ELIGIBILITY RELATING TO AN APPLICANT WITH A POOR TENANCY HISTORY WITH HOMESWEST – SUCH AS DEBT, ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR , POOR PROPERTY STANDARDS
POLICY

GUIDELINES & PRACTICES
31 Homeswest reserves the right to refuse assistance, or place conditions on further assistance, to any applicant with substantiated breaches of the tenancy agreement or the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This applies to applicants for both wait turn and priority assistance.
An applicant with a poor tenancy history including debts, property standards and anti social behaviour are to have their application referred to the Regional Manager, Assistant Regional Manager, Manager Rental Service, Manager Customer Service or Area Manager for a decision under the Discretionary Decision Making Policy.
31.1 Under Section 15(e) of the Housing Act (1980), Homeswest 'has the right to refuse any application’.
Interview
If an applicant is refused assistance an interview will be offered where the reasons for refusal will be explained and the applicant given an opportunity to respond.
Applicants are encouraged to bring an advocate to the interview if they wish.
The interviewing officer is to assess the current circumstances of the applicant and their ability to access alternative housing options.
Applicants may then be offered alternative options such as:
  • The Homeless Helpline (Ph 1800 065 892);
  • Supported Assistance Accommodation Program;
  • Home ownership schemes (e.g. Goodstart and other Keystart options);
  • A referral to other Agencies who may be able to assist.
If, after the interview, the decision to refuse assistance remains unchanged, the decision is to be reviewed by the Manager of Rental Services (metro) or Manager Homeswest (regional) or the Regional Manager
31.2 Conditional acceptance
Examples of conditions that may be placed, subject to further assistance:
  • the applicant agrees to use the Supported Housing Assistance Program (SHAP)
  • the applicant agrees to use a form of direct deduction for rental payments, or a bill paying service.
  • the applicant agrees to restrictions upon household composition.
  • the applicant agrees to conditions re the sale of private property.
31.3 Delegation of Authority
  • Decision regarding previous tenancy agreement to be made by the Regional Manager, Assistant Regional Manager, Manager Rental Service, Manager Customer Service or Area Manager.
  • Decision not to rehouse – see Delegation of Authority manual Folio 039