Age-Friendly RENTAL HOUSING GUIDE - Wit Hom - Shelter WA
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Age- Friendly With Home
RENTAL
HOUSING
GUIDE An Age-friendly Communities project supported by:
Inner South-East Metropolitan Region
(Belmont, Canning, South Perth, Victoria Park)
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................... 3
Social Housing..................................................................... 4
Public Housing..................................................................... 5
Community Housing........................................................... 8
Community Housing Providers......................................... 9
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)............... 32
Additional Details on NRAS Rentals................................ 33
Private Rentals.................................................................. 35
Further Housing Assistance............................................. 36
Useful Organisations and Links...................................... 37
Useful Organisations and Links...................................... 38
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 2
Introduction
This Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide housing stress. Wendy looked into options including food, clothing, housing, medical
is one of the outcomes of Connect with to meet the current and future needs of care and necessary social services,
Home, a project developed by Connect older women renting in the community, and the right to security in the event
Victoria Park Inc and funded by the and received input from the group in form of unemployment, sickness, disability,
Department of Communities’ Age-Friendly of tips and stories of lived experience. widowhood, old age or other lack of
Communities Program. The project livelihood in circumstances beyond his
researched Age-Friendly housing options In collecting information for the guide, control.”
in the Cities of Belmont, Canning, South consideration was given to the multiple
Perth and the Town of Victoria Park, and difficulties faced in the private rental
supported older single women to explore system: rent increases, insecure tenure,
eviction notices and inadequate or unsafe Connect With Home acknowledges the
secure housing options that would meet Nyoongar Whadjuk people - traditional
their needs into the future. housing. Safe, secure and affordable
housing becomes more important as custodians of the land on which the project
Connect with Home ran from June 2020 people age, therefore the focus of this took place. We wish to acknowledge the
to March 2021. Twelve women joined the guide is Social Housing – made up of strength of their continuing culture and offer
project to document their current housing Public and Community Housing, which our respects to Elders past and present.
situation, personal experience of searching may include retirement villages and
for secure housing, and individual needs independent living units – and the National
and aspirations for housing in the future. Rental Affordability Scheme. Connect With Home and Wendy Morris
wish to acknowledge the following
The women met regularly to explore Connect With Home group will continue to organisations which were of immense
current awareness and knowledge about support each other in to the future, and support and assistance in this project:
housing options, as well as resources contribute to increase housing literacy in
to build this knowledge and increase the community. This Rental Guide should Sussex Street Community Legal Centre –
confidence. Connect With Home tried assist in that endeavour. East Victoria Park
to match needs and aspirations to Department of Communities – Cannington
appropriate housing options identified, The spirit of Connect with Home echoes the Access Housing
providing support for the women to apply. United Nations Universal Declaration of City of Canning
Human Rights: Connect Victoria Park
This guide is the result of research done Foundation Housing
by Wendy Morris, Connect With Home’s “Everyone has the right to a standard of Juniper/Rowethorpe
Project Officer and herself an older woman living adequate for the health and well- Southern Cross Housing
with past experience of living under being of himself (sic) and of his family, Stellar Living
Swan Care
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 3
Social Housing
Social Housing is the overarching term
used to describe all subsidised housing in
Western Australia, provided for those in According to Shelter WA, with 44,000
need for the duration of their need. dwellings, Social Housing makes up 4.1%
of homes in Western Australia – of those,
Social Housing includes Public Housing, 76% are Public Housing managed by the
which is managed by the Housing State and 24% are managed by Community
Authority (Department of Communities), Housing providers.
and Community Housing, which is
affordable housing for people on low-to- Currently there are around 14,000
moderate incomes with a housing need, applicants on the Joint Waiting List (JWL)
managed and operated by a number of for social housing and the average wait
independent, not-for-profit organisations. time is 2.5 years.
SOCIAL
HOUSING
+ =
PUBLIC COMMUNITY
HOUSING HOUSING
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 4
Public Housing
Public Housing is a very secure form of • Not own or partly own property or land Read through carefully prior to visiting the
housing for people on low incomes who do (there are some exceptions for people office.
not own a home. Rent will always remain who cannot reside in a dwelling they
at 25% of the tenant’s income. own e.g. leaving domestic violence) It contains information relating to:
Public Housing may be apartments as • Not have cash assets in excess of • Eligibility
well as free standing houses. There is $38,400 (singles) or $63,800 (couples), • Proof of identity
some housing specifically made available $80,000 (seniors 60 years plus singles
• Proof of income
for older people. The suburb with the or couples)
largest concentration of Public Housing • Proof of assets
is Fremantle, with nearly 12% of its • Be able to prove your identity
• Housing needs
housing stock, followed by Belmont and • Be 16 years of age or above
Bassendean. • Housing zones information
Public Housing in the Perth Metro area is There are also income limits that you,
You can also get telephone help by
divided into zones representing adjoining your partner and any co-applicants must
calling the Department’s main office at
suburbs. When applying, you can select abide to.
(08) 6217 6888 or 1800 176 888. You will
the area you wish to live in – but not be transferred to your office of choice. You
the specific suburb – and the type of
Application will be emailed or posted the application
accommodation you require. Waiting form.
times will vary between zones depending To apply for Public Housing, you need to
on demand and the amount of public complete the Department of Communities’ For the South Metro area covered by
housing in a specific area. Application for Rental Housing form, this guide, the closest Department of
available online and from all Department Communities/Housing Authority office
of Community offices. Once the form is locations are:
Eligibility completed, it can be lodged at any office Victoria Park Office
To be eligible for Public Housing, you or mailed in. 269 Albany Highway
must: Applicants need to establish proof of Victoria Park 6100
identity and provide income details when (08) 9350 3700
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent
resident lodging the form.
