REFURBISHMENT OF
OCCUPIED PROPERTIES POLICY – (INCLUDING NEW LIVING,RE-DEVELOPMENT AND
REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMS)
PREAMBLE
The aim of the New Living, Re-Development and
Refurbishment Programs is to develop older public housing estates to create a
more attractive living environment.
Where refurbishment programs are progressing as per the
agreed plan and tenants do not wish to move from their property (and the policy
is that they do not have to). Then they will have their property upgraded to a
similar level to all other properties being refurbished, i.e. it should include
improvements to lift the amenity level of the property.
This strategy is to reward tenants, who meet their
tenancy obligations. Where tenants have not looked after their property within
these developments, they should be managed in accordance with the Tenant
Management policy. However, if considered necessary, some upgrading can be done
to encourage tenants to bring their property up to a satisfactory
standard.
The Project Manager is to work around the tenant, if
possible, and with the tenant, negotiate the amount of work, timeframes and
alternatives in conjunction with the Ministry of Housing Project officer. The
preferred option may be to temporarily transfer the tenant and their belongings
whilst work is being carried out.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
- Move to alternative refurbished property, with the option
to return to their property when refurbishment is completed, if they so
desire.
- Provision of portable facilities on site.
- Provision of sewerage facilities on site.
- Free rent period (Regional discretion). If tenant
remains in occupation
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POLICY
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GUIDELINES &
PRACTICES
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Refurbishment Occupied Property
1. The upgrading of such properties is to be within
budget and program
Refurbishment of any
property where monies spent will be greater then $25,000, requires the approval
of the Executive Director Rental Services.
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1.1 The Ministry will
- Pay all removal and furniture storage cost
- Clearly articulate the work required and
timeframes
- Manage the project to ensure satisfactory workmanship and
completion on time
- Offer the tenant the choice of colours/materials, etc
(within Ministry of Housing specifications standards)
- Keep the tenant informed of progress (negotiated with
tenant)
- Ensure the contractor secures the property
- Carry out a Property Condition Report, (See Allocation
Policy 7.8 and Transfer Policy 10), on both properties and arrange a new Tenancy
Agreement for the temporary tenancy, with similar action on return to the
substantive tenancy. Rent will be charged only on one property.
- Ensure that building rubble and rubbish is cleared from
site after completion of refurbishment and any related damage to the property is
made good.
1.2 The Department will not
- Take responsibility for damages/loss to furniture and
belongings during removal or for items left (locked up) at the premises. Items
removed by designated Removalist and/or stored in off site designated Storage
areas already have insurance liability.
- Maintain the lawns and gardens during the refurbishment
work, as this is the tenant’s responsibility (Regional discretion on extra
costs), unless the tenant has relocated, in which case the Ministry will
maintain the lawns and gardens.
1.3 The Tenant will
- Pay rent and water consumption costs as normal during the
period (Regional discretion on extra costs including rent-free
period).
- Look after the lawns and gardens at the property in which
they are residing.
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