Is tenant education the key to better outcomes for renters and property managers?

Renters are facing record-low vacancy rates, while property managers are under growing pressure as workloads and expectations intensify. Against this backdrop, tenant education is emerging as a potential reset for how the industry supports long-term stability, benefiting both renters and property managers alike. In this episode of the REB Podcast, host Liam Garman speaks with Paul Tommasini, chief executive officer of inCommunity and the Tenancy Skills Institute, about how structured education pathways for tenants could deliver better outcomes across the rental ecosystem – covering budgeting, maintenance and responsibilities. The discussion explores how stable tenancies are becoming increasingly critical in a tight rental market, and how education-led programs are helping tenants build the skills needed to sustain long-term rental relationships while easing pressure on property managers. Tommasini shares how the Tenancy Skills Institute has evolved from supporting young people experiencing homelessness into a broader national initiative, with more than 27,000 participants completing its tenancy education programs. The conversation also examines how early intervention tools like PM Assist are helping property managers identify issues sooner, connect tenants with support services, and reduce the likelihood of disputes escalating to the tribunal. Finally, the discussion challenges common misconceptions around tenancy breakdowns, highlighting the complex mix of financial stress, communication issues and knowledge gaps that often sit beneath rental disputes. ......................................................................................... Real Estate Business (REB) is Australia’s leading online destination for residential real estate professionals. Whether you're building your agency, growing your portfolio, or looking to stay on top of evolving market conditions, REB is your trusted source for smart, actionable real estate insights. 🏡 Like this video? Subscribe to Real Estate Business (REB) on YouTube: 👉    / @rebaustralia   📰 Stay ahead of the game. Get the latest news, insights, and analysis for the Australian residential real estate industry: 👉 http://www.realestatebusiness.com.au 🌐 Explore more at: 👉 http://www.realestatebusiness.com.au 🎵 Follow on Spotify to stay conected to the podcast: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/41018gz... 🎧 Or Apple Podcasts: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🔗 Connect with us on social media: X/Twitter:   / reb_online   Facebook:   / realestatebusiness   LinkedIn:   / real-estate-business   Google+: http://plus.google.com/+RebonlineAus #realestate #realestateagent #rentroll #landlord #auction #australianproperty #realestateagency #agency #agent