Legislative Council, Wednesday 22 March, 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to the rental policies for tenants of public/social housing managed by Housing Choices, does the Government require Housing Choices to charge a tenant no more than 25 per cent of their basic income or pension and, if so, how is this monitored?

ANSWER

Housing Choices Australia is a community housing provider in Tasmania. For all social housing projects properties owned by Homes Tasmania and managed by community housing providers, there are tenancy obligations applied under the residential management agreement between Homes Tasmania and each community housing provider. Community housing providers are required to adopt policies consistent with Homes Tasmania's social housing policy, which states that rent, also known as tenant contribution, is calculated is on 25 per cent of the household's accessible income up to market rent.

In addition, community housing providers can charge 100 per cent of any eligible Commonwealth rent assistance, however the total rent charge cannot exceed market rent. Homes Tasmania has regular performance meetings with community housing providers. Community housing providers are audited annually on all aspects of business, including rent setting.

Ms Forrest - Might do another audit then.