Hearth Housing will be the de facto landlord to the Participant Tenants, albeit the actual property will be owned by a third party investment vehicle. The relationship between Hearth and the participant tenants will be governed by a Lease Rental Agreement.
As is the case in any rental accommodation, the principles of the Residential Tenancies Act will apply to define the broad rights of tenants and landlords. This provides for the landlord to establish and apply reasonable house rules, which will need to be agreed through a documented Service Agreement, which also aligns to the expectations and requirements of all the tenants occupying the house.
As is the case in any rental accommodation, the principles of the Residential Tenancies Act will apply to define the broad rights of tenants and landlords. The circumstances around lease cancellation will be specified in the lease rental agreements, applying reasonable rules, in compliance to the legal rules.
Yes, that will always be a choice for the participant and their parents. The implications of cancellation of the arrangements will be governed by the lease rental agreement.
Hearth will take all reasonable steps in the matching of participants into the shared accommodation, involving all relevant stakeholders, parents or guardians. In the event that the relationships between cotenants become unworkable for one or both parties, Hearth will have defined Policies and Processes in place to resolve the situation. This will be Governed by the house rules, and the terms of the lease rental agreement.
Rents will be based on market rates applicable to the houses provided, with a level of choice driving that cost. The more expensive the house, the higher the relative rent.
Participants being eligible for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) are allowed to commit 25% of the DSP towards the rent payments, and further, participants eligible for Commonwealth Rental Allowance (CRA) will be able to allocate those funds against the rent payment.
Rent review clauses within the lease rental agreements will define how and when rents are re-assed. This normally comprises an annual CPI adjustment, and/or market review of rentals based on property valuations and the market forces applicable at the time. These agreements may provide for a cap, subject to approval by the property owners.
Our understanding is that the majority of participants will be eligible for the CRA.
We aim to provide long term security of tenure for our Participant Tenants, through rolling 3 to 5 year lease terms, along with options for extension.
Hearth will work with the NDIA on ways to better align the NDIS plans, with the longer-term nature of the rental agreements. This will mean the relationship with Hearth Support workers is maintained through the duration of the lease.
