CLIMATE CONTROL POLICY

HEATING

Homeswest Installed

Homeswest will install a heating appliance to designated seniors accommodation and to all new construction, but to other accommodation types, subject to funding, where there is a proven medical need.

All tenants other than seniors in designated seniors accommodation will pay a room heater hire fee and sign a Room Heater Hire Agreement which is a separate agreement to their Tenancy Agreement

1.1 The provision of heating appliances is subject to available funding.

1.2 In seniors accommodation a gas room heater is provided. Where gas is not available an electric heater is provided.

1.3 Priority will be give to applicants with a proven need (e.g.. Medical) regardless of income source; others will be listed on a wait-turn basis, dependent upon available funds.

1.4 In country areas where there is no reticulated town gas, the use of solid fuel heaters, such as slow combustion stoves, is dependent upon tenant request and Regional discretion.

1.5 Designated seniors’ accommodation refers to accommodation specifically designated for seniors:

Aged persons units
Bed sitting units
Flats
Apartments
Townhouses
Lodging Houses.

It does not include seniors living in family accommodation.

1.6 Tenants with a debt to Homeswest may be refused the provision of a heating appliance unless alternative arrangements to repay the debt have been made and are being maintained.

Tenant Installed

2. Tenants may apply to install internal heating devices at their own cost.

2.1 Such tenants may apply for reimbursement when the property is upgraded, or when the tenant reaches turn for assistance on the waiting list for a heating appliance.

2.2 Homeswest will only reimburse to the value of, including installation costs; the type of appliance that would have been installed had the tenant waited until Homeswest had undertaken the installation. If a tenant installs a heating appliance to a lesser value than that which Homeswest would have installed, reimbursement will only be to the value of the installed appliance.

Room Heater Hire Fee

3. A Room Heater Hire fee will apply where Homeswest installs a heating appliance, except for seniors living in designated senior’s accommodation.

All new occupants to Homeswest rental housing after the introduction of Caretaker will pay the standard $1.30 per week room heater hire fee for heating.

The hire of a heater is optional and if tenants do not wish to pay the hire fee the Department will remove the heater (excludes seniors in designated senior’s accommodation).

3.1 As of the introduction of the PAC system all new applicants for a heating appliance will pay a standard room heater hire fee of $1.30 per week for the appliance. No rebate will apply.

3.2 The previous Room Heater Hire fee structure will continue to apply to existing tenants.

This is:

Gas Heater } $1.70 per week

Pot Belly Stove } $3.00 per week

Boxer Stove } $3.50 per week

This is calculated on the formula:
Subsidy = ^{assessed family income X amenities
fee}
₃₂₅

If the assessed family income is greater than $325 per week, there is no subsidy available to the household.

COOLING

Homeswest Installed
4 Homeswest will install ceiling fans to properties in the North West or Kalgoorlie and remote areas.

Homeswest provides higher ceilings heights where ceiling fans are installed. Ceiling fans, Air conditioning apertures and ceiling/wall insulation have been provided to all new construction in the North West since 1990.
Design features are considered in all new construction in the North West and Kalgoorlie due to the climate changes in those areas.

4.1 Tenants living in the North West or Kalgoorlie and remote areas whose properties are not fitted with Air Conditioning apertures may make application to have an aperture fitted subject to budget funding. The aperture will be installed to Homeswest Maintenance specifications with relevant electrical outlet being installed.

4.2 Tenants are responsible for the fitting and maintenance of their own air conditioning units installed in Homeswest properties.