Young Renters Program

The Peninsula Community Legal Centre is operating a Young renters Program in the Cities of Frankston, Casey, the Mornington Peninsula and City of Greater Dandenong. The objective of the Program is to 'address the high level of vulnerability and disadvantage facing young renters, including prejudices and perceptions that they are 'high risk' tenants, lack of knowledge about rights and responsibilities and problems arising from shared tenancies'. By offering free workshops and resource materials, the Program equips young renters with practical strategies in how to apply for, secure and maintain private rental accommodation.

The workshops which are available to young people between 16 and 25 years of age, run for approximately 2-3 hours, alternating between morning, afternoon and evening sessions. The following key topics are covered:

• Finding a home
• Applying for a place
• Moving In
• Surviving
• Moving Out

Participants learn about many aspects of renting including, presenting to real estate agents/landlords, applications, lease agreements, condition reports, bonds, co-tenancies, paying rent, Centrepay, VCAT, budgeting, tenancy databases and what to do when vacating a property.

Participants are given a ‘Renters Kit’ which contains useful information and resources. They also receive a ‘Certificate of Participation’ which includes the names of local estate agents who have actively supported and endorsed the Program. Participants are encouraged to present these Certificates to agents when applying for rental properties.

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Peninsula Community Legal Centre. Frankston