Rental Terms and Payments

• Bonds

Bond payments are to be made in accordance with Alliance Housing’s Rent Setting Policy. Bond is four weeks rent, and payable in advance to sign up. A pet bond will be applicable, it is currently $260. This assists with the cost of fumigation at the end of tenancy.
Bonds are held with the Bond Administrator until the end of tenancy, in which case they will be returned either wholly or in part after due process. When rents increase, an additional bond can be gathered.

• Rent Assessment

The rent for each property will be determined in accordance with Alliance Housing’s Rent Setting Policy. Alliance Housing assesses all incomes from occupants who are 18 years and over at 25%. Only regular and continuous incomes are included as assessable income. Regular incomes that are calculated yearly, are divided into fortnightly amounts for assessment.

Alliance Housing determines its rent rates in accordance with our contractual and ATO obligations. We use the market rent calculations set by the ATO, and set the maximum rent as 74.99% of the market value.

Alliance conducts 6 monthly reviews as required by agreements with State and Federal authorities. Where a tenant does not provide necessary income details, the rental amount defaults to maximum rent allowable. Increases in rent are per the necessary time frame notice according to the Residential Tenancies Act. In the case of rent decreases, these can be actioned straight away.

Alliance considers each tenancy on its own merits, and in hardship circumstances is able to make allowances which may include pay off plans to assist tenants to keep up with their responsibilities.

Tenants are required to inform Alliance of any changes to their circumstances. These include, but are not limited to, adding a child, child leaving home, obtaining or changing jobs, change in circumstances of family members, etc.

• Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)

The CRA paid by Centrelink is not treated as income, and the entire amount is calculated for payment to Alliance Housing. If you are eligible for CRA this will be calculated into your rent payable calculations.

• Rent is Payable in Advance​

All new tenants are required to pay two weeks rent in advance before receiving the keys at sign-up. Accounts will remain in credit if a further two weeks rent is paid upon occupation, and maintained with regular weekly or fortnightly payments.

Alliance Housing’s preference is that all payments by tenants be made electronically or by direct deposit into our nominated bank account. Cash will not be accepted at any time.

• Payment methods

Tenants are liable for rent, water usage, tenant liability and other amounts owing to Alliance Housing.

• Centrepay – this is Centrelink’s direct deduction scheme, and is at no cost to you.
• Direct Debit – arranged by you through your bank (bank charges may apply).
• Direct Deposit - By arrangement with Alliance Housing
• Reference  - A reference number will be given to you or you can put your name or your property address as your reference.
There are no receipts issued for electronic transactions, but copies of your rent sheet can be made available upon request.

• Rent Arrears

Legal action, when required, is taken to recover arrears and is in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.