Starting a Tenancy
Offer of Accommodation
Before Alliance Housing WA offers you accommodation we will have been in touch with you to request you complete and provide back to us;
• An Alliance Housing WA Application Form.
• A 100 point identify check for all applicants going on the tenancy agreement;
• Proof of income and assets for all household members;
• Completion of Household Declaration Form.
When we have confirmed that you are eligible for housing and what your needs are, we will make you an offer of and arrange for you to view the property. We will also advise you of what the rent and bond is likely to be and any particular rules attached to the property e.g. if you are allowed a pet.
Sign Up Meeting
You will be asked to attend a meeting with your Tenancy Officer that will see us go through your Tenancy Agreement in detail. Please allow at least one hour for this meeting. You will need to have paid your bond and two (2) weeks rent in advance before this meeting. You may be able to apply to the Department of Communities (Housing) for their Bond Assistance Loan.
During this meeting we will discuss:
1) Your Tenancy Agreement
Your Tenancy Agreement is a legal document. It is very important that you keep to the conditions of your Tenancy Agreement or you may lose your home. If you need any clarification on your Tenancy Agreement please speak to your Tenancy Officer. You can also seek advice from www.tenancywa.org.au or your local community legal advice centre.
If your property is a strata property you will also be advised of the strata bylaws.
2) Your Ingoing Property Condition Report
Within seven (7) days of your tenancy commencing, you will be provided with a report detailing the condition of your property. You will be asked to review this report and return it to us within seven (7) days, especially if you disagree with anything on the report.
Your Ingoing Property Condition Report is important as we will expect your property to be returned to us at the same standard as when you moved in. We do allow for normal wear and tear but any damage to the property will be your responsibility to repair prior to moving out.
3) Your Rent
Your rent is due each fortnight and must be paid two (2) weeks in advance. We will try to align your rent invoice to the day you get paid but that is not always possible. It is your responsibility to make sure your payments are up to date. If you experience difficulties paying your rent you should always contact your Tenancy Officer.
Your rent is based on your household income and will be explained to you prior to you signing the Tenancy Agreement. The rent will be reviewed annually but if your household income changes you must inform us of the changes within 14 days so we can recalculate your rent. We will discuss how you are going to pay your rent and assist you with setting up direct payments from Centrelink (if applicable).
4) Your Home Utility Services
You are responsible to contact your home utility services such as water (unless advised otherwise), electricity and gas to have them connected. You are responsible for the payment of your utilities and will need to register your details and apply for any concessions you may be entitled to.
5) Rent Assistance
As a tenant of Alliance Housing WA you may qualify for Commonwealth Rent Assistance and must apply immediately and directly to Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs. This payment will be paid directly to you and will assist you in paying your rent.
6) Your Next of Kin
We will ask you to provide us with contact details of your Next of Kin or someone we can contact in an emergency. Your Sign Up Meeting is an ideal time to ask your Tenancy Officer any questions you may have. They will also be a good source of information to you throughout your tenancy, so feel free to contact them should you have any additional questions during your tenancy.
