The public housing policy and practice manuals are operational guides for DFFH staff and housing service providers.
From 29 March 2021 new rental laws under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 commenced. These changes have made renting fairer and safer for all Victorians. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is updating the content of these pages to reflect the change in rental laws.
Frontline housing staff have been provided with updated guidance and training so they are able to comply with the new rental laws.
For the latest information and advice regarding changes to rental laws, please visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria Website.
Public housing policy and practice manuals
The public housing policies and practices are set out in the following manuals. Each manual covers a relevant area of public housing, and may need to be referred to in conjunction with:
- Other departmental housing manuals
- The appropriate acts of legislation and/or documents.
This is to ensure that the intent of the policy is achieved when administering procedures.
Allocations manual
The Allocations manual outlines the public housing policies and practices by which the department manages applications and offers of public housing.
For more information, see Allocations manual.
RentAssist bond loan scheme operational guidelines
The RentAssist bond loan scheme operational guidelines outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages its bond loan scheme.
For more information, see RentAssist bond loan scheme operational guidelines.
Business practice manual
The Business practice manual outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages the assistance to clients.
For more information, see Business practice manual.
Maintenance manual
The Maintenance manual outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages the maintenance of properties.
For more information, see Maintenance manual.
Relocation manual
The Relocation manual outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages the relocation of clients.
For more information, see Relocation manual.
Rental rebate manual
The Rental rebates manual outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages the calculation of rebated rent paid by public housing tenants.
For more information, see Rental rebate manual.
Tenancy management manual
The Tenancy management manual outlines the policies and practices by which the department manages public housing tenancy-related matters.
For more information, see Tenancy management manual.
Tenancy plus - tenancy support operational guidelines
These guidelines are designed to be used in conjunction with other key documents that outline the range of responsibilities and requirements that apply to funded organisations, including department policy, policy and funding plans, service agreements and legislative and regulatory requirements.
For more information, see tenancy plus - tenancy support manual (word).
Public housing home visits and inspections operational guidelines
This guideline outlines the approach the department uses to manage home visits and inspections when staff visit public housing properties on behalf of Homes Victoria.
For more information, see the Home visits and inspections in public housing operational guideline (word).