Property management tips for winning at VCAT

It can be difficult to face heading to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in the case of a difficult tenant, particularly if you're going there for the first time, however a property manager explains how to increase your odds.

Launching her new property management agency, Qura Property, Samantha Gatherum-Goss discussed how to ensure you have a better chance of winning at VCAT.

Held at La Notte Restaurant in Carlton, Property Observer attended to get some of the top tips:

- If you can avoid heading to VCAT, then do so: It can be a lengthy process, it's common to make mistakes and tenants are often favoured. If there is a way to come to an arrangement by negotiating with your tenant, or sometimes dealing with a small loss, it may be worthwhile.

- Dress appropriately: Don't come in your casual clothes, but don't look too dressed-up either.

- Ensure you explain how you are being financially inconvenienced.

- Have all your notes together: Even if you are only going there for rental arrears, bring all of your information with you. Consider an indexing system so you can quickly find what you might be asked for.

- Photographs are important: If there are a large number of them, bring your laptop instead with them easily found. You can print them all out, but it's not recommended. If you don't have photographic evidence of what you have found, you cannot support your case.

- Ensure you have served the correct notice periods: Don't forget there are three days for postage not stated in the notice period. So think 63 days, rather than 60, and so on.

- Be confident, not cocky.

- Speak to your tenant: Be reasonable, explain the reasons behind taking them to VCAT. Try and get everyone on the same page.

- Often about the VCAT member: Different members will respond differently to each tenant, therefore it's hard to know what to expect.

- Visit VCAT ahead of time to know what to expect: You can sit in on different decisions, so prepare and see what it's like.

- Bear in mind depreciation: If it's a 20 year old carpet you are heading to VCAT about a stain on, be wary of what compensation you will receive. Even if it's in mint condition, it is unlikely you will receive what you believe is replacement value.