1.4 Sign-Up Procedure

• 1.4.1 Policy
• 1.4.2 Procedure
  • 1.4.2.1 Residential Tenancy Agreement
  • 1.4.2.2 Tenant Sign-Up Pack
  • 1.4.2.3 Rent Payment Information
  • 1.4.2.4 Rental Bonds

1.4.1 Policy

Each tenant who is housed will be subject to a residential tenancy agreement which complies with Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and the tenancy agreement will be signed with the rights and responsibilities of both parties (Bridge Housing and the tenant) explained. To assist in their tenancy with Bridge Housing each tenant will receive a Tenant Sign-Up Kit. This kit will include:

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1.4.2 Procedure

1.4.2.1 Residential Tenancy Agreement

Each tenancy entered into by Bridge Housing will be subject to a residential tenancy agreement which complies with Residential Tenancies Act 1987. The agreement will be explained to the tenant to assist their understanding of their rights and obligations as a tenant. Particular care will be taken with the following groups:

Under 18 years old (minors)
People under 18 years old are 'minors'. When a minor is signing up, the Housing Manager must be sure that the young person is given a full explanation of their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and that it is legally binding. (Under 18 years olds are required to sign a confirmation that they have read and understood the lease they have signed. This confirmation is to be attached to the lease)

A designated support worker or advocate must attend and witness tenancy agreement.

Vulnerable clients under a support agreement
The Housing Manager must be sure that the tenant understands what they are signing. A designated support worker or advocate must attend the sign up and witness the tenancy agreement.

Non-English speaking tenants
The Housing Manager must be sure that the tenant understands what they are signing. A designated support worker, advocate or adult over 18 years of age who can translate for them must attend the sign up and witness the tenancy agreement where possible.

If not, Housing Managers must endeavour to use the Telephone Interpreter Service to assist in the explanation of the Residential Tenancy Agreement and note this has been done where appropriate.

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1.4.2.2 Tenant Sign-Up Pack

The Housing Manage will provide a Tenant Sign-Up Pack. This will include:

The Housing Manager is required to explain to the tenant the purpose of each document and how it will assist their tenancy with Bridge Housing.

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1.4.2.3 Rent Payment Information

At the commencement of the tenancy the process for paying rent will be explained to the new tenant. The Tenant will be advised that rent must be paid weekly or fortnightly and that it must be paid two weeks in advance. They will also be advised of Bridge Housing's rent arrears procedure.

All tenants must pay two weeks in advance prior to commencing the Tenancy with Bridge Housing, usually at the time of sign up.

The tenant will be advised of the various methods of paying rent to Bridge Housing will advised of the rent payment system available to tenants as below:

Centrelink Beneficiaries
Tenants on Centrelink benefits will be encouraged to make a direct payment from their Centrelink payment through Centrepay.

To assist in the process of annual rent reviews Centrelink beneficiaries will be encouraged to sign the Centrelink Authorisation Form to enable Bridge Housing to access income information directly from Centrelink.

Bank Deposits
Where a tenant chooses to make rent payments by bank deposit the tenant will pay into a specific bank account operated by Bridge Housing using a unique agent number that identifies the tenant.

Rent payments by Bank deposits not are subject to the issue of a rent receipt by Bridge Housing, however tenants will be provided with a regular rent statement showing the date of payment, amount paid, the relevant period covered by payments and details of any arrears.

Where the tenant makes a non-rent payment eg water useage, a separate deposit must be lodged to that of the rent payment. In circumstances where the tenant has consolidated rent and non-rent payments in one deposit, the total amount must be appropriated to the tenant's rent account. Such consolidated payments must only be split and allocated to the non-rent account where Bridge Housing has an agreement from the tenant.

Office Payments
Bridge Housing does not accept cash payments in the Bridge Housing office for security reasons. Tenants should be directed to the nearest Commonwealth Bank or Post Office to either get a bank cheque, money order or otherwise make a direct deposit into Bridge Housing's bank account.

Bridge Housing operates an EPTOS machine so payments can be made by credit card. These payments will be provided with a manual receipt showing the details of the payment as required under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.

Where a tenant makes a non-rent payment eg water useage, a separate receipt must be provided to that of the rent payment.

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1.4.2.4 Rental Bonds

All Bridge Housing tenancies are subject to the payment of a bond by the tenant. The bond will be paid at the time of signing their tenancy agreement.

The bond will be assessed at the equivalent of two weeks of their assessed rent.

The Bond will be lodged with the Rental Bond Board in accordance with relevant legislation within seven days of receipt of the bond.

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