The only persons who will have access to tenant files or tenant information will be:

• Staff

• The tenant

• The full Board of Directors in limited circumstances (e.g. disputes / serious breaches of policy that may lead to termination of the tenancy)

• External support agencies or individuals where the tenant has consented to the provision of information being given to that agency or person

• The Department of Housing where the tenant has consented to exchange of information

Tenants may access their own files at any time by giving reasonable notice. Copies of any information held on their files shall be provided to tenants unless the provision of information may compromise the confidentiality of third parties – in such circumstances staff will rely on the principles of The NSW Freedom of Information legislation to determine access.

We will abide by all relevant state and federal privacy legislation and, except where specific consent is given for release of information to other parties, we will maintain the confidentiality and privacy of tenants in all matters relating to their tenancy.

The only time we shall disclose information about a tenant without their explicit consent is when we are legally obliged to do so, for example to government agencies such as State or Federal Police, the Australian Taxation Office, or Centrelink following a formal request; as directed by a Court order or subpoena; or when we have a duty of care to do so, such as reporting a Child at Risk to the Department of Communities and Justice.