The major reason for setting up a tenant group is that it gives tenants a voice. Tenants working together to take action on their issues is much more effective than trying to change things on your own.
Some examples are:
An inner city tenant group played a role in getting their estate included in Neighbourhood Renewal which has brought lots of resources with it and really made a difference to life on the estate.
On this estate, the cleaning contract was given to a new company after complaints about the old one and this required them to employ at least 30% of cleaners from the estate. The idea behind this was that if the cleaners actually lived on the estate, they would be more committed to their work.
This has been very successful and there is a far higher level of tenant satisfaction with cleaning.
Tenant groups can get good relationships going with other organisations and that can make things happen.
An example of this is some concerned tenants on an estate got together with a local family service organisation to talk about primary school kids having nothing to do and getting up to mischief. They have started a breakfast club and a homework club once a week and the atmosphere on the estate has improved considerably. Some of the tenants volunteer and have got to know the kids and each other better. They're encouraged by their achievements so far and want to think about setting up a formal group.
On another estate, the tenant group has successfully had input into upgrades. They have requested changes such as:
- Moving phone plugs so they are not next to the heater as that's not good for a computer,
- Putting down tiles just inside the front door instead of carpet for wear and tear reasons,
- Toilet doors being hinged from the outside so they can be removed if necessary.
Tenant groups receive recognition and respect. Representing a large group of tenants carries authority. Many public tenants report feelings of disempowerment and lacking control of their lives so that is really important.
Setting Up a Group
The first step in setting up a new group is to talk to other tenants to find out if there is wider interest in the idea. Contact the VPTA and the Coordinator will arrange a time to come out and talk to tenants about starting a group.
A public meeting will be called to which all local tenants are invited. The VPTA can assist with catering, organisation and promotion. A discussion will be held to explain what a tenant group is, what the benefits are and the process involved. At the meeting, we will call for volunteers to be part of a small group to work on developing the constitution, which are the rules of the group. This group normally forms the first Committee of Management but that is flexible.
There is a sample document that can be used as a model for the constitution so that reduces the workload. Once the constitution is ready, we will call another public meeting to present the constitution to the tenants and this can be accepted with or without changes. At that meeting, the Committee of Management is elected by the tenants and those people are responsible for the running of the group, on behalf of its members.
The next step is to apply for incorporation through Consumer Affairs Victoria. Once the group is incorporated, it can apply for funding from the Office of Housing.
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