About this resource
Receiving a notice to vacate can be frightening. This guide helps tenants act quickly: check the notice, get free tenancy advice straight away, understand that they may have options, talk to the landlord or agent where safe, and plan for housing in case they need to move.
Purpose
To help tenants respond quickly and know where to get advice.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Community services and case workers. Also relevant for social workers, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Tenants who have received a notice to vacate, and the workers supporting them.
Practice setting: Housing, tenancy support, emergency relief and community services.
Suggested uses
- Tenancy support appointments
- Emergency relief
- Housing crisis responses
- Information for clients to take home
Instructions for practitioners
- Treat as urgent and refer to free tenancy advice the same day if possible.
- Help the tenant gather documents.
- Plan for housing if the tenant needs to move.
- Follow up.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Do not ignore the notice.
- Get free tenancy advice straight away.
- Keep all letters and messages.
Accessibility considerations
Plain language. Workers can read through with the tenant. Interpreters can support.
Scope and limitations
General information. Tenancy laws, notice periods and tribunals differ between states and territories. It is not legal advice.
Research basis
Case management practice standards describe assessment, planning, coordination, review and planned exits with the person at the centre.
- Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand. (2013). National standards of practice for case management (3rd ed.). https://www.cmsa.org.au/
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
