Long-Term Affordable and Social Housing

This page is for renters of our long-term housing programs (social and affordable housing). You will find policies, brochures, forms and links to essential websites.

If you are seeking information that is currently not on the website or have any questions about these documents, please don't hesitate to contact your Place Manager.

What is a Place Manager?

Dedicated Place Managers manage each tenancy. Place Managers are at the heart of the delivery of our housing services and are the first point of call for our renters. Your Place Manager is your contact person at Unison and will help you if you have questions about your tenancy or property. And we encourage you to get in touch with their Place Manager to discuss any ideas, issues or questions.

What does Unison do?

The first thing we do is help you set up your tenancy.
We then monitor your tenancy, ensuring you know your rights and responsibilities as a renter and pay the correct rent every fortnight.
We ensure that maintenance is undertaken to keep your property safe and in good condition.
We carry out routine inspections to ensure that the property is well maintained.

Your responsibilities as a renter

Take care of your property by keeping it clean and tidy.
Tell us about any maintenance issues that need fixing at your property.
Let us know before you bring a pet home with you.
Pay your rent on time.

Be a good neighbour

Unison provides housing to many different people with different lifestyles. It is vital to have a positive relationship with your neighbours.

You have the right to:

Feel safe in your home.
A peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Access to information and services to help you live peacefully in your home.

You also have a responsibility to:

Act respectfully.
Make sure your visitors act respectfully.
Make efforts to resolve issues with neighbours.

Behaviour

Just as you have a right to peaceful enjoyment, so do your neighbours. Behaviours that cause violence, harassment, fear, or distress are NOT ok. Other disruptions are unavoidable and a part of living near other people.

It is OK:

If there is noise from babies crying.
If there is noise from children playing.
To make normal noises at unusual times because of different work patterns.
To create strong smells from cooking.
To have different lifestyles from other residents.

It is NOT OK:

To make loud noise from music or voices.
To make loud noise from pets or vehicles.
To use language that is abusive, intimidating or threatening.
To be violent, threatening or aggressive.
To do anything illegal.

Neighbours

Talk to your neighbours

If you are having a problem with your neighbours, try talking to them about the problem first. They might not know they are upsetting you.

If you feel unsafe, stop the conversation and leave.

Speak with your Place Manager

If your problem continues, tell your Place Manager. Make sure to take notes about the time, the date, the location, what happened and who was involved.

Call the police

If you feel unsafe or believe there is illegal activity, call 000 or Crime Stoppers.

What will Unison do?

When you contact us about an issue, we will:

Take notes about the information you provide.
Tell you what the process will be and keep you updated.
Ask for your consent to speak about the issue to other renters.

Depending on the circumstances, we may also:

Ask you to resolve the issue with your neighbour.
Give you an Antisocial Behaviour Logbook.
Organise mediation between you and the neighbour.
Contact other people involved to find out more about the issue.
Contact the police where there is illegal activity.
Ask you and others to be witnesses at VCAT.
Allow all tenants to change their behaviour.
Organise a Resident's Meeting to discuss the problem.

Tenant resources and policies

Unison complies with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements. The following section features resources and policies that apply to and impact our renters.

Information Policies: Unison complies with legislative requirements in the way that we collect, use, disclose, and provide access to personal information we hold about you. We treat your privacy and the security of your information seriously. Find out more about your privacy rights in our Information Privacy brochure and Unison's Information Privacy Policy. Find out more about how Unison manages personal information in our Information Security Policy.
Unison's Staff Code of Conduct: Unison’s Staff Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all Unison employees. It aims to establish a code of professional ethics in the workplace that are consistent with Unison’s purpose, values and objectives.
COVIDSafe plan for for multi-dwelling residential buildings: As part of our COVID response, Unison has developed a COVIDSafe Plan to protect renters, staff, visitors, and the community. This plan has been developed for multi-dwelling residential buildings owned or managed by Unison. The plan applies to common areas including access points, lifts, foyers and hallways, as well as shared facilities such as shared laundries, dining and meeting areas. The plan follows the COVIDSafe principles.
Click here to download a copy of Unison's COVIDSafe plan for for multi-dwelling residential buildings.

More resources for tenants

Unison membership

Unison is a not-for-profit organisation. Our members are important stakeholders with particular rights. Members appoint Board directors and are able to vote at company general meetings. Membership is free. The Unison member factsheet provides more information. To apply for membership complete the Unison membership form. If you would like further information call in to your nearest Unison office.

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