Tenancy Assistance & Advocacy Program
Overview:
Assisting tenants by using a range of negotiation and advocacy techniques.
Services are provided over the phone and face to face in the community.
What services does the Program provide
The TAAP program only deals with private rental matters, ie: Tenants living in Agent Managed and Private Landlord properties, Caravan Parks and Rooming Houses. Services are provided over the phone and face to face in the community and can include the following types of assistance:
Information Assistance
- Assisting tenants in reviewing and explaining documents and providing information and advice on rights and processes.
Dispute Resolution Support
- Assisting tenants by using a range of negotiation and advocacy techniques to resolve disputes with landlords, preparing documents relating to VCAT hearings or dispute resolution.
- Appearing with the tenant at VCAT hearings and supporting the tenant as an advocate.
How are tenants referred to the TAAP Program?
- Formal referral via the Tenancy
- Central Service. (Tenants Union of Victoria)
- Formal referral via Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- Formal referral via an external Agency/Support Provider.
- Self-referral by the tenant directly
- Informal referral from the VCAT member via the Duty Clerk.
Who is eligible to be referred to the Tenancy Assistance & Advocacy Program?
Tenants are eligible for Advocacy Services where both of the following apply:
The person is assessed as being vulnerable and disadvantaged; and
- 1. The client is renting through a real estate agent
- 2. The client is renting in a caravan park
- 3. The client is renting through a rooming house
- 4. The client is renting through a private landlord