Cannington Office
• Live in Western Australia and receive The Department of Communities’ 17 Manning Road
your income here Information Booklet contains important Cannington 6107
information to assist you when applying (08) 9350 3244
for rental accommodation.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 5
Joint Waiting List
When you apply for Public Housing with If you are offered a property and you
the Department of Communities’ Housing decline the offer without “good reason”, Group Tip
Authority and are deemed eligible, your application will be removed from the
you will be added to the bottom of the wait list for some time. Be prepared to provide proof of your
particular wait list for the property zone reason to reject a housing offer, for
According to the Housing Authority, valid instance, a medical statement or
and accommodation size you have been
reasons to refuse a housing offer include: pictures of a property you consider not
approved for.
clean or safe. If you need to appeal a
• Property does not meet medical
The wait list is managed by the Housing Authority decision, you can
needs, i.e. need for ground floor
Department of Communities and access assistance from Sussex Street
accommodation;
registered Community Housing Community Law Service to avoid
organisations, that’s why it’s called a Joint • Property does not meet requirements, losing your place in the Joint Wait List.
Wait List. i.e. change in family size;
Your application will move up the list • Family and domestic violence, i.e. The Housing Authority will review your
as times goes on. When you get to the family of perpetrator living in the area application each year to confirm that
top of the wait list, you will be offered offered; you are still eligible for and in need of
accommodation. In this way, all applicants assistance. If your contact details or
wait for their turn and don’t get housed • Private lease, i.e, unable to break lease
postal address change, you must advise
ahead of others on the same wait list. at time of offer.
the Department of Communities so the
If the reasons for declining an offer are Housing Authority is able to reach you with
considered invalid, you have the right to the review.
Group Tip
appeal the decision.
Even though the Joint Wait List is
long, you have to be in there to be
offered accommodation. So don’t be
discouraged by the waiting times, as
there is a chance you will be housed
sooner than you expect – and there’s
also the opportunity to apply for priority
need.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 6Priority List
If you have a priority need, you may be
eligible for priority housing assistance
ahead of your turn on the wait list. You will
Lived Experience:
need to provide proof of your claims. “For four years, I have been living in one room without a fridge, and sharing
laundry and bathroom with the landlords. As a result, I am on medication
Examples of situations that may contribute
for depression and panic attacks. I was successful in gaining access to the
to an urgent housing need include:
Priority Housing List and have been recently housed”, Connect With Home
• Family and domestic violence participant.
• Reunion of a child with family
• Homelessness
• Severe and ongoing medical condition
caused or aggravated by current
housing situation
To establish priority need, the Department
of Communities will account for several
factors including current circumstances,
availability of any other viable option (such
as private rental accommodation) and
previous history or debt with the Housing
Authority.
Group Tip
You may ask your GP, medical specialist,
or local community legal centre for
a letter of support to assist your
application for priority.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 7Community Housing
The Housing Authority provides social
and affordable housing in partnership
with Community Housing non-profit Lived Experience
organisations and Local Government. “I have been a working single mother for years. Now that I am on pension and can’t
Twenty-seven providers are registered afford private rental, I have had to ‘couch surf’ with both my children who have
with the Authority and regulated to ensure families. […] I have recently been housed in a Council-owned Community Housing
effective, efficient and appropriate use of complex for older people. I couldn’t be happier”, Connect With Home participant.
housing assets. They must continuously
demonstrate that they are well-managed,
well-governed and financially viable.
Eligibility criteria for Community Housing community housing sooner.
There are also Community Housing is similar to those for Public Housing.
providers that are not registered with the Some Community Housing providers also
Housing Authority, or are in the process of To apply for housing with registered offer Affordable Housing for people on
registration, as is the case with Connect Community Housing organisations, you low-to-moderate incomes. If you do not
Victoria Park. usually need to apply for Public Housing meet eligibility criteria for Social Housing,
through the Department of Communities contact Community Housing providers to
Community Housing comes in different and tick the community housing option. ask if they also offer Affordable Housing,
shapes and sizes, and it can be managed Once your eligibility for Public Housing usually charged at a percentage of market
by large organisations or smaller groups. is confirmed, you are placed on the Joint rate.
Some providers offer specialised support Wait List, managed by the Department and
services, and most will assist with Community Housing organisations.
modifications to suit your needs as you
age. When a community housing property
becomes available, Community Housing
Usually, rent at Community Housing is set organisations select applicants from
at 25% of your total household income the Joint Wait List whose individual
plus any Commonwealth Rental Assistance requirements match the property. An offer
you may receive. For some locations, rent is made to the most suitable applicant. If
is calculated as a percentage of the local you have an urgent housing need (see
private market rent (the average amount a page 7) you may be eligible to apply to
house would cost if rented out privately). be placed on the priority list to access
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 8Community Housing Providers
Connect With Home researched age-
friendly housing options in the Cities of
Belmont, Canning and South Perth and
the Town of Victoria Park: these are listed
below.
Please note that for many Community
Housing organisations, you need to be on
the Housing Authority’s Join Waiting List
to be eligible to receive accommodation -
remember to tick the Community Housing
box when applying for Public Housing.
Providers that are not registered with the
Housing Authority, or that manage both
Public Housing and their own housing
stock, will have their own wait list or
other means to track applicants to their
properties.
