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What does great leadership look like in today’s property management landscape—and how do you sustain it over the long term?

In this episode, Andrew Nguyen sits down with Rachel Atkin from Harcourts, a seasoned industry leader with over two decades of experience. Rachel shares her journey into property management, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the people who influenced her leadership style along the way.

The conversation goes beyond career stories, diving into the real challenges leaders are facing right now—from navigating team pressures to adapting to an evolving industry. Rachel offers honest insights into the most common mistakes leaders make today, and how these can impact team performance and culture.

If you’re leading a team—or aspiring to—this episode is packed with thoughtful insights and real-world guidance from someone who’s been there and done it.

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Where does fair wear and tear end… and damage begin?

Andrew Nguyen and Robert Gallo explore this critical distinction and why it continues to create confusion across the industry.

More importantly, they share how property managers can use this understanding as a practical tool to guide conversations, reduce conflict, and make better decisions when it matters most.

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In this episode, host Andrew Nguyen sits down with Eloise Sweatman of Ray White Frankston to discuss her journey in property management and the experiences that have shaped her career.

Eloise shares insights from the front line of the real estate industry, reflecting on the challenges, responsibilities, and rewarding moments that come with being a property manager. She also discusses the dedication and approach that led to her being recognised as Ray White International’s Property Manager of the Year last year.

From managing relationships with landlords and tenants to navigating the fast-paced demands of the industry, this conversation provides valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in property management. Eloise’s story offers both inspiration and practical lessons for those working in or considering a career in the real estate sector.

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In this episode, we dive into real tribunal and courtroom experiences that every practitioner can learn from. From the unwritten rules of courtroom etiquette to the surprising challenges of appearing in hearings via video conference, we explore what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons that only come from being in the trenches.

Rob and Andrew dive into the real-life battles fought in tribunals and courtrooms. Through candid stories from the trenches, this podcast explores the challenges, lessons, and unexpected moments that arise in VCAT.

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In this episode, hosts Andrew Nguyen and Rob Gallo break down the legislative shifts hitting the Victorian rental market. We start with the November 2025 RTA updates, including the jump to 90-day notice periods, the total ban on rental bidding, and the critical "Reasonable Belief" pivot. We explain why you must now have evidence that a property meets Minimum Standards before it is advertised.

The main event focuses on the Portable Bond Scheme launching in 2026. We explain why there is nothing to fear for owners or managers: the admin burden falls on the renter to "top up" and transfer funds, while the government guarantees claim payouts during the transition.

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In the episode, hosts Andrew Nguyen and Robert Gallo examine the critical boundaries of artificial intelligence within property management and the broader legal system. The discussion warns against the rising tide of irresponsible AI use—from the controversial emergence of judges using AI for sentencing to the "hallucination" risks of using machines to produce legal evidence or arguments.

While highlighting AI’s immense benefit in document summarisation, they emphasise that the professional must always remain the "pilot," double-checking data to protect their credibility from the reputation-destroying effects of careless automation. For property managers, the conversation offers a roadmap for responsible communication with renters, detailing how to handle AI-generated conversations and how to politely call out peers who use automation to dodge human-centric conflict resolution.

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In this episode of The Property Management Playbook, we dive deep into section 91ZM of the Residential Tenancies Act — the provision behind what many call the "five strikes" rule for rental arrears. But is it really five strikes and you're out? We break down the legal mechanics, clarify common misunderstandings, and explore the strategic considerations every property manager needs to know when dealing with ongoing arrears.

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In this episode of The Property Management Playbook, hosts Andrew Nguyen and Robert Gallo delve into Section 91ZZH of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC), which imposes a six-month restriction on re-letting properties after certain notices to vacate have been issued.

We explore the circumstances under which this section applies, such as when a rental provider issues a notice to vacate for reasons like demolition, change of use, or occupation by the provider or their family. We discuss the legal obligations that prevent re-letting the premises for residential use within six months of the notice, unless specific conditions are met or exemptions are granted by VCAT.

Through practical examples and expert insights, we highlight the importance of compliance with this provision to avoid potential legal repercussions. Whether you're a property manager, landlord, or renter, understanding the nuances of Section 91ZZH is crucial for navigating tenancy terminations lawfully.