A rent increase may suggest at tribunal that you're willing to have them stay at the higher rent and then tribunal may make a ruling that the tenant stays on at the higher rent. As tempting as it is, I wouldn't be issuing a rent increase.
In VIC it is frowned upon to make an application to VCAT prior to the vacating date on the notice. If the courts are backed up I call them first and get the OK to make an early application (approx. 2 weeks prior to the vacate date on the notice). If you don't get the OK first (I request a copy in writing) then the hearing can be thrown out depending on the member hearing.
I don't know about other states but it is quite possible that your PM is actually right!
In VIC it is frowned upon to make an application to VCAT prior to the vacating date on the notice. If the courts are backed up I call them first and get the OK to make an early application (approx. 2 weeks prior to the vacate date on the notice). If you don't get the OK first (I request a copy in writing) then the hearing can be thrown out depending on the member hearing.
I don't know about other states but it is quite possible that your PM is actually right!