A director of a rental accommodation services company is facing court on charges of operating a rooming house without a licence.
A rooming house is a building where one or more rooms is available to rent by four or more people. They are an affordable and comfortable rental option for many people but some of their residents are among the state’s most vulnerable.
It is alleged that Susan Trinh, the sole director of Impactz Pty Ltd, and the company, committed several offences under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 and the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Along with operating a rooming house without a licence, it is alleged they also failed to:
- lodge bonds with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority
- complete signed bond lodgement forms and provide them to the renter
- provide renters with two copies of the condition report before they moved in, which an operator must do if they accept a bond from a resident.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said that Trinh and her company dealt largely with international students and workers.
Rich said the renters in these cases were particularly vulnerable, often living in a foreign country away from family and other support networks, and would likely find it more difficult to voice a complaint or pursue their rights.
Operating a rooming house without a licence is a serious criminal offence with significant penalties.
There are currently 1,650 registered rooming houses and 1,294 licensed rooming house operators in Victoria.
If you’re concerned a rooming house does not meet the minimum standards, you can report it. If your concern is about health standards, contact your local council.
This matter is listed for a mention on 23 June 2025 at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.