Advertise on podcast: The Property Management Playbook

Send us Fan Mail Are you making property investment decisions based on facts—or common misconceptions? In this episode of The Property Management Playbook, Andrew sits down with Travis Whelan of Seeder Finance to unpack two of the most influential concepts in Australian property investing: Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Together, they break down how these strategies work, why they matter, and the role they play in building long-term wealth through property. Travis shares his insights on the financial realities behind negative gearing, the tax implications investors need to understand, and the common mistakes people make when focusing solely on tax benefits rather than investment fundamentals. The conversation also explores how Capital Gains Tax can impact your exit strategy, why cash flow and asset growth should remain key considerations, and what investors should be thinking about when planning for the future. Whether you're a first-time investor, a seasoned property owner, or a property professional looking to better understand the financial side of real estate, this episode delivers practical insights from both a finance and property management perspective. 🎧 Tune in as Andrew and Travis separate fact from fiction and discuss how smart investors use tax strategies as part of a bigger wealth-building plan—not as the plan itself.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Property Management Playbook, Andrew Nguyen and Rob unpack the landmark VCAT case of Zovi v Ray (2025), a decision that highlights the critical importance of following the correct legal process when seeking possession of a rental property. Andrew and Rob also delve into the often-overlooked issue of subletting and the operation of section 91R, examining whether sub-renters can affect a landlord's ability to regain vacant possession. They discuss VCAT's approach to balancing the interests of landlords and renters, the significance of proper documentation, and why even well-intentioned actions can fail if the legal process is not followed correctly. Whether you're a property manager, landlord, or real estate professional, this episode offers valuable insights into notices to vacate, possession proceedings, and the practical lessons that every property professional should take away.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Andrew Nguyen sits down with Amy Blackburn for a thoughtful conversation about what great service really looks like in property management and how making a positive impact on others has shaped her career. With more than 20 years in the industry, Amy reflects on why she chose property management, the role that influenced her approach to service, how the industry has evolved over the years, and why supporting people remains at the heart of the profession. She also shares valuable insights into what leaders can do to better support and empower their teams. Packed with experience, perspective, and practical insights, this is an episode property professionals won’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Amy’s journey and lessons from two decades in the industry.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rob and Andrew explore a quirky section of the Residential Tenancies Act - Section 91ZK. What is it? And when will you use it? This is a must-listen for property managers.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail 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.

Send us Fan Mail This week on The Property Management Playbook, we’re tackling a topic that continues to trip up even experienced PMs — issuing Notices to Vacate for repairs. We break down the critical distinction between repairs and renovations, and why it matters when giving notice under the Residential Tenancies Act. We’ll also walk you through the documentary evidence you need to support your notice, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what VCAT is actually looking for when assessing these matters. If you’ve ever questioned whether your works qualify as urgent repairs or planned improvements — this episode is a must-listen.

Send us Fan Mail In our next episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Julie Davis, co-founder of Agent Dynamics, to explore how profiling can transform the way you build and lead high-performing property management teams. Julie shares insights on how understanding individual work styles, communication preferences, and natural strengths can reduce burnout, boost retention, and create a more cohesive, productive team culture. Whether you're a Director, Team Leader, or Property Manager, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you align the right people with the right roles—and stop the revolving door.

Send us Fan Mail Tickets are not available on our website for our Reasonable & Proportionate Workshop, which is designed to give property managers the clarity, confidence, and practical skills needed to navigate VCAT successfully. Backed by real legal expertise and property management experience, this event will transform how you approach the test.  If you’re tired of uncertainty at VCAT and want to master the law in a way that actually works in practice, this is the workshop for you. Tickets are now available—don’t miss out!