General Tenant Information
Please see below for general information for our tenants.
Being a Good Neighbour
Metro is committed to a fair and discrimination free environment for our tenants. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment towards any tenant. This includes verbal, physical or other forms of harassment, discrimination or threatening behaviour related to racial, religious, cultural or personal differences.
Tenants have an obligation to abide by the conditions of their tenancy agreement. This means being responsible for their own conduct as well as for the behaviour of other occupants and visitors to their property.
Metro will not intervene in a neighbourhood dispute or investigate allegations unless the behaviours relate to a breach of the tenancy agreement. We encourage tenants to resolve problems with other tenants themselves or with the assistance of mediation services such as Community Justice Centres. It is not our role to carry out criminal investigations.
If we are able to substantiate that a complaint is a breach of the tenancy agreement we will take appropriate action through the vNSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Pet Policy
Metro Community Housing understands the benefits of pet ownership and we will provide support to tenants who wish to be responsible pet owners. Tenants who live in capital properties may be allowed to keep a pet if:
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The property is suitable for the animal, and
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The keeping of a pet does not interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort and privacy of neighbours, and
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The pet owner complies with council requirements and the Companion Animals Act.
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The animal is registered with Council and is de-sexed (documentation may be requested to confirm these conditions are met).
The reasons a property would not be considered suitable will vary but may include:
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The premises are too small to keep a pet
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There is no outside space (ie no access to a garden or verandah)
The situation is far more complicated for tenants living in leasehold properties as they must abide by the rules set by the owners of the property. In many situations the keeping of pets may be prohibited by the property owner or by strata by-laws.
In all circumstances, tenants must seek permission from Metro Community Housing and tenants may not keep:
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More than one pet
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Restricted dogs as defined by the Companion Animals Act
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Dogs that have been declared dangerous by a local council, or local court.
Tenants who acquire a pet without seeking prior permission may be issued with a Notice of Termination for breach of the lease and may be required to find alternate housing for the pet.
Tenant Participation
The association will ensure that tenants are informed and have the opportunity to participate in decisions concerning the management of the association and their tenancies.
The association supports the rights of tenants to form an independent representative organisation, and will as far as possible provide resources and support for tenants wishing to become involved in the decision-making processes of the organisation.
The association will regularly seek the views of consumers of its services with regard to the quality of that service and will have a written publicly available policy about tenant participation.
Tenants’ Rights
All Metro Housing tenants have the right to fair and non-discriminatory treatment in all aspects of their tenancy and the right to be treated with respect.
All Metro Housing tenants will be provided with sufficient information at the beginning, and throughout their tenancy, about the activities of the Co-op.
All Metro Housing tenants will have the right to participate in the running of the Co-op, as well as the right to decline to participate.
Metro Housing will always abide by the terms and conditions of the Residential Tenancy Act when dealing with tenants.
Tenants will have security of tenure within the guidelines of their Residential Tenancy Agreement, Metro Housing policies and funding guidelines.
Metro Housing will abide by any other relevant legislation, which protects the rights of tenants.