Look through our list of
providers over the next
few pages...
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 9HOUSING CHOICES Eligibility
WA (formerly Access Housing) Age No age limits
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Income Follows Housing Authority
Level 7, 25 Rowe Avenue, income limits
Rivervale WA 6103
Assets Follows Housing Authority
PO Box 105, Burswood WA 6100 asset limits
www.accesshousing.org.au
Uses Housing Yes, you must be on the
info@accesshousing.org.au Authority’s JWL to access this housing
Joint Waiting List
(08) 9430 0944 (JWL)?
Vacancies Continuously rolling as Security
City of Belmont – predominantly tenancies end
villas and units with some houses Deadlock/latches Depending on the
in Belmont, Cloverdale, Rivervale, on windows property
Kewdale
Lease Security screens Depending on the
City of South Perth – on doors, windows property
predominantly units with a few Type of Default for a general tenancy is a
villas and houses in Karawara, agreement periodic lease. Some programs
Como, Manning, South Perth (such as crisis accommodation)
City of Canning – predominantly will have fixed terms Types of housing
villas and townhouses in
Cannington/East Cannington, How is rent Based on income in accordance
Independent living All types of housing
Queen’s Park, St James, Bentley, set? with Housing Authority’s policies,
available
Wilson except for National Rental
Free standing/
Affordability Scheme properties,
garden
Town of Victoria Park – which charge 80% of market rent
predominantly villas and units High Rise
with some houses in Carlisle, Rent Rent is only amended (increase
Victoria Park, East Victoria Park, St increases- or decrease) at an annual review Storage room
James, Bentley criteria or if a tenant advises that their
income/circumstances have
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide changed 10HOUSING CHOICES
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
WA (formerly Access Housing)
continued... Aircon & No air-conditioning • Tenancy Officer allocated to each
Heating or heating is tenancy who is available between
Pets provided due to the 8am and 4pm on weekdays.
cost of maintaining • Tenant Support and Capacity
this infrastructure Building Team that facilitates
Dependent on property and by engagement activities such as
application by the tenant Insulation Will consider this ‘How to manage on a low income’,
as a reasonable volunteering, MyAged Care etc.
modification on • Advisory Committee of Tenants
application, with in the metro area, Mandurah and
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
remediation at end Bunbury with nominated and
pet door) of tenancy elected representation from across
tenant cohort (aged, people with
Solar panels No a disability, people experiencing
Yes – by application, generally requires mental health issues) to provide
remediation at end of tenancy input and feedback on services and
engagement tenants
Maintenance Policy
Property Inspection Policy
Comprehensive maintenance regime Smoking Policy
ranging from emergency to routine
Up to 4 property inspections per year, and a 24-hour line to report faults No smoking inside properties
based on:
• Condition of the property at last
inspection;
• Risk of the tenancy – i.e. instances Access to Major Amenities Parking
of anti-social behaviour, etc; Public transport, shops & medical services
• Wellbeing of the tenant – some No information provided
inspections serve more as welfare Depending on the property
checks.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 11CITY OF CANNING Eligibility
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Age 55+ (references required)
1317 Albany Highway,
Cannington WA Income Wilson and Caprice Place
(residential care nearby)
https://www.canning.wa.gov. affordable on a pension –
au/residents/living-here/ Housing Authority limits
aged-care-services/seniors-
residential-services Assets Housing Authority limits
(08) 6350 7200 Uses Housing No, you don’t need to be
Authority’s on the JWL to access this
Joint Waiting List housing. Manages own wait
Rossmoyne Retirement Village (JWL)? list.
Security
– 1 Tuscan Place, Rossmoyne - 36
units Vacancies
Deadlock/latches on Deadlocks, some
Wilson Retirement Village – windows windows with keys
(gated: may not be affordable on Security screens on Yes
a pension) - Crn Eureka Road and Lease doors, windows
McManus Street, Wilson - 18 units
Caprice Place Independent Type of As per legislation (Residential
Living Units – (Community agreement Tenancy Act)
Housing) - 8 Caprice Place,
Types of housing
Willetton - 20 units How is rent 25% of income or 30% if income
set? increases above Housing Independent living Depending on unit
Authority income limits
Free standing/ Depending on unit
Rent garden
increases-
criteria High Rise No
Storage room Yes
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 12CITY OF CANNING
continued... Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
Airconditioning & Yes, aircon Communication with tenants via mail
Heating and fans or email
Pets
Insulation Yes
Small animals allowed, application
Solar panels No Smoking Policy
required
Outside units only
Modifications Allowed? Maintenance Policy
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door)
No information provided
Parking
Yes, at tenant’s expense, application
required
1 spot per unit; some under cover
depending on unit
Access to Major Amenities
Public transport, shops & medical services
Property Inspection Policy
Yes
Once a year
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 13CONNECT Eligibility
VICTORIA PARK
Age 60+
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Income Follows Housing Authority
5 Mackie Street, guidelines
Victoria Park, 6100
www.connectvictoriapark.org Assets Follows Housing Authority
guidelines
admin@connectvictoriapark.org
Uses Housing No, you don’t need to be Security
(08) 9361 2904 Authority’s on the JWL to access this
Joint Waiting List housing Deadlock/latches on Dead locks on front
(JWL)? windows doors
Currently, Connect Victoria Security screens on Ground floor units
Park offers affordable housing Vacancies Manages own wait list doors, windows have security screens
to 80 people aged over 60. on windows
They offer 70 one-bedroom
and bedsitter rental units on
Mackie and Cargill streets, Lease
close to public transport, the Types of housing
Victoria Park café and shopping
Type of First year: 12 month fixed term
strip, a few blocks away from Independent living Yes – 70 units
agreement lease
the Swan River foreshore and (30-45 m2), most
a 10-minute bus ride to Perth How is rent Rent is charged at 75% of market bedsitters, some
CBD. set? rate (March 2020: $315 - $360 with separate
per unit, depending on size), but bedroom
no greater than 25% of tenant’s
income. Bond plus 2 weeks Free standing/ Communal garden
rent in advance; $5 per week garden
for water; separate meters for
power, which allows tenant to High Rise 2 levels with ramp
claim government subsidy. to upper levels
Rent Rent is reviewed annually - Storage room No
increases- before July 1
criteria
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 14CONNECT
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
VICTORIA PARK
continued...
