operational guidelines outline how rental payments and direct debit deductions are administered, including processes for setting up, managing, and monitoring payments.

For more information, read the Rental payments and direct debit operational guidelines (Word).

The Leased properties operational guidelines outline the processes by which Homes Victoria manages properties leased from private residential rental providers for use as Rental General Stock (RGS). The RGS leasing program supplements Homes Victoria’s owned housing portfolio by providing additional housing options in areas where demand on the Victorian Housing Register is high.

For more information, read the Leased properties operational guidelines (Word).

The Owners corporation operational guidelines outline Homes Victoria’s role and responsibilities in managing properties that are subject to owners corporation legislation.

For more information, read the Owners corporation operational guidelines (Word)

The Car parking operational guidelines outline the processes for allocating and managing car parking spaces on public housing estates.

For more information, read the Car parking operational guidelines (Word).

The Renters working from home operational guidelines outline the approval requirements for renters who wish to operate a business from their public housing property.

For more information, read the Renters working from home operational guidelines (Word).

The Temporary absence operational guidelines outline the allowable periods of absence from a public housing property and the rent-setting conditions that apply during approved absence periods.

For more information, read the Temporary absence operational guidelines (Word).

The Abandoned properties and goods operational guidelines outline Homes Victoria’s role and responsibilities in managing abandoned properties and handling goods left behind by former renters.

For more information, read the Abandoned properties and goods operational guidelines (Word).

The Undeclared occupants, subletting and squatters operational guidelines outline how Homes Victoria manages situations involving people living in public housing without approval, including undeclared occupants, subletting arrangements, and squatters.

For more information, read the Undeclared occupants, subletting and squatters operational guidelines (Word).

These guidelines are currently being updated. For more information or assistance, please contact policyandguidelines@homes.vic.gov.au.

The Access to communal areas on public housing estates operational guidelines outline how facilities managed by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, as well as community and not-for-profit organisations, are accessed and managed.

For more information, read the Access to communal areas on public housing estates operational guidelines (Word).

The Residential rental agreement terminations and deceased estates operational guidelines outlines the process for lawfully concluding a Residential Rental Agreement between Homes Victoria and the renter. It covers the notice requirements, responsibilities of all parties, and the legal steps Homes Victoria must follow to ensure terminations are handled fairly, promptly, and in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

For more information, read the Residential rental agreement terminations and deceased estates operational guidelines (Word).

The Transfer of tenancy operational guidelines outline the process for applying to transfer a tenancy, including eligibility criteria and how tenancy changes are assessed, approved, and formally transferred.

For more information, read the Transfer of tenancy operational guidelines (Word).

The Tenancy plus - Tenancy support operational guidelines outlines how support is provided to public housing renters who are at risk of homelessness or experiencing tenancy challenges. It sets out the roles of support workers and housing staff in delivering early intervention, sustaining tenancies, and promoting housing stability through coordinated assistance.

For more information, read the Tenancy plus - Tenancy support operational guidelines (Word)

The Sleep-outs operational guidelines outline the purpose, management, and allocation of sleep-outs. Sleep-outs are relocatable, single-room additions placed in the backyards of public housing properties to help alleviate household overcrowding.

For more information, read the Sleep-outs operational guidelines (Word).

The Moveable units operational guidelines outline the purpose, eligibility, and management of moveable units, self-contained, relocatable dwellings placed on residential properties to support individuals who require assistance or support from someone living in the main or co-located dwelling.

For more information, read the Movable units operational guidelines (Word).

The Vacated renters accounts operational guidelines outline the processes for managing tenancy accounts after a renter has terminated their Residential Rental Agreement.

For more information, read the Vacated tenants accounts operational guidelines (Word).

The Bankruptcy operational guidelines outline the procedures and considerations for managing public housing tenancies and applications when a renter, applicant, or housing assistance recipient is declared bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Act 1966.

For more information, read the Bankruptcy operational guidelines (Word).

The Account reconciliation operational guidelines outline the processes for reviewing and resolving financial transactions on current or vacated public housing tenancy accounts. Account reconciliation ensures that all charges and payments are correctly applied, discrepancies are identified, and adjustments are made where required.

For more information, read the Account reconciliation operational guidelines (Word).

These guidelines are currently being updated.

For more information or assistance, please contact policyandguidelines@homes.vic.gov.au.

The Residential rental agreement breach management operational guidelines outline the responsibilities of residential rental providers and renters under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and set clear expectations for staff in managing rental breaches.

The guidelines cover legal obligations and grounds for serious breach actions, Victorian Model Litigant Standards, and human rights safeguards to ensure fair and consistent processes.

They provide detailed direction on progressive breach escalation, investigating and addressing rental breaches, interviewing protocols, and decision-making criteria.

For more information, read the Residential rental agreement breach management operational guidelines (Word).

The Special accommodation requirements for public housing renters operational guidelines outline the process for assessing and approving modifications to public housing properties to support renters or household members with a medical condition or disability.

For more information, read the Special accommodation requirements for public housing tenants operational guidelines (Word)

The Pets in public housing guidelines outlines the process for public housing renters to request permission to keep pets, the criteria used to assess these requests, and the responsibilities of renters to ensure pets are managed safely and lawfully.

For more information, read the Pets in public housing operational guidelines (Word).