Last Wednesday, the highly anticipated Property Management Conference was held at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. The sold-out event featured speakers across the property management spectrum, covering various topics across the sector. It also featured opportunities for learning and networking and was an excellent avenue for property managers to grow professionally and personally.
CAV’s new rental taskforce’s priorities explained
First up was David Joyner from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV). He spoke about the rental taskforce and described its zero tolerance for non-compliance. Following more than 1,000 inspections, the taskforce has prioritised early intervention to avoid penalisation. As part of the rental taskforce, there have been:
Over 17.7 million campaign views and 195,000 visits to the minimum rental standards webpage
482 complaints submitted via the dedicated webform
1005 rental property cases assessed,
5 minimum standards inspection blitzes with advertised rental properties inspected for minimum standards breaches,
Over 60 infringements issued, resulting in more than $600,000 in fines,
More than 70 official warnings issued, and
163 direct engagements with renters living in properties at risk of not meeting minimum standards.
Further, the rental taskforce identified that the main trends encountered are rental bidding, bond non-lodgement, and poor understanding of minimum standards among rental providers. Property managers are encouraged to refer to the rental property minimum standards checklist, developed at the REIV’s request, which is a handy resource to educate Residential Rental Providers (RRPs). CAV has indicated that their planned activity for 2025 includes more inspection blitzes, an estate agency inspection program, continued communications campaigns to raise awareness of rental rights and obligations, and investigations into breaches of Victoria’s rental law. Specific focus through the year will be placed on minimum standards, non-lodgement of bonds, rental bidding, and dodgy notices to vacate.
RDRV’s trial mediations begin and the planned launch date is announced
Next, Warwick Mitchell of the new Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) body discussed its upcoming launch. It will focus on the early resolution of rental dispute issues, such as bond compensation and minor repairs. With the new team still developing the operating model, it will prioritise finding a swift resolution over excessive bureaucratic steps to find a mutually acceptable outcome for all participants. It was revealed that limited dispute mediations are already taking place to trial the new system. VCAT will continue to operate for escalated matters, though RDRV will become the first port of call to mediate before cases progress to the Tribunal. The REIV continues to engage with the Victorian Government as part of the RDRV roundtable group, as the new body is designed and implemented ahead of a planned June 2025 start date.
Jennifer Beveridge (Tenants Victoria), Lauren Hansen (Launch Housing), and Karren Walker (HomeGround Real Estate) discussed the increasing affordability barriers that tenants are facing and revealed the growing number of support inquiries they are receiving. The dialogue fostered an engaging conversation with the crowd, with the trio answering questions and providing feedback and guidance to agents handling challenging tenancies. The panel was an excellent opportunity for stakeholders from different sections of the rental landscape to have a frank and fruitful conversation about building sustainable tenancies.
After the panel, Simon Banks took the crowd on a journey through visual intelligence and creative thinking. Employing a number of learning exercises and audience participation, Simon discussed the blockers of creativity and how agents can overcome them to realise their potential. By the end of his session, he had the audience ready to challenge preconceptions and use curiosity to level up their property management game.
Finally, Sarah Cincotta (RISE With Sarah Cincotta) took the stage and spoke about personal challenges and subsequent professional breakthroughs. Taking stock of how
setbacks had inspired her to excel as a property manager and, later, as a mentor, trainer, and speaker, Sarah spoke extensively from the heart about her property management journey. She advocated for actioning strategic thinking and client satisfaction to meet the industry’s demands. Agents walked away inspired by her knowledge and passion to join a final networking session before the conference wrapped up for the day.