Airconditioning & Yes • On taking up residency tenant is
Heating supplied with: Tenants’ handbook,
rent agreement, bond lodgement
Pets Insulation Yes details
• Office is situated on site and open
Solar panels Yes during work hours (M-F, 8.30am –
Cats and dogs not allowed; fish and 4.30pm)
birds allowed
• CEO is contactable via mobile
phone after hours for emergencies
Maintenance Policy
• Annual tenants meeting, surveys
Modifications Allowed? Tenants to report maintenance
• Village Hub membership to all
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves, tenants
pet door) requirements to administration
Employs a fulltime maintenance
officer who deals with reasonable Smoking Policy
modifications and minor repairs.
Access to Major Amenities No smoking inside units or in common
Public transport, shops & medical services areas where smoke bothers other
residents
Property Inspection Policy Walking distance from Albany Hwy
commercial strip (including several
Annual, notice given prior to entry medical practices), several TransPerth
lines, Victoria Park train station and Parking
bus transfer station a short walk away,
Centrelink office in walking distance
Usually available but depends on
demand
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 15FOUNDATION Eligibility Security
HOUSING
Age All ages Deadlock/latches Depending on
COMMUNITY HOUSING on windows property. Security
Income Follows Housing screens aren’t
297 Vincent St, Authority guidelines, Security screens necessarily
Leederville, 6007 but also able to house on doors, windows provided, however
www.foundationhousing.org.au tenants whose income tenant would be
surpasses Department of able to apply to
(08) 9422 0700 Communities’ limits have them installed
Uses Housing Yes, you need to be on the
City of Belmont – Kewdale (3), Authority’s JWL to access this housing
Ascot (15), Belmont (8), Redcliffe Joint Waiting List
(1) Rivervale (1) (JWL)? Types of housing
City of South Perth – Como (13)
Independent living Yes – generally
City of Canning – Queens Park accommodation
(4), Parkwood (3), Beckenham (1), Lease tends to be one and
Langford (1), St James (1) Wattle two bedroom units
Grove (1) in medium density
Type of All leases are ongoing while
complexes. Some
Town of Victoria Park – East agreement tenant remains within income
complexes allocate
Victoria Park (9) limits and meets usual
only seniors
conditions of tenancy
Free standing/ Depending on
How is rent Rent assessed according to
garden property
set? household income – never
more than 30% of income or
High Rise No
market rate for a property, plus
Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Storage room Depending on
property
Rent Reviews regularly, and adjusts
increases- according to income.
criteria
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 16FOUNDATION
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
HOUSING
continued...
Airconditioning & Generally no Communicates regularly with tenants
Heating on a range of issues by email, post,
phone and face-to-face visits. Tenants
Pets Insulation No have the opportunity to join Tenant
Advisory Group.
Solar panels No
Provided it can reasonably be
accommodated in the property and it
isn’t prohibited by the strata, tenants Smoking Policy
can apply to have a pet (pet bond Maintenance Policy
payable).
Tenants are not prohibited from
Maintenance department responds to smoking in their homes unless strata
all requests and assign work orders. rules prohibits it in some way.
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door)
Parking
Reasonable modifications allowed, Access to Major Amenities
prior approval is required. Public transport, shops & medical services
Type of parking facility depends on unit
Depending on property
Property Inspection Policy
Tenants are given ample notice of
property inspections.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 17HAROLD Eligibility
HAWTHORNE
Age 55+
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Income Follows Housing Authority
2 Memorial Ave, guidelines
Carlisle, 6101
Uses Housing It helps to be on JWL to
www.hhcentre.org Authority’s access this housing; can
reception@hhcentre.org Joint Waiting List apply to go on Harold
(JWL)? Hawthorne wait list
(08) 9470 1155
Vacancies Not at the time of this Security
report.
Four aged-person Social Deadlock/latches Some units have
Housing dwellings completed in on windows “dead locks” and
June 2017. security screens.
Security screens
Lease
on doors, windows
Type of Follows Housing Authority
agreement guidelines
Types of housing
How is rent Follows Housing Authority
set? guidelines (25% of income for
Band A; 30% of income for Band Independent living 4 units
B)
Free standing/ Yes
Rent garden
increases-
criteria High Rise No
Storage room Yes
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 18HAROLD HAWTHORNE
continued... Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
Airconditioning & Yes
Heating
Pets
Insulation No
Yes, small animals Solar panels No Smoking Policy
No smoking in units
Modifications Allowed? Maintenance Policy
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door)
Parking
Maintenance conducted on request.
