Policies and Forms | Housing Plus

Policies and Forms

We are taking the opportunity to review our current policies. If you would like access to a particular policy, please reach out to your Housing Officer or call us on 1800 603 300.

Applying For Housing

This policy outlines the eligibility criteria for community housing, focusing on applicants with low income who need support to live independently or cannot find affordable housing in the private market. It details the requirements for applicants, including residency, income limits, and lack of viable alternative housing, while also addressing special cases like property ownership and underage applicants. Additionally, the policy defines priority housing for those in urgent need and stipulates conditions for former tenants with unsatisfactory tenancy records to be reconsidered for housing assistance.

Your House

This policy explains the procedures for starting a new residential tenancy with Housing Plus, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It applies to all clients and outlines their rights and obligations, along with Housing Plus’s responsibilities under relevant Acts and regulations. The policy details the steps for signing a tenancy agreement, including necessary documents, rental bond requirements, and conditions for security of tenure.

This policy outlines Housing Plus’s approach to managing tenancies for clients with complex needs, aiming to create sustainable and positive outcomes. It covers procedures for appropriate property allocations, prevention strategies, lease sign-up processes, tenancy management, and support services for tenants experiencing financial difficulties or domestic violence. The policy also emphasizes continuous improvement through regular reviews to enhance service delivery practices and tenant sustainability.

This policy outlines the procedures and criteria for tenant-initiated transfers within Housing Plus Community housing properties. Tenants can request transfers within Housing Plus or to different social housing providers. Criteria for transfer eligibility include changes in circumstances such as medical conditions, family breakdown, employment, severe overcrowding, and compassionate grounds. Evidence requirements for each category are specified, and tenants must meet social housing eligibility criteria. The policy also covers placement on the NSW Housing Register, tenancy charge debts, urgent situations, review processes, number of offers, type and length of lease, rent payments post-transfer, and evidence requirements for each transfer category.

This policy outlines the guidelines for water charging within Housing Plus properties, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It mandates charging clients based on legislation and ministerial guidelines, with provisions for both shared and separate water meters. The policy addresses billing methods, allowances for special circumstances, hardship considerations, and appeals processes, ensuring transparency and fairness in water usage charges.

This policy outlines the procedures for Key Control within Housing Plus properties, ensuring compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act and relevant agreements. It details responsibilities, including establishing policy objectives at the executive level, developing procedures at the management level, and adhering to policies for Key Control by all employees. Key aspects include issuing two sets of keys to clients at the start of their tenancy, maintaining records, responsibility for lost keys, and procedures for storage and access during vacancy periods, overseen by designated personnel.

This policy outlines guidelines for the installation of Pay TV satellite dishes and antennas in properties managed by Housing Plus, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It requires written approval for installation, with considerations including existing agreements, potential impact on neighbours, and compliance with local regulations. Service providers are responsible for costs, approvals, and any damage caused during installation, with Housing Plus retaining discretion to object and managing appeals through their Complaints and Appeals Policy.

This policy outlines Housing Plus’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people by reporting any reasonable suspicion of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline. It specifies procedures for working with other agencies, providing housing assistance, and ensuring staff training in recognising and reporting cases of abuse or neglect. The policy emphasises compliance with relevant legislation and confidentiality measures to protect reporters and individuals involved.

This policy outlines Housing Plus’s commitment to addressing domestic and family violence within its properties, emphasising support for all victims regardless of gender or sexuality. It details procedures for staff training, victim support, reporting, and collaboration with external agencies. Additionally, it highlights provisions within the Residential Tenancy Act aimed at protecting victims and outlines actions against perpetrators, including potential relocation or termination of their tenancy. Collaboration with partners and utilisation of various housing pathways products are also emphasised to support victims effectively.

This policy outlines Housing Plus’ approach to working with tenants who hoard, aiming to ensure their safety and well-being while maintaining the quality of housing. It covers the identification of hoarding behaviours, assessment procedures, and the implementation of support services, emphasising a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies. Enforcement actions are outlined as a last resort in cases of serious and immediate risk, with an emphasis on partnership working and communication with relevant support services and authorities.

This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for rent management at Housing Plus, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It details the responsibilities of different levels of management, explains how market rent and subsidised rent are calculated based on income and household size, describes methods for reviewing and adjusting rent, and establishes protocols for rent payment, bond payment, and income verification. Additionally, it addresses scenarios such as income fluctuations, self-employment, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and actions in case of rent subsidy fraud.

This policy outlines Housing Plus’s approach to Rental Fraud, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It details the organisation’s objectives, responsibilities, and procedures regarding rent subsidies, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The policy specifies actions to address instances of non-disclosure or fraud, including investigation procedures, assessment criteria, and potential consequences, such as rent subsidy adjustment or termination of tenancy. Additionally, it addresses privacy protection for informants/complainants and outlines procedures for criminal proceedings in cases of suspected fraud.

This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities regarding Tenant Repair Costs for Housing Plus properties, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It clarifies that tenants are responsible for damage, except for fair wear and tear or criminal activity by third parties. It details the process for determining liability, communication with tenants, and actions for repeat incidents or vacating tenants, ensuring a fair and transparent approach between tenants and the landlord.

This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities involved in ending residential tenancies managed by Housing Plus, covering social, affordable, and transitional housing. It explains reasons for ending tenancies, including both tenant-initiated and Housing Plus-initiated terminations, and details the process for ending leases, inspecting properties, dealing with abandoned properties and goods, and settling tenancy accounts. It also highlights tenant rights, obligations, and appeal mechanisms in case of termination.

This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities for managing repairs, maintenance, alterations, and modifications in properties managed by Housing Plus, including social, affordable, and transitional housing. It ensures compliance with legal requirements, maximises the useful life of housing stock, and provides safe, comfortable living conditions for tenants. The policy also details the process for reporting repairs, the categories and response times for maintenance, and the guidelines for tenant-requested alterations and home modifications.

NSW Community Housing Policies

Community Housing Access Policy

Community Housing Asset Management Policy

Community Housing Asset Ownership Policy

Community Housing Rent Policy

Community Housing Resource Allocation Policy

Community Housing Water Charging Guidelines

Transitional Housing Plus Policy Guidance Note

Privacy Policy

This policy outlines how personal information is collected, stored, and used in line with the Privacy Act 1988. It applies to all staff and stakeholders, covering the collection of contact details, employment history, and sensitive data. Information is used for legal and service purposes, stored securely, and only disclosed when necessary. Individuals can access and correct their data, with procedures in place for privacy complaints.

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