NEW LIVING PROGRAMMES – TENANT RELOCATION POLICY

PREAMBLE
The aim of the New Living Program is to develop older public housing estates to create a more attractive living environment, to reduce Homeswest’s rental presence and to encourage home ownership.
Given the scale of the projects, the relocation of tenants is integral to facilitate the refurbishment and renovation of properties in a timely fashion and to ensure the overall success of the projects.
Tenants are consulted about their housing preferences and are given sufficient information to choose alternative housing.
The policy also aims to minimise the financial costs incurred by the tenant for relocation.
Where a tenant does not wish to transfer to facilitate development, Homeswest will accommodation this wish if the move is not essential to the redevelopment at this stage. If the property is crucial to redevelopment, Homeswest will explore all available options with the tenant in an effort to reach an acceptable compromise.
No tenant will be forced to move, except where an acceptable compromise cannot be reached AND THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR DEMOLITION.
POLICY

GUIDELINES & PRACTICES
Announcement of Redevelopment
1. Homeswest will advise all affected tenants, as soon as possible, when a redevelopment project has been decided.
1.1 Tenants will receive
  • Information regarding the time frame for the redevelopment
  • Information regarding the housing options available
  • Information regarding Homeswest’s assistance with the cost of relocation
  • Information regarding property information until the relocation occurs.
* See also Clause 11.
Relocation Transfers
2. Discretion may be exercised in relation to relocation transfers in relation to general eligibility and allocation requirements.
2.1 Example: income, numbers of offers, bedroom entitlement.


POLICY

GUIDELINES & PRACTICES
3. A relocation transfer will be on a priority basis.
Properties identified for Demolition under Redevelopment
4. Properties identified to be demolished due to redevelopment will not receive property maintenance or upgrade, above normal health or safety requirements.
4.1 This applies to properties tenanted before and after the redevelopment was identified.
5. Properties identified to be demolished under the redevelopment program will be let to tenants on the understanding that they will transfer when required.
5.1 A special clause relating to this requirement is placed on the tenancy agreement.
5.2 If the tenant is a community group the use of the property will be only until demolition and there will be no transfer of tenancy.
6. Tenants in properties identified for demolition due to redevelopment will not be permitted to sub let.
Tenant Relocation
7. Any relocation transfer to alternate accommodation will be within their entitlement and is acceptable to them.
7.1 Where a tenant has a current transfer application, this will be satisfied under the usual criteria and not as a relocation transfer.
7.2 Where the tenant has a special clause on the tenancy agreement relating to an obligation to relocate, a refusal will be regarded as a breach of tenancy.
7.3. Where the property is not crucial for redevelopment the tenant will be permitted to remain in the property. The tenant must understand the possible disruption and noise.
8. Where the property has been identified for redevelopment the tenant must transfer when required.
Debt to Homeswest and breaches of tenancy
9. Where a tenant has a debt or breaches to Homeswest, please refer to the Tenancy Management policy 28.
9.1 See 7.3
Removal Costs and Property Improvements
10. Homeswest will pay all reasonable relocation costs associated with a relocation transfer.
10.1 The following items are included:
Reimbursements of Gas, Power and Telephone re-connection.
  • There is no charge by Western Power if the tenant notifies them of their pension number ( the $25.00 application fee is waived).
  • There are varying amounts for telephone connections depending on the provider. All of these charges appear on their first account at the new address.
  • Tenants are required to pay the account and submit a receipt for reimbursement, or submit the account and the relevant provider will be reimbursed directly.




POLICY

GUIDELINES & PRACTICES


Furniture Removal
• Relocated tenants should be reimbursed for the cost of furniture removal, including packing and supply of packing boxes. Homeswest currently use removalist companies whose insurance policies and public liability have been verified.
• Any contracts for furniture removal must comply with the State Supply Commission guidelines (that is, contract must go to tender if greater than $50,000).
Waiving of Rent
As an incentive to relocate, Homeswest may offer tenants up to a maximum of 4 weeks free rent on an alternate Homeswest property.
Extra Incentives to Relocate
Homeswest may offer any, or a combination of the following non-cash inducements up to a maximum value of $3,000.
– Floor coverings and/ or Window treatments
– Security installation
– Landscaping
– Ceiling fans
– Brick paving
– Water allowance
– Extra incentives, to be approved by Regional Manager


POLICY

GUIDELINES & PRACTICES

Re-establishment of fixtures
Tenants on a relocation transfer will be reimbursed for the re-establishment of fixtures, including dismantling, transportation and installation, up to a maximum of $1,000. Fixtures are generally items which have been added to the previous tenancy and can be removed.
Examples: patios, aviaries, garden sheds and may include Foxtel equipment.
Reimbursement for Property Improvements
Tenants may be reimbursed for property improvements up to a maximum of $5000. Approval must be given by the Regional Manager. Examples: extension, kitchen renovation, air conditioning, bore reticulation, carport, patio, etc.
NOTE: Gardening and painting do not constitute improvements.
Rental Payments
11. Tenants paying the lower rate of 23% of gross household income in rent, will not have this increased to the standard rate of 25% at the new property.
12. Tenants paying the full market rent at the current property will pay the full market rent at the new property. However, Homeswest will ensure that the market rent at the new property is approximately equivalent to the previous payment.
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