Running a better rooming house: A best practice handbook for operators

A PDF copy of the handbook can be accessed at RAAV Publications, or members can request a hard copy by emailing info@raav.org.au.

We have produced six E-Learning modules based on the manual as an alternative way to receive this important information.

Members are able to go through the modules as often as they like from the Members section of the website.

If you are not a member, you can get a taste of these training modules with the first two being made available to non-members.

Try them out and if you would like to access all of the rest, simply join RAAV or LOGIN

Module 1
Introduction to Rooming Houses
– this module takes you through the basics of becoming a licenced operator, registering your rooming house, rooming house agreements, bonds, planning permits, the business of running a rooming house and SWOT analysis to improve your operations.

Module 2
Establishing a rooming house and rooming house agreements
– This module focuses on the steps to take before you start a rooming house, the documentation you need when inducting residents, during a tenancy and ending a tenancy, goods left behind and details to include/exclude from agreements.

Please note that from 25 November 2025, the notice period for a rent increase is 90 days.

Running a better rooming house: Your Obligations

To expand on the information in the Best Practice Handbook and where appropriate provide more detail, RAAV developed a supplementary program, Running a better rooming house: Your Obligations. The modules in this section, while covering similar grounds to the best practice modules, are more focused on the legislative requirements and should be viewed in conjunction with the modules above. These modules are only available to Members.

RAAV has recently developed two new e-learning modules for members, specifically on Dealing with Conflict, and Formal Dispute Resolution (i.e.VCAT).

Managing Conflict - new modules

Based on feedback from members, RAAV has undertaken a new project aimed at supporting operators in managing conflict, consisting of two new modules, followed by online or in-person training. In order to get the most out of this training, it is recommended that you complete the Running a better Rooming House modules before completing these modules.

Module 1

Managing Conflict in Rooming Houses – This module is designed to provide you with practical conflict management tools and techniques to understand and manage everyday conflicts that may arise in rooming houses. It is recommended that you complete Module 5 Handling disputes, before completing this module.

Module 2

Formal Dispute Resolution – This module is designed to provide you with key information and recommended strategies for formal dispute resolution with VCAT. It is a prerequisite to complete Module 4 Ending a residency, before completing this module.