Property managers urged to stand up against domestic violence

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) is asking property managers to help them stand up against domestic violence by filling out a short three-question survey by 26 July, 2021.

The survey results will be used to assist the REIA in supporting property managers so that they will be safer on the job, while trying to deal with domestic violence situations.

New research from Equity Economics indicates 7690 women are forced to return to domestic or family violence perpetrators each year, due to having nowhere else affordable to live. An additional 9120 women become homeless each year due to leaving domestic and family violence situations.

REIA President Adrian Kelly explained the survey insights will be used to learn how Real Estate Institutes (REIs) can support agents encountering domestic violence matters in tenancies; and contribute to advocacy to state and federal governments. 

“Domestic violence can include tenants that are visibly distressed or physically harmed; damage to the property as well as other indicators like rent in arrears or noise complaints to the landlord,” Mr Kelly said.

“It is highly likely that from time to time there are instances of domestic violence that occur in rental properties that I manage within my own business and I am not aware of it. 

“Because of this I’m pleased that the REIA will be doing some work in this space in order to help stamp out this clearly deplorable behaviour.”

Mr Kelly said the REIA viewed the incentive as essential in protecting the property manager community who are often at the forefront of having to deal with unsafe situations. 

“With both National Property Managers Day on 23 July, 2021 and the National Women’s Summit in late July, now is an ideal time to get important views from our property managers working at the coalface.” 

The anonymous survey started distribution this week via all REIA’s State and Territory Institutes. Property managers wanting to get involved should contact their institute directly. 

If you or somebody you know are struggling with mental health, please contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24-hour support. If you or somebody you know are struggling with domestic violence, please contact 1800Respect (1800 737 732).