Transfers
Metro recognises that over time a tenant’s needs can change and they may need to request a transfer to another property within our portfolio. This may be the result of a change in household composition, medical issues making the current property unsuitable or the need to relocate closer to employment, services or family.
In general Metro will not approve a tenant transfer unless the tenant has been in their current property for over two years, except where the tenant’s health or safety are compromised by remaining in their current property.
We will also generally not approve a transfer where a tenant has added an additional person to the household and then requests a transfer due to over-crowding. There may be special circumstances such as a Children’s Court /DCJ order placing a child into the long term care of a tenant, or the tenant assuming caring responsibilities for an immediate family member who is unable to live in their own premises. All such requests will be considered based on the merits of the individual circumstances and supporting documentation being provided.
Requests for internal transfers should be made, clearly outlining the reasons why you need to move.
Please note that tenants who are in rent arrears or who have large non-rent debts will be ineligible for a transfer until the debt is repaid or there is an active repayment agreement in place and the debt is below $500.00.
Management
Initiated Transfers
There will be circumstances where Metro will be required to undertake Management transfers to ensure the effective use of our properties or in response to external factors. The reasons we would take this action include
Under occupancy of a property
When we have been issued with Notice by a private landlord or their managing agent which requires us to vacate the premises. Notice can be given for breach of the terms of the lease (generally by our sub-tenant – 14 days); End of fixed term lease (for the lease between the owner/agent and Metro – 30 days); Sale of the Premises (30 days) or with no grounds (90 days).
In response to ongoing/intractable neighbourhood disputes or breaches of the Good Neighbour Policy
Issues related to management of a particular tenancy or our property portfolio, including proposed sale, upgrade or redevelopment of a property or the need to undertake major maintenance tasks.
Where possible and appropriate we will relocate tenants in their current allocation zone/the allocation zone they were approved for on the Housing Register. This is subject to management of our property portfolio, the availability and affordability of properties and current rental medians for leasehold properties.
What is a
reasonable offer?
An offer is reasonable if it meets the tenant’s known housing and locational needs and provides access to required services. In most circumstances, a tenant must provide adequate evidence to support their request to live in a high demand area.
For management transfers, or tenant-initiated transfers that require an urgent response, only one offer of alternate housing will be made and this can be from any of the 5 allocation zones that the tenant has been approved for.
Rights of Review and Appeal
This policy is appealable. If the tenant does not agree with a decision we have made they can seek a formal review from a senior officer that was not involved in the original decision/offer.
Our Compliments, Complaints and Appeals Policy outlines how tenants can request a review or a decision.
If the tenants is unhappy with the outcome of their appeal they can lodge a second tier appeal with the Housing Appeals Committee. The Housing Appeals Committee is an independent agency that reviews certain decisions made by FACS Housing Services or a Community Housing organisation. They can be contacted on 1800 629 794 or at www.hac.nsw.gov.au
Assistance with relocation
We will provide a contribution to relocation expenses for management initiated transfers where Metro has received Notice to Vacate from the owner/managing agent.
We will assess each tenant’s situation on a case-by-case basis and make a decision based on the individual circumstances of the tenant.
We will not provide assistance for relocation where the tenancy is being terminated as a result of a breach of the Residential Tenancies Act by our tenant.
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How do I apply to transfer?
You will need to complete the Housing Pathways Application for Transfer – Community Housing Tenants form which can be accessed from the link below, or a hard copy can be requested from your Housing Officer.
You will also need to provide supporting evidence in relation to your request. Outlined below is a list of grounds for a request for a priority transfer and examples of the evidence requirements:
- Being at Risk (domestic violence, child abuse, or threatening behaviours – Police reports, Apprehended Violence Order, Letters or medical reports from a doctor)
- Having a serious medical condition or disability – Medical reports from a specialist, Hospital Discharge reports, Occupational Therapist reports
- Serious ongoing harassment – Police reports, Community Justice Centre reports or other proof of seeking alternate resolution, Apprehended Violence Orders, Letters from support workers.
- Gaining or changing employment – explanation as to how your current location/premises are making it difficult for you to gain or change employment; confirmation of commencement of employment.
- Severe overcrowding – documentation showing age and gender of all household members, proof of income for all household members over 16.
- Compassionate grounds (ie to be nearer to a family member or other person you will be a formal carer for) – Report or Letter from relevant support agency, Medical assessments.
- Family Breakdown – Evidence of legal separation, Centrelink confirmation, Letters or Reports from Support agency, evidence of change of address for relevant household members.
- Tenancy Reinstatement – Evidence to substantiate the reason for vacating without notice – ie under duress, mentally unwell, admitted to residential rehabilitation, hospital or custodial facility, proof of meeting Social Housing eligibility requirements – must be submitted within six months of vacating property.
- Under-occupancy – confirmation of age and gender of all household members, proof of income.
For Wait Turn Transfers
- Due to moderate overcrowding – confirmation of age and gender of all household members, proof of income.
For all transfer applications you will need to submit evidence that your household income does not exceed the income eligibility limits for social housing.
Your application will be assessed by our Housing Manager and you will be advised of the outcome within 3 weeks.
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I am eligible – what next?
If you are eligible for a housing transfer you will be placed on the waiting list. How long you have to wait will depend on your current circumstances, the reason for applying and your housing needs.
Waiting times will vary depending on the location you have requested and the type of property required.