On application
Garages for each unit
Access to Major Amenities
Property Inspection Policy Public transport, shops & medical services
Yearly Short walk to Carlisle train station, bus
lines #38, 39, 288, 298
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 19SOUTHERN CROSS Eligibility
HOUSING LTD
Age 55+ - must live in the City of
COMMUNITY HOUSING Belmont or have family and
friends in the area
15 Rowe Ave,
Rivervale, 6103 Income Follows Housing Authority
limits
www.scrosswa.org.au
housing@scrosswa.org.au Assets Follows Housing Authority
limits
1300 669 189 (option 3)
Uses Housing Yes, you need to be on JWL
Authority’s to access this housing Security
42 managed properties on Joint Waiting List
behalf of the City of Belmont in (JWL)?
Deadlock/latches Compliant with
Cloverdale and Rivervale.
Vacancies City of Belmont wait list / on windows Residential Tenancy
currently fully tenanted. Agreement (RTA)
Security screens
on doors, windows
Lease
Types of housing
Type of Residential Tenancy Agreement
agreement (RTA) – Periodic
Independent living Yes - 1 and 2
How is rent 25% of income, tenants often bedroom units
set? entitled to Commonwealth Rent
Assistance (CRA) Free standing/ Yes
garden
Rent Annual rent reviews
increases- High Rise No
criteria
Storage room Yes
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 20SOUTHERN CROSS
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
HOUSING LTD
continued...
Airconditioning & Yes Communicates regularly with tenants
Heating by phone, email and mail
Pets Insulation Yes
Solar panels No
Yes, pet bond: $260 Smoking Policy
No smoking in any units
Maintenance Policy
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door) As per Residential Tenancy Agreement Parking
(RTA)
Yes, with written application
Property Inspection Policy Access to Major Amenities
Public transport, shops & medical services
Up to 4 per year, as per Residential
Tenancy Agreement (RTA) Yes
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 21SOUTHERN CROSS Eligibility
HOUSING LTD
Age 55+
(Own Stock)
Income Follows Housing Authority
limits
COMMUNITY HOUSING
15 Rowe Ave, Assets Follows Housing Authority
Rivervale, 6103 limits
www.scrosswa.org.au Uses Housing No, however it is
Authority’s recommended to have
housing@scrosswa.org.au
Joint Waiting List applied and been approved
(JWL)? to ensure eligibility criteria
1300 669 189 (option 3) Security
are met.
Vacancies As properties become Deadlock/latches Compliant with
available. Interview is on windows Residential Tenancy
required. Agreement (RTA)
Security screens
on doors, windows
Lease
Types of housing
Type of Residential Tenancy Agreement
agreement (RTA) – Periodic
Independent living Yes
How is rent Follows Housing Authorities
set? limits Free standing/ Depending on unit
garden
Rent
increases- High Rise No
criteria
Storage room Yes
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 22SOUTHERN CROSS
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
HOUSING LTD
continued...
Airconditioning & Yes Communicates regularly with tenants
Heating by phone, email and mail
Pets Insulation Yes
Solar panels No
Allowed except for certain dog breeds, Smoking Policy
please check with a Property Manager
(pet bond $260) No smoking in any units
Maintenance Policy
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
As per Residential Tenancy Agreement Parking
pet door)
(RTA)
Yes, with written application
Access to Major Amenities
Property Inspection Policy Public transport, shops & medical services
Yes
Annually, with at least 7-day notice.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 23STELLAR LIVING Eligibility
COMMUNITY HOUSING
Age Over 40 preferable
Office 1, 1 Hadlow Place (cnr
Connemara Drive), Thornlie, 6108 Income/Assets Stellar Living seeks
to provide affordable
www.stellarliving.com.au housing to eligible people
enquiries@stellarliving.com.au and families based on
organisational aims and
(08) 9452 9200 Housing Authority eligibility
requirements.
Security
Affordable housing provider Uses Housing Yes, more likely to access
with the majority of Authority’s this housing if on the JWL
Joint Waiting List Deadlock/latches Dead locks on
accommodation targeted to
(JWL)? on windows doors/some units
over 55’s in the Peel region,
have security
but also small complexes
Vacancies Currently fully tenanted Security screens screens on
in Belmont and Thornlie.
on doors, windows windows
For further information
comprehensive information
sheets are available here.
Lease
Types of housing
Type of Periodic leases
agreement Independent living Yes
How is rent 25% or 30% of income, tenants Free standing/ No
set? often entitled to Commonwealth garden
Rent Assistance (CRA)
High Rise Ground and first
Rent Reviewed annually and/or if your floor
increases- household income changes
criteria Storage room Some units
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 24STELLAR LIVING
continued... Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
Airconditioning & No Quarterly Newsletter. Tenant Advisory
Heating Committee - a forum for tenants
Pets and household members to become
Insulation Yes involved in the activities of Stellar Living
Allowed in some properties, tenant and to provide feedback on service
needs to discuss with Property Officer Solar panels No delivery.
before pet moves in. A pet bond will
be charged. Dogs listed on WA’s Dog
(restricted Breeds) Regulation 2002 are
strictly forbidden. Maintenance Policy Smoking Policy
Regular maintenance cycles plus Outside only
Modifications Allowed? tenants’ reports to administration
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door)
Parking
Yes, prior written approval must be
received before any alterations.
