Page 937 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 March 2005

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(1) they would prefer to remain on the current tenancy model. The remaining 37 households are still considering the offer.

(2) (a) None.

(b) Yes.

Housing—tenancy agreements
(Question No 100)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 15 February 2005:

(1) What process is undertaken to validate tenancy agreements with ACT Housing tenants to ensure (a) the actual resident/s are those listed on the tenancy agreement and (b) the correct level of rent is charged in relation to the tenant/s income;

(2) What steps are taken to move a tenant onto full market rent if the rate of income within a household exceeds the prescribed point determined by ACT Housing;

(3) How often is validation conducted as part of a review of a tenancy agreement;

(4) What action, if any, is taken if a breach occurs that affects security of tenure of a public housing tenant.

Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) (a) Housing ACT undertakes annual Client Service Visits in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. As with any residential tenancy agreement, there are provisions to allow tenants to have guests to stay. There is nothing in the standard residential tenancies agreement to prevent tenants accepting additional household members.

Where there are allegations of illegal sub-letting, Housing ACT will seek evidence to ensure the tenants of record are still in residence.

(1) (b) Tenant households are required to submit regular Applications for Rental Rebates, confirming household composition and household income.

Where there are allegations of additional household members or undeclared income, Housing ACT will investigate the matter and, where appropriate, refer the matter to the Australian Federal Police for formal investigation.

(2) Tenant households are required to submit regular Applications for Rental Rebates, confirming household composition and household income. The rent payable is calculated from this information.

Households where all members are on stable long-term incomes (such as a superannuation pension, Disability Support Pension or Age Pension) are reviewed annually, other rebated households are reviewed six monthly.

(3) There are no tenancy agreement reviews.


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