Homeswest is the largest landlord in Western Australia. Homeswest does not provide rental housing to make a profit. Its primary aim is to provide secure, affordable housing to people on low incomes.
Homeswest tenants are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (1987). Homeswest also has rental and maintenance policies which it must follow when managing its tenancies. Homeswest has been given exemption from some sections of the Act including provisions relating to rent increases, rent receipts and bond lodgement.
Under these exemptions, Homeswest does not have to give tenants 60 days notice to increase the rent, unless they are paying market rent as a term of the tenancy agreement. For other tenants the rent is based on their income and may change if their income changes. Homeswest is not required to provide rent receipts in accordance with the Act, but is required to keep a rent schedule. Tenants may request a copy of this.
All Homeswest tenants must pay a bond when they enter into a tenancy agreement. If you request a transfer, you will also be required to lodge a bond equal to four weeks market rent. You can arrange to pay the bond to Homeswest in affordable instalments.
Homeswest does not have to lodge the bond in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act (1987) , but they must hold the bond in a trust account in the names of all signatories to the tenancy agreement. According to Homeswest Policy, no monies can be deducted from the bond account until the property is vacated and you sign a form agreeing to any deductions. See chapters 2.9 The Security Bond , 5.1 Getting the Bond Money Back , and 5.2 Applying to the Local Court for a Bond Disposal Order for further information.
Like any owner, Homeswest may impose special conditions on its tenants. Any special conditions should be written into the tenancy agreement, must comply with Homeswest policy, and not be inconsistent with the Residential Tenancies Act (s82). Special conditions may relate to the tenant agreeing to participate in the State Housing Assistance Program (SHAP) or the Direct Debit Service (DDS). The tenancy agreement, the Residential Tenancies Act (1987) and Homeswest Policy Manual should be referred to when dealing with a Homeswest tenancy problem.
Tenants can appeal a decision made by Homeswest about their application or tenancy. If you have any queries or need advice on how to lodge an appeal against a Homeswest decision contact Homeswest, Tenants Advice Service , or a community legal centre . Depending on the decision which is being appealed, Homeswest tenants may also have an appeal heard in the Small Disputes Division of the Local Court.
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