PolicyAllocation Review with Housing TasmaniaSDMS ID Number P2012/0178-029SDMS Title Housing Tasmania Allocation Review with Housing Tasmania –

Policy – P2012/0178-029Effective From 1 October 2013Applies to All Housing Tasmania clientsCustodian Manager Housing StrategySummary This policy outlines Housing Tasmania’s allocation review

process prior to an offer of housing.Replaces Doc. No. n/aAuthor Area Housing Strategy – Social and Affordable Housing Policy UnitContact Manager, Housing StrategyReview Date January 2017

Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure clients with a housing need are provided with information on the Allocation review process with Housing Tasmania where they have chosen Housing Tasmania as their preferred Social Housing Provider. An Allocation review is step 3 in the 4 step process for housing assistance with Housing Tasmania , as per below:

Step 1: Establishing eligibility for Housing Tasmania (Housing Tasmania Eligibility Policy and Procedures);

Step 2: Establishing entitlement and identifying category of need ((Housing Assessment System Policy and Procedures; Bedroom Entitlement Policy and Procedure; and Proof of Identity Policy);

Step 3: Allocation review to confirm household composition has not changed from the assessment with Housing Connect, and to confirm the client’s income and assets are within the Housing Tasmania threshold for allocating properties. (Allocation review with Housing Tasmania Policy; and

Step 4: Allocating an appropriate property (Matching and Offering a Property to a Client Policy and Procedure).

Policy Intent The intent of this policy is to ensure at an allocation review, clients:

receive a service that is client focussed; are responded to in a timely way; receive services that are integrated and responsive to

prevent and reduce episodes of homelessness or repeat episodes of homelessness;

are serviced by a skilled and supported workforce; and have their rights respected throughout the process.

Housing Tasmania recognise that client’s needs may change over time. Prior to allocating a Housing Tasmania property to a client there will be an Allocation review to:

confirm household composition has not changed from the client assessment; and

confirm household income and assets are within Housing Tasmania’s threshold for allocating properties.

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The allocation review will usually consist of a telephone conversation between Housing Tasmania and the applicant.

Application This policy applies to all applications at Housing Connect for housing assistance with Housing Tasmania.

Client Information To ensure the benefits and features of the property match the clients assessed need, there is an expectation that the information clients provide about their housing need is accurate and up-to-date. Client information is up-dated through Housing Connect.

Housing Connect Housing Connect is the integrated social housing and support access point for clients experiencing problems with housing, or for those who are homeless. Housing Connect provides information, assistance, intake and assessment functions for a range of funded, housing and support services, (including Housing Tasmania).

Allocation review An Allocation review confirms client’s income and assets are within the Housing Tasmania threshold for allocating a property, and the features and benefits of the property meet the need of the household composition. The Allocation review process is outlined below.

When a property becomes available a list of eligible applicants that could potentially match the property is generated;

Applicants will be contacted by telephone to confirm their household composition has not changed and to confirm the client’s income and assets falls within Housing Tasmania’s threshold for allocating a property. If there are no changes to the client’s circumstances, the client can progress to being offered the next suitable Housing Tasmania property;

Where there has been a change to the clients circumstances which may need further discussion, in these situations, the application will progress to a face-to-face Allocation review;

A face-to-face interview is only required where more Page 3 of 6

discussion is required about household circumstances. This may include situations where it is clear that the changes have no significant impact on the property allocation.

The need for a face to face interview will be determined on a case by case basis by Housing Operations Area staff.

At the time of an offer, if it is apparent that there are significant changes to the client’s circumstances, they should be referred to Housing Connect for their application to be updated only if the property offer will not continue.

The client is offered the next suitable property. A suitable offer is based on the information provided by the household at both their application and allocation review, and is one which meets all of the applicant’s assessed household need including:

o bedroom entitlements;o requirements for modifications;o locational need and preferences;o safety considerations;

Once the property has been offered, Housing Tasmania has an expectation that the client will view the property the same day it is offered. Offers are valid for only a few days and to secure the property, clients need to advise if they will accept the offer within the specified timeframe.Where discretion has been applied at a client assessment with Housing Connect, the basis for this discretion will remain in place and will not be queried for the purpose of allocation of properties with Housing Tasmania.

Discretion Discretion allows organisations to be more responsive through early intervention/prevention.Discretion may be applied to a client’s application for housing assistance and/or support at the time of assessment with Housing Connect.The area manager with Housing Tasmania has the discretion

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to make decisions to allocate their vacant property to a client out of order, where a reasonable case has been presented. The decision must be adequately documented on the relevant tenancy file.This supports the creation of mixed communities which promotes social and economic opportunities for all clients.

Legal Framework This Policy adheres to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 where relevant.

Exemptions n/a

Responsibilities/ Delegations

All Housing Operations staff are responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of the policy. Area Managers are accountable for policy application.

Disclaimer This is a statewide policy and must not be re-interpreted so that subordinate policies exist. Should discrete operational differences exist, these should be expressed in the form of an operating procedure or protocol. that must be approved at the same level as this policy.

Audit and Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy, without providing a good reason for doing so, may lead to disciplinary action.Compliance with this policy is monitored by the Manager Housing Operations, through the delegated Area Managers.

Procedures and Forms

Consent to Share Information

Related Policies Consent to Share Client Information Policy Housing Assessment System Policy Housing Tasmania Eligibility Policy

Glossary n/a

Policy Title and Version Allocation review with Housing Tasmania v2.0Effective Date 1 October 2013

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Review Date January 2017Document Number P2012/0178-029Replaces Document Number

n/a

Custodian Housing TasmaniaApproved by Manager Housing Strategy

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