New laws for disability accommodation begin in Victoria
On 1 July, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 strengthened the rights and protections for Victorians living in a greater range of disability accommodation.
These changes affect arrangements that meet the new definition of a “SDA dwelling” and where residents receive daily independent living supports in:
- enrolled SDA and unenrolled SIL houses (operated by registered and unregistered NDIS providers)
- TAC, DFFH, Workcover and DSOA shared accommodation.
There are new obligations for providers who operate group homes or own or have Head Leases of properties and rent them to Victorians with disabilities. Among other new legal obligations, providers must offer residents who are not currently on an SDA residency agreement a choice of two tenancy agreements:
- an SDA residency agreement
- a residential rental agreement.
Residents decide which tenancy agreement they want. Community Visitors also have the power to make unannounced visits to these settings.
If you provide permanent accommodation to people receiving daily independent living or SIL services, you must comply with these new legal obligations.
On our website, NDS has a complete set of resources on the changes and your obligations, including video presentations. You can also find information about other legislated changes to the provisions for restrictive practices, compulsory treatment, residential services and forensic disability services.
You can find more information on the DFFH website and Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
You are welcome to direct any queries to Suzanne Vile: submit enquiry/feedback