Access to Major Amenities Depending on unit
Public transport, shops & medical services
Yes
Property Inspection Policy
4 per year
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 25COLLIER PARK Eligibility
VILLAGE
Age 55+ able to live
RETIREMENT VILLAGE independently; may be
employed
16 Morrison St, Como
Income No requirement
https://southperth.wa.gov.au/
community/facilities/collier-
Uses Housing No. Manages own wait list,
park-village
Authority’s waiting period average of
enquiries@southperth.wa.gov.au Joint Waiting List 20 months
(JWL)? Security
(08) 9313 0200
Deadlock/latches Deadlocks on
on windows doors; security
Owned and managed by City Lease screens on all
of South Perth - 169 units; 60
Security screens windows
rentals; 78 to become rentals in
on doors, windows
the near future. Type of Short term lease – under
agreement Retirement Village Legislation
How is rent Offers both “Life Lease” and
set? rental. The lease price of Types of housing
each unit is determined by an
independent party, taking into Independent living Yes. 2 bedroom, 1
consideration current market bathroom, lock-up
trends. Included in the lease garage adjacent to
price is: a non-refundable unit.
contribution to village amenities
(lease premium); a 5% non- Free standing/ Yes
refundable refurbishment levy, garden
calculated on the total purchase
price of the unit. High Rise No
Rent Rent is reviewed annually using Storage room Yes, with lock
increases- Consumer Price Index as guide.
criteria $5-$15 per month on average
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 26COLLIER PARK
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
VILLAGE
continued...
Airconditioning & Yes Compliant with Retirement Village
Heating Legislation. Open and transparent
approach to communication between
Pets Insulation Yes administering body and lessee.
Solar panels No
Allowed, “pet agreement” applies.
Smoking Policy
Maintenance Policy
No smoking in communal grounds
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door)
Tenants to report maintenance
requirements to administration
Yes, application required Parking
Access to Major Amenities Lock-up garage
Public transport, shops & medical services
Property Inspection Policy
Yes – served by TransPerth #34 bus
None conducted unless issues arise
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 27JUNIPER/ Eligibility Security
ROWETHORPE
Deadlock/latches All doors have
Age 55+
RETIREMENT VILLAGE on windows deadlocks, some
windows have
Income Housing Authority income
4-10 Hayman Rd, Security screens security screens.
limits, asset limit of
Bentley, WA 6102 on doors, windows 24-hour Duress
$45,000 (not including
security call system
www.juniper.org.au superannuation)
(for emergencies)
(08) 6363 6311 Uses Housing No, you don’t need to be
Authority’s on the JWL to access this
Joint Waiting List housing
(JWL)? Types of housing
Vacancies Manages own wait list
Independent living One and two
bedroom units.
Transitional
Housing and
Lease Residential Care
also available
Type of Lease for life (Retirement Villages Free standing/ Depending on
agreement Act) garden property
How is rent 25% of income (Commonwealth High Rise No
set? Rent Assistance)
Storage room No
Rent
increases-
criteria
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 28JUNIPER/
Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
ROWETHORPE
continued...
Airconditioning & Yes Newsletter/memos
Heating
Insulation No
Pets Smoking Policy
Solar panels No
No Outside units only
Maintenance Policy
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves, Parking
pet door) Onsite
Yes, on application (at resident’s cost) Some units have carports; if not
as per Residential Tenancies Act parking available on-site
Access to Major Amenities
Public transport, shops & medical services
Property Inspection Policy Close to Curtin University bus station.
On-site doctors, nurses, pathology,
One per year chemist. Government community
services available, i.e. podiatry,
Silverchain
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 29SWAN CARE Eligibility
RETIREMENT VILLAGE Age SwanCare offers affordable
rental accommodation at a
26 Plantation Drive,
Bentley Retirement village
Bentley, 6102
for people 55+ who are are
www.swancare.com.au no longer working full time.
(08) 6250 0000 Income/Assets No limit
Uses Housing No
Authority’s
Joint Waiting List Security
(JWL)?
Deadlock/latches Deadlocks
Vacancies Manages own wait list, on windows and latches on
potential residents required windows. Security
to complete a rental Security screens screens on doors
application form on doors, windows and windows in
some units.
Lease
Types of housing
Type of 12-month lease initially with
agreement potential for ongoing if rental Independent living Yes
conditions are met
Free standing/ Yes, dependent on
How is rent No information provided - $301 garden unit
set? per fortnight for bedsit/studio ;
$501 per fortnight for 1 bedroom High Rise Yes
unit
Storage room Yes
Rent Rent is reviewed annually
increases-
criteria
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 30SWAN CARE
continued... Energy Efficiency Support & Engagement
Airconditioning & Generally SwanCare has an open door policy and
Heating reverse cycle AC encourages all residents to contact the
Pets or fan, depends appropriate staff member to discuss
on unit any issues.
Resident can apply to bring pet with A residents’ committee is a conduit for
Insulation Yes information flow between residents
them. Approval must be sought prior
to moving in. Cannot replace pet once and management and meets with
Solar panels No residents and management monthly.
it passes away
Maintenance Policy Smoking Policy
Modifications Allowed?
