Centacare Evolve Housing (CEH) is looking to increase Tasmanians’ access to secure and affordable housing, by increasing the number of rental properties it manages across the State.
“We are seeking suitable houses from the private rental market and subletting them according to relevant criteria, across two State Government backed initiatives,” said James Norman, Centacare Evolve Housing’s General Manager Housing Operations.
“We form partnerships with private landlords who are a vital part of the success of the programs. While there are several benefits for the landlords who participate, we understand from experience that landlords benefit most from the social outcome of the programs: they are helping support people in need of secure accommodation by providing them with a home.”
Mr Norman said on a practical level landlords appreciate the security around rent payments, and repair of any damage without having to pay property management fees.
“CEH is a nationally accredited community housing provider, and we offer a safe pair of hands to manage their property. We have an enviable track record in Tasmania of working with tenants and landlords for the purpose of alleviating housing stress by providing attainable homes for Tasmanian families.”
The Tasmanian Government recently announced that it is adding an additional 75 homes to the Private Rental Incentives Program, and another 20 properties to its Rapid Rehousing Program.
Rapid Rehousing (RRH) supports vulnerable people to access secure and affordable housing while they transition to independent living with the assistance of a housing support case manager. Tenants in RRH accommodation have leases of up to 12 months. Landlords receive the full market rent value for their property.
“Accessing sustainable housing is harder for some people than others, so providing a ‘way in’ is hugely valuable – especially when people are in immediate need. RRH provides a vital transition point with housing stability that allows people to engage with the support they may need while developing longer-term opportunities,” said Mr Norman.
The Private Rental Incentives (PRI) program is funded under Tasmania’s Affordable Housing Action Plan and is administered by Housing Tasmania to help low income Tasmanians access the private rental market.
PRI offers stable accommodation (an initial 2 year lease) for lower income families who would not otherwise be able to access the private rental market. PRI landlords receive incentive payments for reducing their rent to the levels set by the program.
“It provides another exit point from the housing waiting list, and helps to manage the current need for affordable housing in Tasmania,” said Mr Norman.
Centacare Evolve Housing is an active partner in the Rapid Rehousing initiative, and is the exclusive provider of the Private Rental Incentives Program.
“We work very closely with the Department of Communities to deliver the Private Rental Incentives Program, and we manage a majority of the current Rapid Rehousing properties statewide.”
Landlords seeking peace of mind regarding rent payments, maintenance liability and property inspections are invited to contact Centacare Evolve Housing on 6173 0060 or centacareevolve@aohtas.org.au