- The REIA recently conducted a survey
- 57% of property managers have dealt with domestic violence in tenancies over the past year
- 30% said they had dealt with this two to three times a year
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has called on government’s to do more to protect property managers dealing with domestic violence in tenancies.
A recent survey conducted by the REIA revealed that 57% of property managers have encountered such situations over the past twelve months, with 30% recording two to three incidents a year.
“We are urging governments to address how property managers can gain support from local law enforcement and departments,” said REIA President Adrian Kelly.
“Resources such as increased coaching and mentoring on how to deal with situations as they arise will be instrumental in keeping these workers safe,” he said.
55% of respondents believed that toolkits would help in their role with 50% selecting police or local department support with 43% choosing coaching to assist in dealing with domestic violence issues.
“Toolkits for both property managers and tenants are the most useful area of support, in particular, for less experienced staff while coaching and mentoring would assist in awareness of rights and responsibilities, diffusion and even self-defence.”
Adrian Kelly, REIA President
Other feedback stemming from the survey included a greater need for clarifying reporting obligations for property managers, the inclusion of a zero-tolerance policy in both workplace and lease agreements, appropriate physical protections and establishing a national database of violent tenants.
Mr Kelly noted that the institutes are active in family and domestic awareness activities but believes these should continue and be supported by a national plan.
“The survey will inform the next national plan to reduce violence against women and their children and seek to understand how Australia’s property managers are dealing and responding to domestic violence in tenancies,” he said.
‘We all have a role to play in stamping out this deplorable activity and we are keen to support our hardworking property managers do exactly that in a safe way.”
