Temporary Accommodation Tenant Contributions Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to advise support agencies of the requirements to collect temporary accommodation rent contributions from residents.

II. Definitions

• Temporary accommodation (TA) is short term emergency rental accommodation provided to assist people who are homeless or escaping domestic or family violence.
• A temporary accommodation fee is the resident contribution towards the costs of accommodation.

III. Coverage

This policy applies to temporary accommodation owned by Southern Cross Housing (SCH) for which resident contributions are payable to SCH as calculated by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS).

IV. Principles

Residents in TA properties will be advised of their temporary accommodation fee by FaCS. The calculation is based on the individual or family units capacity to pay, and may increase the length of time TA is made available. The support provider contracted to manage the property will be responsible for collection of the fee from residents. Fees must be paid by electronic funds transfer (EFTPOS).

V. Responsibilities

Service providers contracted to manage temporary accommodation properties will be responsible for collecting fees from residents and payment to SCH.