Tenancy Reinstatement Policy
1. Purpose
The aim of this policy is to ensure the decisions tenants make in crisis do not jeopardise their long-term housing.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all tenancies managed by Homes North.
3. Policy Statement
- Homes North recognises that tenants requiring care, rehabilitation or escaping domestic violence may make decisions in a crisis that places their long-term housing at risk, such as ending their tenancy with Homes North rather than applying for re-housing.To be eligible for tenancy reinstatement, former tenants must:
- Prove they meet eligibility criteria for social housing
- Reapply within 6 months of vacating
- Prove they vacated their property because of duress, move to residential care, placement in custodial facility.
- Proof may take the form of:
- police reports
- support worker statement
- doctor’s certificate
- receipt from residential care facility.
- In the case of custodial sentences where the offense related to a breach of tenancy, re-instatement will only be considered in exceptional circumstances by the CEO on a case by case basis.In the case of custodial sentences not longer than one year, former tenants can apply within six months of their release from custody.Former tenants with custodial sentences longer than one year need to re-apply for housing as they are no longer eligible for tenancy re-instatement.The former tenant must continue to meet the current Homes North selection criteria and hold no outstanding debts with Homes North.
4. Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the:
Chief Executive Officer to ensure this policy and associated procedures are applied and committed to by the Senior Management Team.
Senior Housing Managers & Asset Manager to provide the team with timely policy-related support and guidance, to ensure familiarity with this policy and related procedures, to commit to following them accordingly and where relevant, promote the policy to their team.
Employees to ensure they comply with this policy, be responsible for their own behaviour and if required, attend relevant training as provided by the company from time to time.
5. Where to get more information
Contact Homes North on 67723155 or armidale@homesnorth.org.au . For further information see our Appeals Policy and Appeals Factsheet.
Relevant legislation
- Residential Tenancies Act 2010
Related Policy
National Community Housing Standards:
1.3.1 Changing Needs of Tenants
Policy information:
Policy number: 1.3.1\4
Adopted: 13 July 2017
