Rooming Houses operator licences
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2017 1:07 pmOperators and managers have had since April 2017 to apply for a "fit and proper person test" licence under the new Rooming House Operators Act @ $500 per licence.
Rules to govern rooming houses are needed - many fail even a casual glance, let alone inspections and strict licence rules.
On the other hand, there are proprietors who manage their rooming houses very well and are expected to pass the new rules easily.
They have visiting managers, live-in managers/leaders, meetings between residents to sort out any issues, actions and activities to engender community atmosphere, etc. These are good things that are needed in a complex environment such as a rooming house.
People leaving gaol or suffering mental illness or other conditions without family support need somewhere to live or they’d be on the street.
It is hoped that the new rules are appropriate and enforceable and that they clean up this essential area where needed.
It is "essential", because whilst rooming houses might not be everyone's first choice, they are needed because there is insufficient public housing – which is declining.
Since Council and Consumer Affairs Victoria registration and inspections were already in place, giving them the power to inspect and place works orders on registered/unregistered rooming house properties, issue fines and close properties down where necessary, some people believe this licence is an overkill and a revenue raiser.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/slumlords-grip-on-victorian-rooming-houses-unweakened-days-from-crackdown-20170818-gxzexm.html
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