Common use of Accommodation Services Clause in Contracts

Accommodation Services. Long-term supported accommodation provides essential services. The types of services and the level of support differs dependent on the housing model. Long Term supported accommodation for adults with low support needs Long term supported accommodation facilities for people with low support needs will provide accommodation that includes (at a minimum): • a self-contained unit or bedsit – units will generally have access to a private bathroom with shower, vanity and toilet and a kitchenette than enables residents to cook their own meals. Residents are encouraged to furnish their units however can be supported to source essential items including a bed, mattress, linen and armchair or similar if required. • communal areas – residents are encouraged and supported to stay connected with family and friends. There are a several communal areas within the facilities including a commercial kitchen communal dining areas and lounges. • laundry facilities – residents will have access to on-site laundry facilities, including washing machines and dryers. • length of stay – accommodation is provided for the duration of need. Residents of long-term supported accommodation facilities will enter into a residential tenancy agreement (a lease) in accordance with the RTA. Leases can be renewed as required to provide ongoing security, subject to the person consistently meeting the conditions of their lease and remaining eligible for long-term supported accommodation. • affordable rent and bond – residents are charged 25 per cent of their income plus 100 per cent Commonwealth Rent Assistance. In addition to rent, services may require a utility recharge fee for the use of communal areas and provision of Wi-Fi. Residents may also be charged a bond consisting of two weeks rent. Bonds must be lodged via MyBond and will be held by the Residential Deposit Authority in accordance with the RTA. If a person is unable to pay a bond, arrangements may be negotiated between the person seeking accommodation and the provider. In some circumstances this may include arrangements for a bond to be paid in instalments. Long Term supported accommodation for adults with moderate support needs Long term supported accommodation facilities for people with moderate support needs will provide accommodation that includes (at a minimum): • a private unit with ensuite – units will generally have access to a private ensuite with shower, vanity and toilet. Residents are encouraged to furnish their units however can be supported to source essential items including a bed, mattress, linen and armchair or similar if required. • kitchen, dining, and lounge area which is shared – three meals a day are provided for residents in a shared dining area. There are several communal areas for residents (including lounges) throughout the facility. • laundry facilities – residents will have access to on-site laundry facilities, including washing machines and dryers to launder their personal clothing. A laundry service may be provided to launder resident’s sheets and towels. • length of stay – accommodation is provided for the duration of need. Residents of long-term supported accommodation facilities will enter into a residential tenancy agreement (a lease) in accordance with the RTA. Leases can be renewed as required to provide ongoing security, subject to the person consistently meeting the conditions of their lease and remaining eligible for long-term supported accommodation. • affordable rent and board– rent paid by residents of long term supported accommodation facilitates is based on the model of service, including level of integrated housing support provided. Long term supported accommodation for people with moderate support needs charges residents a board payment which includes rent, all utilities charges and three meals a day. The cost can be up to 85 per cent of people’s income, excluding Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Residents are not required to pay a bond and may also have some recreational activities covered as part of their board payment. Long Term supported accommodation for older Tasmanians Long term supported accommodation facilities for older Tasmanians will provide accommodation that includes (at a minimum): • a private unit with ensuite – units will have a private bathroom with shower, vanity and toilet and a kitchen than enables residents to cook their own meals. Residents are encouraged to furnish their units however can be support to source essential items including a bed, mattress, linen and armchair or similar if required. Residents will also have access to WiFi. • access to a communal space – all long term supported accommodation for older Tasmanians has access to indoor and outdoor spaces for social activity and community engagement. • laundry facilities – residents will have access to on-site laundry facilities, including washing machines and dryers. • length of stay – accommodation is provided for the duration of need. Residents of long-term supported accommodation facilities will enter into a residential tenancy agreement (a lease) in accordance with the RTA. Leases can be renewed as required to provide ongoing security, subject to the person consistently meeting the conditions of their lease and remaining eligible for long-term supported accommodation. • affordable rent and bond – residents will pay affordable rents based on 25 per cent of their income plus 100 per cent Commonwealth Rent Assistance (if eligible). Residents are not required to pay a bond or any advance rent. Where possible, lease signing is aligned with resident’s pay week. Any arrears are managed through an increased payment arrangement as required. Tenancy and Property Management For properties that are owned by Homes Tasmania, the supported accommodation provider will enter into a head lease under the Homes Tasmania Act 2022 to provide tenancy management and housing support services. Long term supported accommodation providers will enter into a Residential Tenancy Agreement (lease) with residents and manage tenancies in accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (RTA) including responsibility for: • preparation and signing of leases and renewals • vacancy control • resident induction, including an overview of rights and responsibilities as a tenant • income confirmation and monitoring, rent collection and proactive arrears management • property inspections including at lease commencement and termination, in accordance with the • management of anti-social behaviour and property damage in collaboration with support services / workers • ensuring access to a complaints and appeals mechanism • managing resident exits in collaboration with support services / workers. Organisational policies and procedures must comply with the RTA and ensure: • residents are provided with fixed-term leases • residents are not charged water usage fees, which is met by the provider • where a tenancy agreement breach occurs, the details of the breach and the remedial actions must be explained to the resident in person and in writing. Support that is appropriate to the resident’s circumstances will be coordinated and/or provided to assist the resident to remedy a breach and maintain their tenancy • residents are provided with three opportunities to remedy a single breach episode • residents are provided with clear and simple to read information about the review mechanisms available to them if they disagree with a decision about their tenancy including the Residential Tenancy Commissioner and/or Ombudsman Tasmania • anti-social behaviour is managed to ensure residents are provided with quiet enjoyment in their home and the wellbeing of neighbours and the community is considered • appropriate requests from residents for health and safety modifications consistent with the requirements of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 are responded to. Where appropriate, long term supported accommodation providers must maintain all relevant training and certifications for tenancy management, including training by the Tasmanian Office of the Anti- Discrimination Commissioner.