(i.e. rails in bathrooms, picture hooks, shelves,
pet door) As part of fortnightly rent, general
maintenance from fair wear and No smoking is permitted in any high
tear to fixtures and fittings in unit is rise buildings. Smokers are not to
Unit modification is allowed but must
covered. Items that are not covered, allow smoke to impact on any of their
be applied for and approved
will be the residents’ responsibility neighbours.
and are to be paid within 30 days after
billing
Property Inspection Policy Parking
Inspection at 12 months or prior if Access to Major Amenities Depending on unit
need identified. Notice given prior to Public transport, shops & medical services
any inspections
Medical centre on site; shop on site;
public transport routes run through
centre of village
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 31National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)
The National Rental Affordability Scheme Eligibility Properties
(NRAS) is a federal initiative, delivered in
partnership with state governments. It To be eligible for the National Rental Approved NRAS tenancy managers in the
provides people on a low-to-moderate income Affordability Scheme, you must: Perth South Metro area:
with an opportunity to rent homes at a rate
• Provide proof of your household’s gross Australian Affordable Management
that is at least 20% below market value rent Cooperation Ltd
income over the last 12 months
for up to 10 years. www.amcnras.com.au/locations
• Continue to prove income to your tenancy
NRAS homes are not Public Housing, they are Amana Living Inc
manager on an annual basis
affordable rental homes, owned by private https://www.amanaliving.com.au/
investors and managed by not-for-profit and • Not exceed the relevant household
non-government organisations. Affordable Housing Securities Ltd
income limits for your household https://www.aahsl.com.au/
composition
NRAS Properties range from studio
Community Housing Ltd (Ian Shields)
apartments through to large family homes, Income levels for eligible NRAS tenants are http://www.chl.org.au
and can remain in the Scheme for up to generous and accommodate a range of low to
10 years. They are usually located where moderate income earners. The NRAS allows Foundation Housing
affordable rental accommodation is for tenant salary increases of 25% above the www.foundationhousing.org.au
most needed, especially in areas where income limits after the tenancy has begun. Magna Realty
employment, schools and other services are www.magnarealty.com.au
available nearby.
Application National Housing Group Pty Ltd
www.nationalhousinggroup.com.au
Group Tip The Australian Government does not select or
manage NRAS tenants or maintain a waiting Niche Living
When properties are 10 years old, owners list for NRAS rental homes. You can apply to https://www.nicheliving.com.au/
may choose to increase rent as they are rent an NRAS home through an approved Stellar Living Limited
no longer required to provide the 20% participant or their tenancy manager in www.stellarliving.com.au
discount. Western Australia.
Yaran Property Group
Tenants for NRAS properties are selected www.yaran.com.au
Tenants of NRAS rental homes have the same by investors and their tenancy managers.
Access Housing
rights given to all tenants under the relevant Tenancy managers review tenancy https://www.accesshousing.org.au/
residential tenancy laws in Western Australia. applications and maintain waiting lists for
NRAS homes, but the final decision to choose WAI Group
a tenant is always made by the dwelling http://www.waigroup.com.au/nras/
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide owner. 32Additional Details on NRAS Rentals
• Rent will vary according on the type of
accommodation and is set at a discount
to market rates. Eligible tenants should Lived Experience
not spend more than 30% of their
income on rental expenses. Although NRAS seemed like a valid option, most Connect With Home
participants felt it was not secure enough. One participant who experienced
• A 12-month lease is normally provided rent increases and inadequate management of a NRAS rental confirmed the
to tenants using a Real Estate Institute group’s fears.
standard lease applicable to the
location of the NRAS property. REI
leases are standard for all residential
tenancies within Australia.
• NRAS does not provide tenants with Comments and cautions on
any special rights over and above the the NRAS
relevant residential tenancy legislation
The National Rental Affordability Scheme estimated that these dwellings currently
in the State or Territory where the
was established by the federal government house some 63,000 tenants, of which 14%
NRAS property is located.
in 2008 to stimulate the construction of are aged over 55.
• All of the same rights and obligations new affordable housing during the Global To achieve allocation of new dwellings
of the applicable tenancy laws are Financial Crisis. as rental homes to low-to-moderate
equally applicable to both the NRAS
Funding for new rounds of construction income earners, the government offered
property landlord and the NRAS tenant.
under the NRAS was terminated in 2014. investors tax incentives. The incentive for
To retain the NRAS discount to market
The final dwellings were delivered into the 2019/2020 is $11,248 (25% offered by the
rental, NRAS tenants will want to
Scheme in June 2016 and the NRAS will state government as a direct payment, and
properly maintain the property.
conclude on 30 June 2026, at which point 75% funded by federal government in the
properties revert to regular operation. form of refundable tax offset).
For more information about NRAS, you Under the Scheme, the government has
may visit the Australian Government subsidised the construction of 34,501 new
Department of Social Services website or dwellings, which provide rent set at least
email NRAS@dss.gov.au. 20% below market value for 10 years. It is
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 33Shelter WA, the peak body in Western Tenancy WA, a not-for-profit organisation
Australia that advocates for social and that provides information and advice
affordable housing, offers some caution relating to the Residential Tenancy Act and
to people looking into becoming NRAS advocacy for tenants in WA comments:
tenants:
“A few tenants have referred to ‘huge
“When the NRAS scheme ends, tenants will increases in rent’ (one as high as $224
face a highly competitive and challenging per week extra). Most have referred
private rental market, where renting has to a specific clause in the agreement
become more unaffordable in recent which allows for increases based on
years. To achieve or maintain housing ‘NRAS indexation and or external market
stability and security in this environment, evaluation’. Tenants have been concerned
some tenants will need additional that these increases are not negotiable
assistance and support. and difficult to verify or argue. On one
occasion this increase occurred when the
Data indicates that there will be 131 tenant owner ended the agreement with NRAS.
exits from NRAS in Western Australia in This tenant also stated that the owners
2020, over 600 exits between 2021 and only wanted to offer a 6-month contract,
2022, over 2,000 in 2023-24, and nearly even after 7 years in the same property.”
2,500 in 2025-2026. Shelter WA calls for
a review of the expiring NRAS, and its
impacts on tenants in WA. The review
and plan would include investigation of
whether a subsidy or some other form of
support will be needed.”
