Rooming houses
Checklist for operators
Take note of the following tips - they can help reduce problems between you and your residents.
Before operating- Register your rooming house with your local council
- Make sure the property is clean, in good repair and safe - working appliances, doors, locks, windows and smoke detectors
- Make sure you have a smoke detection system - check mfb website for requirements
- Read the Rooming Houses: an operators' guide - available from Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Occupancy register - you must keep a register showing names and arrival/departure dates of residents
- House rules - you must clearly display the rules for all residents to see
- Give each resident a copy of Rooming Houses: a guide for residents - available from Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Give each resident a Notice to Proposed Rooming House Resident form - available from Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Provide to each resident the rooming house operator's name, address and phone number - for emergencies
- If you take a bond: it must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority you must complete and provide the residents with a Condition Report
- Provide residents with a schedule of charges for any additional services and details of these services
- Deal with issues as they happen. Small problems can turn into a big issue and cost money (e.g. repairs); late rent can escalate - it is better to work out a payment plan.
- Remember that residents have the right to quiet enjoyment. There are laws about when and why you can enter a resident's room. Unless it is an emergency, you must give the resident a 24 hours written notice.
- Repairs. Use qualified tradespeople. Urgent repairs must be done immediately.
- Rent increases. You must give residents a 60-day notice in writing. Use the Notice of Rent Increase form.
- Rent payments. You must provide detailed receipts if requested by the resident or if the resident pays in person. You should keep a rent payment record.
- Provide itemised accounts - if the resident requests any additional services.
- Changes to house rules - must be in writing and given to residents seven days before changes begin.
- Adding more people to a resident's room - you must give the resident a Consent to Increase in Room Capacity form and, if agreed, reduce the rent from the date of change. Changes must comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009.
- Serve notices in writing. All prescribed forms are available from Consumer Affairs Victoria website or call 1300 55 81 81.
- These forms are free and include the timeframes that apply.
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides free:
- advice
- forms, publications and fact sheets
- dispute resolution services
- goods left behind inspections.
Want to find out more?
Call 1300 55 81 81 or visit Consumer Affairs Victoria website
Find Deakin on:
2nd November 2011