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 34Private Rentals
As the Joint Wait List for Public and The Department of Communities’ Housing
Community Housing is long, it may Authority offers bond assistance and two
take time for you to find appropriate weeks’ rent in advance as an interest-free
accommodation. In that case, it may still loan to help people obtain accommodation
be necessary to rely on the private rental in the private rental market. Limits apply
market. to the amount you can borrow. Rent must
not be more than 60% of your income.
To move into a rental property, you will
need to have money to pay for: To obtain this assistance, visit any
Department of Communities – Housing
• rent in advance (two weeks) Division office (no appointment is
• security bond (maximum of four weeks necessary). You will need to supply
rent) documents to prove your income, identity
and the amount of rent you will be
• a bond for a pet to cover fumigation required to pay.
costs (if applicable)
For more details on renting a private
• other costs associated with changing home, please refer to Renting a home in
house, such as moving furniture, Western Australia: a tenant’s guide.
electricity connection etc.
Green Circle (formerly Tenancy WA) is
The amount of rent you pay depends a community legal centre that provides
upon location, amenity and whom you are specialist legal services in residential
renting from, and there are a couple of tenancy law to assist people who are
ways to make it more affordable. otherwise disadvantaged in accessing legal
services. You can access their factsheets
If you are on an age pension, you may be
or contact them directly: (08) 6148 3636,
eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance
enquiries@circlegreen.org.au
to help with the cost of rent. To find out
more, contact Centrelink on 13 2300.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 35Further Housing Assistance
Disability Housing Commonwealth Rent
Assistance Assistance
As part of Social Housing, the Department You may be able to access rent assistance
of Communities offers additional from the federal government, based on
assistance to people with disabilities. the rental fees you pay and Centrelink
benefits you receive.
To be eligible for assistance, your
disability must be permanent or likely For every $1 of rent you pay above set
to be permanent, and impact on your amounts, you’ll get 75c.
housing requirements (i.e. building design,
proximity to services and/or support In particular, this may be of assistance for
needs). people in retirement villages, boarding
houses or lodging, but it is also available
You must also meet the income limits for for people living in Community Housing.
people with disabilities, which are higher
than for other customers, recognising Rent assistance is not available to people
the additional costs faced by people with in Public Housing as the rent is already
disabilities. subsidised.
Bond Assistance Loans
The Housing Authority offers bond
assistance and two weeks rent in advance
as an interest-free loan to help people
obtain accommodation in the private
rental market.
You need to meet approved income
limits.
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 36Useful Organisations and Links
Sussex Street Community Legal Tenancy WA Shelter WA
Service
(note transition to new agency - Green Circle Drives change by facilitating collaboration
Sussex Street Community Law Service - details on website) amongst those who have an impact on
Inc is a non-profit, non-government, housing, while providing evidence-based
Tenancy WA helps people who rent their policy, advice, engagement, representation
community-based organisation that
home to resolve their tenancy problems. and strong advocacy for an effective
provides access to accountable, non-
Our role is to advise, support and educate housing system.
judgemental and effective legal services to
people so they are able to resolve any
low-income people in the community.
rental issues and better understand their Contact: (08) 93256660
SSCLS primarily target their services to rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Fact info@shelterwa.org.au
people who are ineligible for legal aid and sheets available on the website.
who are unable to afford the services of a https://www.shelterwa.org.au/
Tenancy WA can help if you:
private solicitor.
• rent a private home;
SSCLS services are available to people in:
• live in public housing;
Victoria Park, East Victoria Park, South
Perth, Kensington, Como, Bentley, St • live in community housing;
James, Carlisle, Welshpool, Kewdale,
Cloverdale, Rivervale, Lathlain, Redcliffe, • rent a caravan or a unit in a residential
Ascot, Belmont, Queens Park, Karawara, park;
Manning, Salter Point, Waterford, Wilson, • are boarding in a lodging house or a
Rossmoyne, Riverton, Shelley, Ferndale, private home.
Cannington, East Cannington, Beckenham,
Kenwick and Wattle Grove. Contact: (08) 6148 3636
To make an appointment: http://www.tenancywa.org.au/
Contact: (08) 6253 9500
Monday to Friday
9.30am - 4.30pm
http://www.sscls.asn.au/
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 37Useful Organisations and Links
The Home Hub WAConnect - Emergency
Services Directory
Disability Housing and Emergency Crisis
Housing Perth. WAConnect is a directory of community
service providers managed by the
The Home Hub allows people to search,
DropIN team at the Western Australian
choose and apply for a new home quickly
Council of Social Service. It contains real
and easily.
time search results of emergency relief
People who benefit from using The Home services, with phone numbers, operating
Hub are: hours, and directions on the services
available. WAConnect was originally called
• On the housing waitlist, or have been ERConnect, and changed its name to
refused from the waitlist better reflect its offerings in mid-2020.
• Experiencing or at risk of experiencing Users can search for food relief,
homelessness financial counsellors, and emergency
• Living with a disability accommodation, among other services,
and get a list of services that can
• Living in unaffordable housing, paying provide assistance in the location that is
more than 30% of household income convenient. WAConnect is a free directory
on rent for service providers, and people looking
for assistance.
• Looking for a safe, affordable and
longer-term home https://waconnect.org.au/
• In need of crisis or urgent housing
services
https://www.homehub.org.au/
Connect With Home: Age-Friendly Rental Housing Guide 38You can also read
